Sparkly St Ives...

When you think of St Ives you’d be forgiven for immediately thinking of fun family holidays spent on the beach but we think St Ives is just magical during the winter. A particularly special time to visit is in the lead up to Christmas when colourful lights illuminate the harbour and punchy mulled cider is a staple in most pubs. Come at the right time and you may even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, who’s chosen mode of transportation in St Ives is (of course) the Lifeboat.

With a packed calendar of events throughout December there are so many reasons to enjoy a luxury break in St Ives, and that’s without mentioning the unique shopping opportunities. Here is a selection of the December events we’re getting excited about:

4^th December: Christmas lights switch on

Fisherman’s Hut, Harbour Front, 5pm

St Ives Mayor and champion fundraiser Madison Glinski will transform the town into a winter wonderland when they switch on the festive lights.

4^th December: Santa arrives in town

Harbour Front, 6pm

Ditching his usual sleigh, Santa arrives into the Harbour aboard the Lifeboat and is met by the Three Kings and their camels who will all parade to Santa’s magic grotto at The Glass Tree in Fore Street.

12^th December: Christmas Puppet Show

Boathouse Theatre, 4pm

This year Humpty Dumpty and Frosty the Snowman present their annual show. Great fun for all the family. Also showing on other dates throughout December.

20^th December: Food Trail

Various venues across St Ives, 12pm

Sample some fantastic local goodies with a food trail across St Ives. Finish up at The Castle where there’s a meal for two at Rum & Crab Shack and a magnum of Champagne up for grabs.

22^nd December: Kidz R Us Christmas Pantomime

Kidz R Us Theatre, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Kidz R Us present it’s famous festive Panto which, this year, combines elements of two traditional stories: Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood. Also showing on other dates throughout December.

24^th December: Christmas Farmers Market

Guildhall, 9.30am

Pick up those essential Christmas treats and last minute gifts from local producers and enjoy some festive entertainment.

Up until 21^st December The Sail Lofts luxury self-catering in St Ives can offer short breaks in all of it’s properties so if you only have a few days to spare you can still enjoy all St Ives has to offer in the build up to Christmas.

With a handful of properties still available over Christmas now is the perfect time to book your festive getaway. Here at The Sail Lofts we think we’ve thought of everything to ensure your Christmas away from home is seamless. Real Christmas trees, crackers, an emergency wrapping kit and a secret present store are just a few of the things that come as standard. We can also order the meat for the big day and our friends at Cornish Food Market can deliver all the trimmings direct to your door.

Whether you’re looking for a pre-Christmas getaway or you’re planning to celebrate the big day with us, you can view our December availability here.

Kelly x   

Whens the best time to visit St Ives?...

The first day of Autumn has crept up on us here in St Ives, especially with the last few sunny days lulling us into an extended summer, reminding me of a question I have heard and been asked on many occasions whilst working at The Sail Lofts, ‘when is the best time to visit St Ives?’ to which my response can be hard to believe to many enquirers.

Autumn in St Ives is truly special. Walking around the deserted harbour front on a cool crisp autumn morning can be one of the most awe inspiring moments that you will never forget. The calm stillness, the tingling chill of fresh Cornish air filling your lungs, and the sight of boats in the clear turquoise water bobbing serenely, with spectacular views of the sweeping St Ives bay beyond the safe harbour walls.

As the day warms up taking to the coastal paths is a must, to view the dramatic and ever changing coastline and nooks to catch glimpses of seals in the open coves taking shelter. Some of which can easily be mistaken for boulders, however a keen eye will see the familiar outline of one of Cornwall’s local seal population.

The local pubs again perfect for a secluded treat, where you can sit and read by open fireplaces whilst sampling the local tipples, before setting off on the next stretch of coastline.

There is warmth to Cornwall in the autumn, and I am not referring to the milder southwest climate, instead I speak of the local communities. Which come to life after the summer season quietens down. Giving visitors to the area a true sense of what Cornish life is all about. 

The beauty of getting to know a place is all in the experiencing it without the distraction of others, stripping away the noise and constant throng of tourists in the warmer months that pull you along in their current, giving little opportunity to step back and enjoy the wonder and beauty of St Ives.

The Sail Lofts luxury apartments in St Ives are currently offering 25% off all of their Autumn breaks, between September 21^st and December 18^th 2015. So if you would like to enjoy the wonder of St Ives for yourself, make sure not to miss out on your own 5 star Cornish retreat.

To book please call the Sail Lofts office on 01736 799175, or alternatively express your interest via email with your specified dates to info@thesaillofts.co.uk  quoting ‘Autumn 25’ to receive the 25% discount on your eventual booking.

Katy x

Check Autumn availability at The Sail Lofts…

Let it snow let it snow let it snow

Unusually Cornwall has received a little bit of snow again this year - not as much as the East and the North but quite a lot for Cornwall! Here are a few pictures and photo's from the past week...

Don't forget if you have any images of the snow in Cornwall you would like to share post them on our Flickr or Facebook page. 


We have a selection of apartments available at the moment at special rates, do contact us or visit our last minute page for the latest offers.