Prepare for colour, beauty and dazzling light in St Ives, a sunny seaside destination that’s as famous for its artistic heritage as its golden Blue Flag beaches and azure waters.

The harbour town is one of Cornwall’s top destinations, partly due to its wide-ranging appeal. Whatever you love from a holiday, you’ll likely find it in St Ives.

Adore the beach? There are four here, golden, glittering and lapped by some of Britain’s most surfable waves. For shopping enthusiasts, there’s a score of gift shops, independent boutiques and a handmade crafts market. While fresh, seasonal, local produce is the mainstay of the many tea rooms, bars and high-end restaurants here.

For many though, it’s St Ives’ art scene that holds the biggest appeal. The town has been a focal point for artists over the centuries, and today it’s blessed with many excellent galleries and two famous institutions, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the recently revamped Tate Gallery.

• Four unspoilt beaches
• Great surfing conditions
• Famous galleries
• Top-notch cuisine
• Lovely range of shops