St. Ives, one of the most famous resort towns in Cornwall, combines the great Cornish tradition of a fishing harbor enclosed by a circle of magnificent beaches and backed by a glorious maze of narrow streets and alleyways.  Artists have always been attracted to the town.

Fishing, farming and mining are the industries that have 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.  Life revolves around the harbor and the fishing trade that helped it grow to prosperity.  Fishing boats still operate from St. Ives and you can watch them unloading their catches of fish and crabs. The annual Harbor Day celebrates the focal point of the town and creates a carnival atmosphere.

A stone's throw from the harbor area is a host of narrow streets and passageways comprising the old part of the town, all interconnecting and offering innumerable opportunities to explore.  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.