7 Fantastic Things To Do for Group Holidays in St Ives, Cornwall

Thinking about getting a group together for a short break or holiday in St Ives? There is so much going on in this seaside holiday resort in West Cornwall that you will not be disappointed. Whether it’s a get-together with friends, a family reunion or a chance to to take the kids away with their friends for a fun adventure, there is plenty to see and do in St Ives to keep your party entertained. Here are seven fantastic suggestions for group attractions and activities in and around St Ives.

1. Take an Art Class

St Ives is world famous for its artistic and cultural heritage. There is no better place to combine a holiday with some artistic exploration. There are numerous art galleries and art schools in the town, many of which provide art classes and tuition for groups of all sizes. The St Ives School of Painting has a year-round programme of life-drawing classes and specialist workshops, including sessions which allow families to get creative together while art tutors introduce exciting techniques and materials.

Learning to Paint in St Ives. Photo by Charles Musselwhite

2. Explore the Moors on Horseback

Horse riding and trekking is a great way to explore the countryside around St Ives, while having a fun adventure as a group. The Penhalwyn Trekking Centre, just outside town, can saddle your group up for a ride up onto the moors with far reaching views of countryside and coast. All ages and abilities are welcome, as expert tuition is given.

3. Take a Stroll

The best thing about a holiday in Cornwall is the absolute freedom you have to soak up the scenery as you roam the beaches, coves and cliff-tops. It’s even more enjoyable if you’re out on a group walking adventure with friends or family. This could involve a short stroll out to ‘The Island’ for panoramic views of St Ives and the coast; or a more lengthy walk past some of the area’s picture-postcard beaches to Hawkes Point for breathtaking views across Hayle Estuary to the Towans and Godrevy Lighthouse.

Family Hiking in Cornwall

4. Go Fishing

Setting out from St Ives harbour on a sea fishing trip is a real adventure and enormous fun to do as part of a large group. The easiest introduction to sea fishing is to join a mackerel fishing trip. These go out for just a few hours and include all equipment and tuition. Almost everyone will catch a mackerel or several. You can choose to put them back in the sea or take the mackerel home for your supper. There are several fishing boats operating out of the harbour including St Ives Boats.

5. Paddle a Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe

Hawaii may seem a world away from the traditional British seaside. But on a warm, sunny day, the turquoise waters around St Ives can appear tantalisingly tropical. An exciting way for groups to enjoy the beautiful coastline is to take an outrigger canoe tour from Carbis Bay. As a group you will learn to paddle in unison as you skim across the sea. There are four and six man outriggers available. If you have more people in your group, they can paddle alongside using sit-on-top kayaks or stand-up-paddle-boards, all under the supervision of professional watersports instructors. Visit the Ocean Sports Centre for more information.

Outrigger Canoe Tours near St Ives

6. Go Down a Mine

From St Ives it’s just a short drive along the dramatic coast road to Pendeen where the Geevor Tin Mine offers a rich exploration of Cornwall’s mining heritage. This a great family attraction, and a good day out for groups of friends too. Geevor Tin Mine is one of the UK’s largest preserved mine sites and a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. There are many fine exhibits, but the highlight is undoubtedly the underground tour to experience the workings of an 18th century mine.

7. Dine Out on Seafood

St Ives is a foodies’ heaven with many fine dining restaurants and fun and funky eateries to enjoy during a group holiday in the town. The options range from gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizzas, to Mexican, Indian and Italian cuisine. But you couldn’t come all the way to St Ives without sampling some of the fresh fish and seafood on offer at the harbourside restaurants. Current favourites for a group celebration include Alba, Seagrass or the Seafood Cafe.

Seafood Central - St Ives Harbour in Cornwall

For group holiday accommodation in and around St Ives, please see the superb collection of sea view cottages, houses and large apartments available by the week, weekend or mid-week at Carbis Bay Holidays.