St Ives, Cornwall has long been a go-to destination for those after a fun-filled staycation by the seaside. Boasting everything from hidden markets to delicious fine dining restaurants, it's also been a favourite to the stars: actress Thandie Newton was a frequent visitor having grown up in Cornwall. You don't need to wait for the weather to warm up to have an enchanting stay – instead, wrap up warm in cosy knitwear and make the most of the tourist-free streets for a charming getaway.
With golden sandy beaches, a maze of pretty cobbled streets and a thriving art scene, this famous Cornish seaside resort offers plenty, even out of summer season…
INDULGE
With a colourful hotchpotch of craft shops, galleries and offbeat boutiques, the narrow streets of St Ives are fantastic for shopping. You'll find one-off paintings and handmade jewellery at the Sloop Craft Market behind the Sloop Inn and beautiful reduction-fired tableware at Leach Pottery.
EXPLORE
With the Tate St Ives gallery closed until spring for a refurb, head instead for the great outdoors. Stroll along the coastal path for spectacular views of Godrevy Island and its famous lighthouse, or catch a bot to the Carracks – home to a colony of Atlantic grey seals.
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TASTE
Stop off at SH Ferrell & Son bakery for tasty Cornish pasties, or make the short drive to clifftop inn The Gurnard's Head for a hearty lunch beside the fire – think dressed crab with rich macaroni and Parmesan. Back in town near the harbour, traditional fish and chips in satisfyingly generous portions await you at The Balancing Eel.
STAY
Set in the very heart of St Ives, charming boutique B&B Trevose Harbour House has just six individually designed bedrooms, most with sweeping harbour vistas. The furnishings are bright and breezy, with modern artworks hung on walls painted in shades of seaside blue and dazzling white. Rise early for a breakfast of homemade granola and selection of hot fare, which features organic Cornish produce whenever possible.
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WHAT TO WEAR
Serge knit, £300, Kelly Love from thedayrooms.com
Wood Sage & Seat Salt cologne, £43, Jo Malone; visit jomalone.co.uk
Tivoli II boots, £140, Sorel from net-a-porter.com
Rooms at Trevose Harbour House begin at £155 per night based on two people sharing with full breakfast; visit trevosehouse.co.uk. Great Western Railway trains from London to St Ives cost from £24.50 for an advance single ticket.
