St Ives in January...

You might be mistaken in thinking that Cornwall in winter is a desolate wasteland, where all the locals hibernate and not much happens. However, you couldn’t be further from the truth…

Weather

Winter weather is about extremes in Cornwall, and no two days are ever the same, St Ives can be a peaceful crisp haven, where waves are mere ripples, and a calm descends over the town, to gale force winds where white horses lash the coastline and roll in along Porthmeor beach.

Sightseeing

Very few of Cornwall’s major attractions close over the winter months, contrary to popular belief, leaving opportunity to see the Eden Project biomes in peace and quiet, an experience in itself worth indulging in, in comparison to the summer months where you can easily get caught up in the throng of the crowds, missing the best parts of the indoor subtropical rainforest.

Or why not discover Porthcurno’s very own Telegraph Museum with  its fascinating exhibition, which looks to raise the profile of the under-represented aspects of the First World War. The exhibition offers a chance to view recovered artifacts and to learn about some of the lesser-known, but compelling, stories of the Great War. Over 700 wartime wrecks are known to lie off the south coast of England. These include largely forgotten ships and craft of all shapes and sizes, all of which were carrying out a myriad of different tasks and activities when they were lost.

Alternatively, for any savvy art enthusiasts, the Royal Cornwall Museum located in the centre of Truro is exhibiting works by Terry Pope. ‘Space Visualised’ is his latest interactive exhibition using optical illusions to challenge and play with our perceptions.

Terry Pope is a Constructionist artist; his experiments with glass, lenses and lights are imaginative and enticing, and an experience not to be missed.

The Sail Lofts luxury accommodation in St Ives can be your perfect base for storm watching, sightseeing or for just indulging your cultural side, whilst surrounded by five-star luxury. Studio staff are on site 6 days a week and are on hand to provide tips on when best to visit local attractions, or on the best ways of getting out and about around Cornwall. To find out more, call the team on 01736 799175 about booking your St Ives holiday this January.

Katy x

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Autumn days out...

With the red hues of autumn just around the corner and the prospect of long sunny beach days dwindling, we’ve rounded up our top pick of days out for when the weather isn’t so kind. Of course if you just plan to relax in one of our luxury apartments in St Ives, that’s fine, but if you fancy exploring further afield, here are some suggestions.

Tate St Ives

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
Distance: 5 minute walk

With our guests getting free entry and it being on our doorstop this is ‘a must’. The building itself is an attraction with its obvious art deco design and thanks to its beachfront location the views are pretty spectacular too. Inside you’ll find modern art at its best alongside some thought provoking interactive displays.

Tehidy Woods

Just outside Camborne
Distance: 20 minute drive

With great woodland walks, dog friendly trails, ducks, geese and squirrels, this Country Park is perfect for an autumn stomp. The woods provide wonderful shelter so even if it’s a little wet you’re protected from the elements. Pack a bag of duck food and some nuts for the squirrels and you’ll (literally) have the wildlife eating from the palm of your hand. There’s also a lovely café buried within the woods serving a nice selection of food and drink.

 

National Maritime Museum

Discovery Quay, Falmouth
Distance: 50 minute drive

This museum aims to engage and inspire people with stories of the sea, boats and Cornwall and it certainly does that. If Cornwall’s heritage is something you’re keen to learn more about then it is certainly worth a visit. As well as the museum displays you can climb the Look Out Tower and enjoy panoramic views over the harbour, docks and estuary or head below sea level and check out the Tidal Zone. Here you can look into the harbour through two large windows and see the rise and fall of the tide. You may even get a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this harbour home. If you do make it to Falmouth I’d definitely recommend exploring the town too. There are some fabulous spots for lunch and a great selection of art galleries and boutique shops to nosey around.

Eden Project

Bodelva, Cornwall
Distance: 60 minute drive

Having quickly climbed the ranks, the Eden Project is without doubt Cornwall’s most famous attraction and once you are there it’s easy to see why. Descend into what once was a working china clay pit and you are immediately transfixed by the revolutionary design of the biomes that house plants from all over the world. With a focus on sustainability Eden gives a real insight into how we can do our bit for the environment and offers you a chance to get up close and personal with some weird and wonderful plants. Throughout the year there are some fantastic workshops to get involved with and Eden’s famous Ice Rink, set to a twinkly backdrop, should not be missed.

Whatever the weather our 5* accommodation in St Ives is perfect for a relaxing break and ideally placed for fun filled days out when you fancy getting out and about. For further information about our luxury apartments in St Ives please call 01736 799175 or visit our website, www.thesaillofts.co.uk

Kelly x 

Check Autumn availability