Smeaton's Pier
Historic working pier in St. Ives, offering scenic harbour views and a glimpse into maritime life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Smeaton's Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic working pier in St. Ives, offering scenic harbour views and a glimpse into maritime life.
"A wonderful place for a stroll at sunset, with beautiful scenery even on an overcast day."
🌅 Enjoy the Sunset Views
The pier is a fantastic spot for sunset strolls, offering beautiful vistas across St. Ives Bay .
🦀 Witness Spider Crab Sightings
During certain times, hundreds of spider crabs can be seen behind the pier .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Strolls
Smeaton's Pier
Experience breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over St. Ives Bay.
Harbour Activity
Smeaton's Pier
Watch fishing boats, nets, and pleasure craft navigate the bustling St. Ives harbour.
Tidal Discoveries
Behind Smeaton's Pier
Explore the seabed at low tide to find historical jetties and wooden posts, a glimpse into the past .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Understanding the Pier's Working Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Enjoy the Sunset Views
The pier is a fantastic spot for sunset strolls, offering beautiful vistas across St. Ives Bay.
🦀 Witness Spider Crab Sightings
During certain times, hundreds of spider crabs can be seen behind the pier.
🎣 Safe Fishing Spots
Youngsters are often seen fishing from Smeaton's Pier and the pier by the lifeboat station.
🌊 Tide Awareness
Be mindful of the tide; it's not a safe place to swim when the tide and swell are strong.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Enjoy the Sunset Views
The pier is a fantastic spot for sunset strolls, offering beautiful vistas across St. Ives Bay.
🦀 Witness Spider Crab Sightings
During certain times, hundreds of spider crabs can be seen behind the pier.
🎣 Safe Fishing Spots
Youngsters are often seen fishing from Smeaton's Pier and the pier by the lifeboat station.
🌊 Tide Awareness
Be mindful of the tide; it's not a safe place to swim when the tide and swell are strong.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is available directly on the pier, but it is limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smeaton's Pier is a beloved landmark in St. Ives, praised for its scenic beauty and role as a working harbour. Visitors enjoy the picturesque views, especially at sunset, and the lively atmosphere of the boats. Some find the pier can get quite busy, and parking is limited.
"Beautiful Smeaton's Pier with views across St Ives bay and into the harbour where you'll see fishing boat, fishing nets and pots on the Quayside, this small working harbour is shared with local pleasure sightseeing boats.
Every year from mid November you'll see the Fisherman's Christmas Lights."
Catherine Curtis
"The pier is a wonderful place for a stroll at sunset!"
James
"A great viewing point for St Ives, the pier is a working pier so children be aware, there are plenty of places to sit and relax in the afternoon sun. Some limited parking is available directly on the pier. The harbour office is located on the pier."
Peter Bowden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Smeaton's Pier is located in the heart of St. Ives harbour. If you're arriving by car, be aware that parking in St. Ives can be challenging. There are several car parks in and around the town, and it's a short walk to the pier from most of them. Public transport options, like buses, are also available to reach St. Ives.
Yes, there is limited parking available directly on Smeaton's Pier itself. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during busy periods. Additional parking can be found in the main car parks within St. Ives town, requiring a short walk to the pier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Smeaton's Pier is a public walkway and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk along the pier and enjoy the views of the harbour and bay at any time.
Smeaton's Pier is accessible to the public at all times. However, it is a working harbour, so it's best to be mindful of boat movements and operational activities, especially during early mornings or late evenings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Smeaton's Pier, you can enjoy scenic walks, admire the views of St. Ives Bay and the harbour, watch fishing boats, and observe the local marine life. It's also a popular spot for photography and enjoying sunsets.
Smeaton's Pier is a working pier, so adult supervision is essential for children. While many families visit, it's important to be aware of boat traffic and the edge of the pier. Some younger visitors enjoy fishing from the pier.
Yes, when the tide is going out, you can explore the area behind Smeaton's Pier, where you might see jetties and wooden posts sticking out of the seabed, offering a glimpse into the pier's history.
The pier was built between 1767 and 1770 and named after its engineer, John Smeaton. It features a reservoir at its base that fills at high tide to reduce wave action in the harbour.
Yes, there are several places to sit and relax on Smeaton's Pier, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy the afternoon sun and the harbour views.
📸 📸 Photography
Smeaton's Pier offers fantastic photographic opportunities, from capturing the working harbour and boats to the stunning coastal scenery of St. Ives Bay. Sunsets here are particularly picturesque.
Drone footage of Smeaton's Pier is possible, offering unique aerial perspectives of the pier, harbour, and surrounding coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to keep a close eye on children due to the proximity of the water and boat traffic.📸 Photographers and Artists
Artists have even created paintings and watercolour sketches inspired by the pier's unique character.+1🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Smeaton's Pier
The pier's construction was driven by the need to accommodate St. Ives's large fishing fleet, which required more space for operations and shelter. Today, it remains a vital part of the working harbour, shared by both fishing vessels and pleasure boats, offering a glimpse into maritime heritage.
Visitors can appreciate the pier's historical significance by observing its structure and imagining the bustling activity it has supported over centuries. The remnants of older jetties and wooden posts visible at low tide further add to the historical narrative of this enduring landmark.
Experiencing Smeaton's Pier Through the Seasons
The warmer months bring increased activity with pleasure boats and a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and enjoying the sunshine.Even on overcast days, the pier provides beautiful scenery, showcasing the rugged coastal beauty of St. Ives. The changing tides also offer unique perspectives; at low tide, the seabed reveals historical remnants, while at high tide, the water laps against the pier, creating a dynamic seascape.
Social media content often captures the pier in various conditions, from sunny afternoons to dramatic wave action. Some reels even highlight unusual natural events, such as the mass sighting of spider crabs behind the pier, demonstrating the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters around it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit