Knill's Monument St Ives Cornwall
A historic monument offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Cornish coast, accessible via a rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best visibility for views
Knill's Monument St Ives Cornwall
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic monument offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Cornish coast, accessible via a rewarding hike.
"Wow what great views from the top. On a clear day you can see St Michaels mount, The Lizard and Padstow's lighthouse."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are uneven and narrow. Good shoes are a must for a safe and comfortable climb.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The monument is exposed, so it can get very windy. Bring layers, even on a sunny day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Summit of Worvas Hill
See for miles on a clear day, spotting St. Michael's Mount and both Cornish coasts. Truly spectacular!
Knill's Monument
Summit of Worvas Hill
An intriguing historical landmark with a unique 5-yearly festival. Learn its fascinating story.
The Hike from St. Ives
Coastal path from St. Ives
An enjoyable walk, taking about an hour, offering coastal scenery before reaching the monument.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb is Worth It
Check the Weather Forecast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are uneven and narrow. Good shoes are a must for a safe and comfortable climb.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The monument is exposed, so it can get very windy. Bring layers, even on a sunny day.
🧐 Discover the History
Read the signboards and research the monument's unique 5-yearly festival.
🚶 Walk from St. Ives
It's a pleasant hour-long walk from town, offering lovely coastal scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are uneven and narrow. Good shoes are a must for a safe and comfortable climb.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The monument is exposed, so it can get very windy. Bring layers, even on a sunny day.
🧐 Discover the History
Read the signboards and research the monument's unique 5-yearly festival.
🚶 Walk from St. Ives
It's a pleasant hour-long walk from town, offering lovely coastal scenery.
📸 Drone Photography
If you have a drone, the aerial views, especially of St. Michael's Mount, are incredible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the absolutely spectacular panoramic views from Knill's Monument, often describing them as breathtaking and stretching across both Cornish coasts. The hike from St. Ives is also noted as a pleasant, albeit sometimes uneven, journey. Some find the monument itself historically interesting, especially its unique 5-yearly festival.
"It's a bit of a hike to the top. But wow what great views from the top.
On a clear day you can see St Michaels mount, The Lizard and Padstow's lighthouse."
Lisa Lambert
"We walked from St Ives and took less than an hour to get there. Would recommend."
Nick Chalk
"I’ve been visiting this monument for around 35 years now as John Knill is a descendant, so it’s kinda seen as our family monument.
It can be seen from many places miles away but is definitely worth a trip up as the views are spectacular. You can actually seen both coasts of Cornwall from up there, and actually if you have a drone take it up a bit and you will see St.Michael’s Mount!!
Every 5 years there is the Knill Festival of which I’ve been to a few times in the late 80’s as early 90’s a young lad, frankly they were a bit weird from what I remember!
If you’re interested in the history I know the St.Ives Museum had an area dedicated to it."
Gareth Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to walk from St. Ives. It's about an hour's hike along paths that can be uneven. You can also drive closer, but the final ascent is on foot.
Limited parking might be available on nearby roads, but it's best to check local conditions. Walking from St. Ives is often recommended.
Several paths lead up Worvas Hill. The route from St. Ives is well-trodden, offering coastal views. Always be mindful of the terrain.
While possible, the paths are uneven and narrow, making cycling challenging and potentially unsafe for many. Walking is generally preferred.
Public transport will get you to St. Ives, from where you'll need to walk. There isn't direct public transport to the monument itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Knill's Monument is an outdoor landmark and is freely accessible to the public.
As an outdoor monument, it's accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and views.
There is no entrance fee. The monument and its surrounding area are open for all to enjoy.
The unique Knill Festival takes place every five years. Historically, it has occurred in the late 80s and early 90s, but check local listings for current dates.
Yes, you can visit during the festival, but be aware that it might be busier and have a unique atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the monument itself and the incredibly expansive views of the Cornish coastline, including St. Michael's Mount on clear days.
Allow at least 1-2 hours, including the walk up and time to soak in the views and explore the monument.
No, there are no facilities at the monument itself. It's a natural, exposed site. You'll need to use facilities in St. Ives before or after your visit.
Children can visit, but the uneven paths require supervision. The climb might be challenging for very young children.
On a clear day, you can see St. Michael's Mount, The Lizard, Padstow's lighthouse, and both the north and south coasts of Cornwall.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic coastal views are the primary photo opportunities. The monument itself also makes for striking shots against the sky or landscape.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, offering softer shadows and golden hues. Midday can be harsh but still offers great visibility.
Photos capturing the monument with the vast sea and coastline in the background are very popular. Including landmarks like St. Michael's Mount adds context.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can help zoom in on distant landmarks. A tripod can be useful if shooting in lower light.
Yes, drone photography can offer spectacular aerial perspectives, especially of the monument and the surrounding coastline. Always check local drone regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities at the monument. The reward for the climb is the incredible panoramic scenery, which can captivate children's imaginations. On a clear day, spotting distant landmarks like St. Michael's Mount can be a fun game. Just be prepared for potential wind, so bring extra layers to keep everyone comfortable.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
The spectacular 360-degree views are the ultimate prize for hikers. On a clear day, the ability to see both the north and south coasts of Cornwall, including distant landmarks, is truly breathtaking. Be prepared for the exposed nature of the summit; wind is common, so appropriate gear is recommended. It's an ideal spot for photography and simply soaking in the rugged beauty of the Cornish landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Mystery of Knill's Monument
One of the most intriguing aspects is the Knill Festival, a unique event that has taken place every five years for over two centuries. While the exact nature of these celebrations has evolved, they are a testament to the enduring legacy of John Knill and the community's connection to the monument. For those interested in delving deeper, the St. Ives Museum often features exhibits dedicated to local history, including that of Knill and his monument.
The monument itself is a striking structure, and its visibility from miles around makes it a distinctive landmark on the Cornish landscape. The history adds a layer of depth to the visit, transforming a scenic walk into an exploration of local heritage.
Navigating the Terrain and Weather
Compounding the terrain is the exposed nature of the location. Visitors consistently mention that the monument can be windy and bleak in poor weather. While a clear day offers unparalleled views, a sudden change in conditions can make the experience less pleasant. It's advisable to check the weather forecast before setting out and to dress in layers, even if the sun is shining.
This combination of a moderate hike and potential weather challenges means that planning is essential. Wearing appropriate shoes and bringing windproof clothing will significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment of the spectacular views that await at the summit.
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