What’s on: St Ives Beer & Cider Festival...

There’s nothing better than a cold bottle of cider to finish of a great day holidaying in our luxury apartments. People have been enjoying cider in Britain since before the Norman Conquest, largely due to the English climate being more suitable for growing apples, than it is for growing grapes. By the 1300’s its popularity had grown so immensely that there are records of it being produced all over the country and by the 18^th Century it was customary to pay part of a farm workers wage in cider. 

  

With so many fantastic local producers down in the West Country we love our proper good scrumpy, that’s cider if you didn’t know. Scrumpy is locally made cider using traditional methods. It has a distinctively cloudy appearance, and is often much stronger than commercial ciders, so pace yourself. It’s not the mass produced bottles you find in most supermarkets.

Why not get a taste for the local tipple and head to the St Ives Beer and Cider Festival? Running for the second year in a row with over 1,500 people through the doors last year, this is an event not to be missed. Conveniently located in St Ives’s Guildhall the festival is within walking distance from our luxury self catering accommodation, perfect if you want to enjoy a few cheeky drinks. With over 60 real ales, as well a proper Cornish ciders, perries and fruit wines there’s something for everyone. There is also live entertainment, local bands and delicious local hot and cold food to line your stomach.

The event runs from the 21^st – 23^rd of August. The grand opening takes place on the Friday at 5pm and closes at midnight. During the weekend the festival is open from noon till midnight, with children welcome until 8pm. Admission is only £5 for the day or you can get a weekend pass for £8. Both tickets include a souvenir glass to commemorate the event and can be bought on the door. If you need directions just ask, don’t be shy. It’s only a short walk from our holiday cottages, you never know you might even see us there! 

Onna x 

Sundowners in St Ives...

Now I’ve always been a fan of this colloquial British tradition and in my view there is no better way to round off your day whilst on holiday than with a glass of something very cold, and in my case bubbly, overlooking the ocean.

With this in mind, I took it upon myself to research six of the best spots for a sundowner in St Ives. It was a tough job but someone had to do it! Here is a rundown of my favourites:

The Alba Restaurant

Old Lifeboat House, Wharf Road

Following a slick refurb, The Alba has transformed its ground floor restaurant into a trendy, London-esque bar with an equally trendy cocktail menu. If you’re feeling peckish they also serve a great selection of small plates from 12 -10pm, perfect if you’re in the mood for a couple of drinks and a few nibbles.

The Hub

Wharf Road, St Ives

Grab yourself a table on the upstairs balcony and you have the perfect spot for a bit of people watching. Craft beers, burgers and hot dogs are the speciality but good wines and cocktails also feature on the menu. If you were tempted to stay for a bite to eat no one would blame you, the barbecue smells trickling from the kitchen will make your mouth water.

Rum & Crab Shack

Wharf Road, St Ives

The interior of this quirky little bar resembles a pirate ship and it certainly has a very rustic feel. With nearly 40 varieties of rum, a fantastic menu of local and international craft beers and a carefully balanced wine list to choose from you could spend all week working your way through the menu. On a sunny day the windows concertina back offering panoramic views across the Harbour.

The Sloop

Wharf Road, St Ives

One of the town’s oldest pubs, this St Ives institution is a hit with locals and visitors alike. On a sunny day getting a table outside is like gold dust but if you do, don’t be surprised if you’re soon sharing it, as this is one of the hottest spots in town. The Sloop is a traditional pub and it’s drinks menu reflects this, ask for a ‘Sex on the Beach’ and you’ll probably be met with a strange look!

Upper Deck

Fish Street, St Ives

Tucked behind The Sloop, this open-air bar has a very cosmopolitan feel and basks in the sunshine all day. The service is super friendly and the drinks are beautifully chilled making this alfresco bar a summer time favourite of mine.

West Beach Bakery

Porthmeor Beach (West), St Ives

This funky little beach bar is the best spot in town to watch the sun disappear into the sea. With a laid back vibe and jugs of Pimms and Sangria in plentiful supply this lesser known gem is most definitely worth a visit. The sourdough pizzas are pretty special too!

Have fun, and of course drink responsibly, we cannot be held responsible for fuzzy heads in the morning!

Kelly x

A Guide to St Ives Beaches: Part 2

If you caught up with us last week, you will have seen part one of our guide to St Ives beaches and today we’re back with part two. We think St Ives has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, yes we may be a little biased but wait until you see them. What better way to make the most of your self catering holiday than to explore our beautiful Cornish beaches?

Gwithian

About thirty minutes drive from our holiday cottages you will find the beautiful and expansive Gwithian. It offers everything a family could want with The Sunset Surf beachside café and bar overlooking the beach, great surf conditions and plenty of small coves and rock pools for the kids to enjoy.

Awards: Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

Lifeguard Service: Cover from 5th May to 30th September and weekends during October.

Parking: Parking at Gwithian Towans

Dogs: Seasonal dog ban from Easter to 1st October.

Toilets: Yes

Carbis Bay

Sheltered by the large tree covered cliffs, Carbis Bay is only is only a ten minute drive from our luxury accommodation making it the perfect family friendly beach. You can even arrive by foot following the beautiful cliff walk that leads straight to the beach. The lack of surf means it’s not ideal for those looking to catch a wave, but the turquoise waters are perfect for swimmers and young families.

Awards: Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence

Lifeguard Service: Cover from 7th July to 2nd September.

Parking: Parking at train station.

Dogs: Dogs are permitted from 5a.m.- 8 a.m during summer. Allowed at any time from October 1^st – Easter Day.

Toilets: Yes

Porthkidney

The vastness of Porthkidney, particularly when the tide is out, makes this beach the perfect option if you want the space to kick a ball about. The sheer size of this beach means you don’t need to worry about overcrowding. It’s also one of the few beaches that allows dogs all year round so if you’ve brought man’s best friend with you it’s a great way to still enjoy some sand between your toes. The only down side is there is no facilities.

PLEASE REMEMBER: The river is not suitable for swimming as the riptides at this end of the beach can be dangerous.

Awards: Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

Lifeguard Service: Daily cover from the 7th July to 2th September.

Parking: Very Limited parking at Lelant Church.

Dogs: Dogs allowed all year round.

Toilets: No

That’s a wrap on our guide to St Ives beaches. We hope you enjoy exploring these Cornish gems and much as we do. We’re here to help make your self catering holiday the best it can be, please don’t hesitate to ask if you need any advice on which beach is right for you! 

Onna x 

Looking for reasons to visit St Ives this September…

St Ives September Festival, Saturday 12 - Saturday 26

September in St Ives is when the town starts to mellow, the weather is still favourable and the evenings are still long, making it the perfect time for a luxury self catering getaway. The Sail Lofts coastal position is perfect for long evening strolls along the cliff tops and around St Ives cobbled streets, ending with laid back drinks and delicious food relaxing around the harbour front watching the boats bob along gentle waves.

During September the St Ives annual music and arts festival kicks off on Saturday 12^th and runs for 2 weeks, up until Saturday 26^th and features a well rounded host of live acts including musicians, theatre and comedy acts, cabaret and street entertainment, not to mention art workshops and art exhibitions embracing St Ives rich cultural heritage.

Acts confirmed so far for 2015 include Show Of Hands, Steve Knightley, Johnny Cowling, Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston, The Acoustic Strawbs, The Rollin’ Clones and Mad Dog Mcrea. 

The St Ives September Festival began in a back kitchen in Teetotal Street just around the corner from The Sail Lofts in September 1977 bringing together the diverging interests of several arts and music professionals. The first Festival, which ran from 14th to 24th September 1978 was already ambitious in its scope and covered folk music, dance, fine arts, chamber music, poetry, arts & crafts and theatre, and even featured a very young Nigel Kennedy.

The Festival has continued over the past thirty-five years, with a few short breaks, and with different organisations responsible for arranging the programme. It has always been a very important part of the town’s cultural life, and people come from year to year to take advantage of the very wide range of events that are on offer.

So if you are considering a holiday in St Ives this September and are looking for self catering accommodation please contact us on 01736 799175 or to view availability please use the link below…

Katy x

September Availability

A Guide to St Ives Beaches: Part 1...

When staying in our beautiful self catering apartments you are absolutely spoilt for choice with some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country. There’s something for everyone, with surfing coves, dog walking spots, and family friendly beaches safe for children. Why not make the most of your holiday by taking in the best beaches we have to offer? Here’s part one of our guide to the St Ives beaches. 

Porthmeor

Just a stones throw away from The Sail Lofts you will find Porthmeor, one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches. This Atlantic facing beach is a surfers paradise. It’s not particularly sheltered on a windy day, so make use of the Sail Loft’s wind breaks. It has all the facilities you could need with the Porthmeor Beach Café serving beautiful food to eat in or takeaway. If you’re interested in dabbling in some water sports Porthmeor also boasts the St Ives Surf School which offers lessons, board hire, kayaking and coasteering. 

Awards: Blue Flag & Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

Lifeguard Service: Cover during weekends in April, daily from 5th May to 30th September and weekends in October.

Parking: No Designated Parking.

Dogs: Seasonal ban from Easter to the 1^st October.

Toilets: Yes.

Porthminster

Only a 15 minute walk from our holiday cottages this sheltered, family friendly beach has easy access with great facilities. The award winning seafood restaurant, The Porthminster Café, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as having a takeaway service right on the beach, perfect if you forgot to pack a picnic!

Awards: Blue Flag & Trip Advisor Travellers Choice.

Lifeguard Service: Daily from 19 May to 30 September.

Parking: Parking close to the beach (Warning: it fills up quick)

Dogs: Seasonal ban from Easter to the 1^st October.

Toilets: Yes. 

Porthgwidden

This small, hidden beach is a real Cornish gem. Lying in the nook of the Island this beach is just a few minutes away from our luxury apartments. It’s extremely sheltered, great for kids and has plenty of facilities including beach huts that are available to rent from the council. The wonderful Porthgwidden Café also over looks the beach with a kiosk for coffee and snacks.

Awards: Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

Lifeguard Service: No Lifeguard Cover.

Parking: Parking in the Island car park. (Warning: it fills up quick)

Dogs: Seasonal ban from Easter to the 1^st October.

Toilets: Yes.

Beach towels and wind breaks are provided in every apartment and buckets and spades are available from our wet room. If you need directions to any beaches don’t be afraid to ask, we’re here to help. Stay tuned till next week for part two of our St Ives beach guide.

Onna x  

Fuel for the day...

Early mornings have never been my thing but thanks to the arrival of our beautiful baby girl I have a newfound appreciation of early starts and I’ve fallen in love with St Ives all over again.

Now, don’t get me wrong a lie in would be nice from time to time but I’ve decided to embrace the dark circles, get out nice and early and sample what St Ives’ breakfast menu’s have to offer.

Porthminster Beach Café

Topping my list has to be this beautiful little beach café that you usually have to book weeks in advance. At sunrise however it’s a different story. We arrived at 9.30am on a Saturday morning and had our choice of tables and it really was perfect in every way – the weather, the view, the food and the sleeping baby! I plumped for the free-range poached eggs with a cheeky side order of local sausage and bacon and it was divine. The other half of course went for the full fry-up and without even a smidge of brown sauce left on the plate I’d say it was a winner. Washed down with locally sourced apple juice and freshly squeezed orange juice, it really couldn’t have been better.

Porthmeor Beach Café

Continuing the beach theme (well we are in Cornwall!) we headed to Porthmeor Beach Café. This is somewhere I’ve always wanted to eat but until now simply haven’t gotten around to and breakfast seemed a great place to start. It did not disappoint. Being a sucker for granola, yoghurt and compote I couldn’t resist this when I saw it on the menu and I must say it was one of the best. Hubby built his own brekkie and ordered most items on the menu despite my encouragement to try something a bit different. Again we managed to dine alfresco and the view really is one of my favourites in St Ives and despite the baby being far from asleep she was impeccably behaved and charmed the other diners with her cuteness.

Hub, St Ives

Being massive fans of The Hub for lunchtime and evening food we decided to give this harbour front hang-out a go for breakfast. The breakfast menu itself is fairly simple but what they do, they do well. This time around we decided to share a stack of pancakes with summer berries & maple syrup and a ‘Pig me up’. Both delicious but the pancakes were a definite hit for me. Whilst the weather wasn’t quite so kind on this breakfast outing the cosy booths and décor create an American style diner feel which is a refreshing change for St Ives.

