Fishing, farming and mining are the industries that shaped St Ives, with fishing the dominant force in the heart of the town. In the mid 19th century, there were 400 boats involved in pilchard fishing plus sailing ships importing coal and exporting tin, copper, stone and, of course, fish.
When you stand by the life boat house and look along Wharf Road, bear in mind that this road was built as recently as 1922. Before then only a narrow pathway ran between the sea and buildings with Fore Street carrying all the traffic – both ways!
St Ives is famous for its art galleries, studios and craft shops. Since the 19th century, St Ives has attracted many artists, professional and amateur, with many of international acclaim gaining inspiration here, working in studios still in use today. A stones throw from the harbour area is a host of narrow streets and passageways comprising the old part of the town, all interconnecting and offering innumerable opportunities to explore.
Whatever the reason for coming to St Ives -the surfing on blue flag beaches, the coastal walks or the art, you can find it here.