Location
Porthmeor Beach - St Ives
Our Porthmeor beachshacks are situated on and a few metres from the beautiful Porthmeor beach in a central conservation area of St Ives.
Porthmeor beach is famous for its golden sands, surf, and sunsets. It is in the centre of the artistic community in St Ives and is home to the Tate, St Ives.
1 Lower Saltings is located on the beach, the top right photo shows the property with its arched window.
The window is historically important, as it was used as the only access onto the beach and all the boats would have passed through it. The property itself was also used to store the boats, including the very first St Ives lifeboat, called Hope.
1 Ropewalk is located just up the slipway and a few paces along Porthmeor Rd to the right. The building is again situated in an important part of St Ives, being at the beginning of a street used to make the ropes for the fishing industry.
The surrounding buildings were often used for storing fish, then when St Ives became famous as an arts colony, many of these buildings were converted into studios, which are still in existence today. One of the most famous is the Porthmeor Studios, they are used by well-known contemporary artists and the fish cellars are still preserved.
The Tate, St Ives is located on Porthmeor beach and also looks after the famous Barbara Hepworth sculpture gardens in the town.
Porthmeor beach is the main surfing beach and a surf school is available giving lessons and hiring out equipment. There is also a café with superb views across the beach and a shop and take away for those who have already found their perfect spot.
The Porthmeor area is central for many of St Ives cafés, pubs and restaurants. It is also close to the main shopping area, especially Fore Street, with its long cobbled street full of various shops, including books, clothes, gifts, paintings etc.
The perfect end to a day on Porthmeor is watching the sunset over the waves and if you are very lucky a glimpse of a dolphin pod out to sea.