There are a few more breakfast outings planned this summer so if I come across any other gems I’ll let you know.

Kelly x

An artistic view of St Ives...

St Ives is renowned for its rich art history with the breathtaking scenery and quality of light attracting artists since the 1880’s. The arrival of the railway in 1877 meant that artists could travel to and from London with ease, changing the town forever. In 1890 the St Ives Art Club was established and despite it’s bracing position on the sea front facing many a Cornish storm it’s still going strong 125 years later. Next time you’re on your luxury self-catering holiday at The Sail Lofts why not explore some of the amazing and diverse galleries we have here in St Ives? Here are just a few.

Porthminster Gallery

Beautifully situated right on the harbour and opposite the St Ives Art Club, this commercial gallery was recently voted the ‘Best Art Gallery in Cornwall’ by Cornwall Today. It’s only an eight minute walk from our luxury accommodation so if you’re feeling inspired this is the perfect place to pick up some Contemporary Fine Art from some of Britain’s leading artists. 

Tate St Ives

You can’t fail to spot Tate St Ives if you’re walking along Porthmeor beach with its striking architecture and prominent position, it’s definitely worth a visit. Only a five minutes walk from The Sail Lofts apartments, St Ives’s most famous gallery features an eclectic mix of modern British artists. ‘Images Moving Out Onto Space’ is a new exhibition focusing on works of art that are set in motion featuring eight different artists spanning almost 50 years. With it’s use of light, colour and movement it will definitely interest those looking for something new and engaging. Finish your visit with a coffee in the Tate café, to soak up those sea views.

 

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden

Barbara Hepworth was one of Britain’s most important and influential twentieth century artists. Hepworth first came to Cornwall along with her family when the war broke out in 1939. She lived and worked in Trewyn Studios until her death, when it was turned into a museum upon her request. Managed by the Tate Gallery the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offers a unique insight in her work. The sculptures are best viewed on a sunny day with the garden providing a beautiful contrast between nature and the man made.

Better still, guests of our holiday cottages get free entry to the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. You’ll find a card in your welcome letter, but if you lose it, don’t worry! Just contact our concierge services and we will be happy to get you another one. 

Onna x 

Worth the drive...

St Ives is filled with beautiful, winding cobbled streets which only adds to its Cornish charm but those roads can make parking tricky, or near impossible in the height of summer! Take advantage of that rare and wonderful thing we have here at The Sail Lofts holiday cottages, the guest parking, and arrive by car. That way once you’ve explored the town you can hop in the car and venture a little outside of St Ives to see what else Cornwall has to offer.

St Micheal’s Mount, Marazion

Only twenty minutes away you can explore St Micheal’s Mount, a quaint tidal island that’s situated in Mount's Bay. Uniquely it’s only accessible by foot during low tide along a man-made granite walkway and has a population of just 30. The island has beautiful gardens, a charming harbour as well as a medieval castle and a church that was first constructed in the 12^th Century by French monks. If you’re a member of the National Trust you can visit the castle for free, or you can simply wander the beautiful island and soak up that Cornish sunshine. Don’t forget to check the tide times before you go, if in doubt ask our concierge services. 

The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno

Just a half an hour drive from St Ives you will find the most famous and beautiful open air theatre in the country, The Minack Theatre. Not only can you catch an evening show of King Lear or The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, but the space is open during the day so you can take in the beautiful view when the sun is shining. If you’re lucky you might even spot a basking shark in the ocean below. The best part about being on a self catering holiday is that you can pack a picnic to eat before the show.

Land’s End

Arguably one of the best views in the country, we reckon the fourty minute drive to Land’s End is worth the trek. Not only can you see the beautiful cliffs towering over the Atlantic ocean but the iconic signpost makes the perfect holiday snap. To soak in the view try the heritage trail for a relaxing afternoon. If that’s not enough to tempt you there’s plenty for the kids to enjoy with their 4D cinema and Shaun the Sheep experience. And if you’re going to be visiting our luxury accommodation at the end of the month be sure to check out Cornish Day on the 28^th July with storytelling, live music, and fireworks. 

This is just a glimpse into the many treasures that a self catering holiday in St Ives has to offer. There’s plenty more to come. 

Onna x  

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CAR PARKING