Travel & Places Travel & Places

Discover The Artistic Heart Of Cornwall

Cornwall is definitely one of the UKs most beautiful counties. Stretching to the most southwest point of the British Isles and boasting some of the best beaches in the country, Cornwall has much to discover. If you are looking for a place to base yourself while exploring the area, look no further than St Ives. Holiday cottages in this pretty fishing town make wonderful accommodation options in which to be based. Many reputable travel companies offer St Ives holiday cottages, so there are plenty of charming places to choose from.

St Ives in one of the most famous towns in the county and it simply buzzes with local vitality. As it is an old fishing port, the harbour is still the central point of the town from which the tiny cobbled streets radiate. Cosy cafes and subtly sleek restaurants line the streets and the smell of the freshly cooked morning catch dances in the air outside. A pleasant town to wander around, it is also a great place to stay for exploring the rest of county, walking the coastal paths and visiting many of the big attractions in Cornwall.

The Artistic Side

Art has always been a big part of the culture in Cornwall, and the beautiful scenery and exquisitely changing light has drawn artists to the area for many years. Big on the international art scene, the town is home to the Tate St Ives, which was opened in 1993. The program offered in the gallery embraces the best of international modern and contemporary art and houses many wonderful exhibitions and commissions from the Tate Collection.

Added to this, the Tate St Ives manages the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Visit this special place and get a real insight into the work and ideas of one of the most famous twentieth century artists. From drawings and paintings to carvings in stone, bronze and wood, this is a remarkable display of innovative artistic work. The free guided tours are an added bonus and allow you to really engage with the museum's exhibits.

More modern and contemporary works can be seen at the Belgrave. This is a private gallery and one that works with artists, collectors and other galleries to produce a program that changes monthly and exhibits one-person themed exhibitions. The staff here is extremely helpful and knowledgeable and take great pride in answering questions and discussing the exhibits.

Once you have explored the artistic heart of the town, why not venture out to Tregenna Castle Gardens? This is a beautiful estate with stunning views overlooking the bay and some incredible woodland water gardens, sub-tropical exhibits and the option to indulge in a rather decadent cream tea.

Beyond art there is much more to uncover in and around St Ives. Holiday cottages, allowing the convenience of exploring independently, are becoming ever more appealing for a family summer holiday. However, as you may imagine, St Ives holiday cottages are very popular so book early to avoid disappointment.





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