St Ives Bay Line
Experience one of the UK's most scenic train journeys along the Cornish coast to the charming seaside town of St Ives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
St Ives Bay Line
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience one of the UK's most scenic train journeys along the Cornish coast to the charming seaside town of St Ives.
"The St Ives Bay Line offers breathtaking views, making it a must-do for any visitor to Cornwall."
🚗 Park & Ride Smart
Use St Erth station as a park & ride to avoid driving into St Ives. Tickets are affordable!
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Sit on the left side for the best coastal views heading towards St Ives.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coastal Train Ride
St Erth to St Ives
A breathtaking 10-minute journey along the Cornish coast, offering panoramic views of golden beaches and the Atlantic.
+2Hayle Estuary Views
Along the St Ives Bay Line
Witness the unique landscape of the Hayle Estuary as the train glides past, a prelude to the seaside charm.
+1
St Ives Beaches
St Ives
From Porthminster Beach to the harbour, discover beautiful sandy stretches perfect for relaxing or exploring.
Art Galleries & Shops
St Ives Town
Immerse yourself in the town's vibrant art scene and browse unique independent shops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Journey
+1Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park & Ride Smart
Use St Erth station as a park & ride to avoid driving into St Ives. Tickets are affordable!
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Sit on the left side for the best coastal views heading towards St Ives.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The train journey itself is incredibly photogenic. Have your camera ready!
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
St Ives streets are narrow; walking is the best way to explore its charm.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park & Ride Smart
Use St Erth station as a park & ride to avoid driving into St Ives. Tickets are affordable!
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Sit on the left side for the best coastal views heading towards St Ives.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The train journey itself is incredibly photogenic. Have your camera ready!
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
St Ives streets are narrow; walking is the best way to explore its charm.
☀️ Peak Season Alert
St Ives gets very busy in peak season. Book accommodation and plan ahead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St Ives Bay Line for its breathtaking coastal scenery, calling it one of the UK's most beautiful train rides. The convenience of the park and ride option from St Erth is also a major plus, avoiding driving hassles. While the town itself is loved for its charm, beaches, and art scene, some note that it can get very busy during peak season.
"Nice visit to St Ives. There was a good festival going on at Porthminster Beach which we looked around. Some nice craft stalls there. Walked into the town for lunch and drinks. Walked back along the harbour. Plenty of emmetts about but less than expected in St Ives on a sunny day."
Les Parnell
"St Ives is a beautiful place, I would not recommend that you drive through st Ives as I have and the streets are quite tight in a Renault Capture. The shops are quaint the bars and food places are lovely, we found the locals to be friendly and helpful. Loads to do in the summer 🌞 sun , bits and pieces to do on wet days, this is the second time we've been down this way and we've been all over, the coast is beautiful and breathtaking ⭐😁🍦🏖️🍷🍻"
Karen O'Connor
"Beautiful side streets, gardens, and plenty of beaches to choose from.
A few independent shops and lots of places to shop.
Art galleries, museums, and boat trips to keep you occupied.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink.
Best scenic train journey from St Erth station (park and ride) to St Ives."
Catherine Curtis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic way is via the St Ives Bay Line. You can catch the train from St Erth station, which acts as a park and ride. The journey is about 10 minutes and offers stunning coastal views.
Driving into St Ives can be challenging due to narrow streets. Many visitors opt for the train from St Erth to avoid traffic and parking issues.
Trains typically run every 30 minutes, offering a frequent service for travelers.
Tickets can vary, but a group return for four people is around £8. It's a cost-effective way to travel.
Yes, public transportation options include buses, but the St Ives Bay Line train is highly recommended for its scenic route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always necessary, booking in advance can be wise during peak season to secure your spot, especially for group travel.
There are no entry fees to explore the town of St Ives itself, its beaches, or its streets.
Opening hours for art galleries and shops vary. It's best to check individual venue websites for specific times.
Access to St Ives' beaches is generally free. Some activities like water sports may incur charges.
Railcards are typically accepted on national rail services, including the St Ives Bay Line, offering potential discounts.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The entire 10-minute journey is renowned for its beauty, particularly the stretch along the golden beaches of St Ives Bay and views of surfers.
St Ives offers art galleries, independent shops, beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and a variety of places to eat and drink.
Yes, St Ives has beautiful side streets and coastal paths perfect for exploring on foot.
St Ives is famous for its art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists.
Popular beaches include Porthminster Beach, Harbour Beach, and Porthmeor Beach, each offering a unique atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
St Ives has a wide range of dining options, from quaint cafes and pubs to seafood restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Yes, being a coastal town, St Ives offers excellent fresh seafood options.
Most eateries in St Ives are accommodating and offer vegetarian and vegan choices.
Prices can vary, but you can find everything from affordable snacks and pub meals to more upscale dining experiences.
Absolutely, St Ives has numerous bars and pubs, some with lovely harbour views.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire journey offers stunning photo opportunities, especially the views of the bay, beaches, and the sea.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the beautiful scenery, but a camera with good zoom can be beneficial for distant shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed on the train, but be mindful of other passengers.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light for photography in St Ives.
The harbour, Porthmeor Beach, and the winding streets offer classic St Ives photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Once in St Ives, the town's beaches provide ample space for kids to play and build sandcastles. +1🎨 Art Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
+1 Once in town, many of the best attractions are free, including exploring the beaches and wandering through the charming streets. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The St Ives Bay Line Experience
+2 The route hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the golden sands of St Ives Bay and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Travelers frequently share their awe at the scenery, with many noting that it feels like a holiday before you even arrive. +1Many visitors recommend taking the train as a park and ride option to avoid the complexities of driving and parking in St Ives, which is known for its narrow, winding streets.
+1 The visual feast includes the Hayle Estuary and surfers catching waves, making the journey itself a highlight for many. +1For the best photographic opportunities, passengers are advised to sit on the left side of the train when heading towards St Ives, as this side offers the most direct and unobstructed views of the coastline.
This scenic railway is not just a mode of transport but an integral part of the St Ives experience, setting the tone for a beautiful Cornish adventure. +1Exploring St Ives: Beyond the Train
St Ives is also blessed with beautiful beaches, each with its own appeal. Porthminster Beach is known for its calm waters, while Porthmeor Beach is a popular spot for surfers.
For those seeking more active pursuits, St Ives provides opportunities for coastal hiking and exploring the surrounding Cornish landscape. The combination of natural beauty, artistic flair, and a welcoming atmosphere makes St Ives a truly special destination.
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