A Cornwall surfing hotspot with stunning beaches and bustling art scene has been praised for being a stand-out holiday destination all year round, not just in the warmer months.

In fact, St Ives has been named one of the “most beautiful autumn towns” by Premier Inn, which explained the cooler seasons are the “perfect time to experience the beaches without the crowds”.

The historic town in the southwest, is known for its beaches which attract tourists and surfers from around the world.

Its beaches include Harbour Beach, Porthmeor, Porthminster, Porthgwidden, Carbis Bay, Bamaluz, Lambeth Walk, and Porthkidney.

Three of these – Porthminster, Porthmeor and Carbis Bay – were awarded Blue Flag status this year, which represents a “respected international mark of excellence” regarding the coastal water quality and environmental care.  

Carbis Bay and Harbour Beach both won TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2025 awards. One visitor described Harbour Beach as “a beautiful part of Cornwall with tons of character”, while another said: “I have never seen such a beautiful place in the U.K as St Ives beach. Many have said it’s like being abroad and it really is!”

Meanwhile, Carbis Bay has been described as “absolutely beautiful” and “well worth the walk down the hillside to reach it”. A second visitor posted: “Paddleboarding at Carbis Bay Beach in St Ives is a truly delightful experience. The beach itself is a picturesque haven, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters that provide the perfect backdrop for a day of adventure.”

For those who love being active, there are watersports on offer like surfing and paddleboarding, as well as other sports like tennis and golf. The area also has a renowned art scene, with a range of galleries and sites to be explored like the Tate, St Ives Arts Club and Leach Pottery. 

One of the most popular spots is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. The place has been described as “one of the best art places in the world” by one praiseful tourist. They added: “The garden with the sculptures is amazing and then seeing her workshop … just wow.” 

Another said: “Always visit here when we are at St Ives. Stunning garden and sculpture. Terrific atmosphere. A very informative display as you enter and a small amount of gifts can be purchased too.”

St Ives has been voted the best family holiday destination by Coast magazine, and was also named as the UK’s happiest spot for holidaymakers, according to a survey by holidaycottages.co.uk.