Holidaying in St Ives with Young Family

If you are looking for an extraordinary family friendly holiday, or are an expectant mother needing some rest and relaxation, we can assure you of the break you deserve when staying in one of our luxury self catering properties located in St Ives Cornwall.

We believe that the little things make a big difference, that’s why we provide:

• Complimentary travel cots and high chairs/booster seats
• Complimentary stair gates in select properties
• NNEB certificated baby sitting service, for a special night out
• In-house massage and holistic therapies
• Private parking outside your property
• Level access to properties 

We haven’t forgotten those families with twins or two toddlers too!  A variety of properties offer two sets of complimentary travel cots and high chairs.

To ensure you have a stress free holiday, our properties have everything you could need on the door step for a relaxing getaway.

• Convenient local shops for all your baby essentials and the option of having your shopping delivered and unpacked for your arrival.
• Stunning, safe, award winning beaches within walking distance. 
• Great selection of baby friendly places to eat out.
• Lots of exciting family attractions to choose from, from soft play centres to farms and even penguin feeding!
• In-house massage or a variety of local spas to help you unwind.  

Things to See and Do in and around St Ives over the Festive Period

Christmas Lights Tour

Many of the towns and villages in the local area go to great efforts with their Christmas light displays. Our favourite displays are:

• St Ives
• Mousehole
• Leedstown
• Hayle
• Angarrack

Conjure up a Fantastic New Years Fancy Dress Costume

There are a few places where we highly recommend you search for your fancy dress costumes: 

• Trawl through the towns charity shops – they tend to save up some really good items which make for the perfect New Years fancy dress outfit.

• You can normally hire/purchase costumes from the St Ives Operatic Society a couple of days before New Years. They are normally located within the St Ives Backpackers Hall on The Stennack.

• Fancy dress shops in Penzance – these can be found on Market Jew Street and Causeway Head.

 Kidz R Us Panto

Whether it's just the two of you or the whole family, this year's Kidz R Us panto ‘Aladdin’ offers great entertainment as usual.  Very professional, funny and well worth a watch.  Performances are on the 28th, 29th and 30th December at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets are selling out fast, so make sure you book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. www.kidzrus.net
 

Minack Theatre 2012. A “Must See” during your Holiday in St Ives

A trip to the Minack Theatre is a must for anyone holidaying with us in St Ives, whether it be for a day trip or to take in a show with one of the most stunning views around.

Tickets are now available for shows up until the end of May 2012.  See their website for details or call the Box Office between 10am and 4pm on 01736 810181

April 6 to 14:  Titanic - The Musical presented by The Atlantic Theatre Company
This production will mark the centenary of the tragic demise of the 'Ship Of Dreams'

May 17, 18 & 19:  Olympus presented by Good Company
This new show will be presented to coincide with the departure of the Olympic torch from Land's End

May 23 &24:  Port Isaac’s Fishermans Friends

Tickets £16/£14

May 25 & 26:  Suzanne Vega

Possibly the finest singer songwriter of her generation.
All tickets £20

For the schedule for the main 2012 season, view the Minack Theatre website here:  http://www.minack.com/whatson.htm

Have you been to the Minack Theatre? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.

Christmas Gift Ideas from Carbis Bay Holidays

If you’re looking to holiday in the St Ives area with Carbis Bay Holidays next year, then why not consider some of the Cornish Christmas Gift ideas below?  We've rounded up some of our favourites for you.

Learn to Surf
How's about purchasing a gift voucher for a surf lesson during your stay from St Ives Surf School?  Based on Porthmeor beach, these guys offer a 20% discount off all lessons for Carbis Bay Holidays guests only. Visit their website to find out more and don’t forget to quote ‘Carbis Bay Holidays’ when booking.

Theatre Tickets
The Minack Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012. Why not purchase tickets to watch a wonderful performance in the most spectacular open air theatre? We watched the Fisherman's Friends last year, it was fantastic and were pleased to hear that they are returning in 2012.

Fine Dining Experience
For those foodie lovers, a voucher for the Porthminster Beach Café is sure to go down a treat. Enjoy the ultimate Cornish cuisine indulgence, in this beautifully located award winning restaurant.

Art Lessons
The St Ives School of Painting offer a range of 1 – 3 day courses throughout the year. From landscape to life, oils to watercolour, choose an approach that would suit your loved one the best.

Fun and Funky Sewing Course
Poppy Treffry offers one day freehand machine embroidery courses. The course includes materials, lunch and a goodie bag. Poppy’s courses are incredibly popular, so we recommend you book up quickly to avoid disappointment.

Luxury Holiday Voucher
Why not spoil a loved one with a Carbis Bay Holidays voucher? A truly special gift that is sure to put a big smile on their face. Please phone to find out more 08000 122241.

Coast Awards 2012...Carbis Bay Holidays calls for votes!

Following the recent victory for St Ives at the British Travel Awards.  Carbis Bay Holidays now begins their campaign to spread the word about the Coast Awards 2012. 

St Ives has once again been shortlisted as well as some of our favourite beaches, eateries and attractions in Cornwall.

Vote for our friends by logging on to coastmagazine.co.uk/coastawards2012.  You could be in with a chance of winning £250 to spend at Joules.

Best Seaside Holiday Destination

St Ives, Cornwall has been shortlisted against:
St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Southwold, Suffolk
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitstable, Kent

 

Best British Beach

Gwithian, Cornwall has been shortlisted against:

Bamburgh, Northumberland
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Holkham, North Norfolk
Woolacombe, North Devon

 

Best Seaside Attraction

The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Cornwall has been shortlisted against:
Brighton Pier, East Sussex
Blackpool Tower, Lancashire
Southwold Pier, Suffolk
Turner Contemporary, Margate, Kent

Best Beach Cafe

Godrevy Beach Café, Gwithian, Cornwall has been shortlisted against:

East Beach Café, Littlehampton, East Sussex
Harbour Lights, Coverack, Cornwall
Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock, Dorset
Ocean Beach, Southend, Essex

Best Seaside Restaurant

Porthgwidden Beach Café, St Ives, Cornwall has been shortlisted against:

The Company Shed, West Mersea, Essex
Fifteen Cornwall, Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Rocksalt, Folkestone, Kent
The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent

Best Coastal Path

The South West Coast Path has been shortlisted against:

The Cleveland Way
Norfolk Coast Path
Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
South Downs Way

We'd love to hear what you think of the finalists, do post your comments below.

Cosy Places for a Winter Hot Chocolate

      Blue Bar – Porthtowan – TR4 8AD
A fellow Green Tourism Business Scheme member, Blue Bar is located right next to Porthtowan beach, a great little place to storm watch.

Sunset Surf Café – Gwithian – TR27 5BT
Sunset Surf café offer really yummy hot chocolates, with lashings of cream on top.  The views from the café are spectacular, looking right across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse.

      The Logan Rock Inn - Treen – TR19 6LG
A 400 year old, proper Cornish pub set a few minutes walk off the coastal path near to the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno. Low beams make for a cosy hot chocolate, next to the open fire.

Sand Bar – Praa Sands – TR20 9TQ
Another great beach side café, which is dog friendly! Watch the children playing on the beach whilst you sit back and relax. 

The Balcony – St Ives – TR26 1LF
The Balcony bar is located above the harbour, making this a great place to watch the comings and goings in this beautiful seaside town.

Alfresco – Cornish Style
Fill up a flask of your favourite hot chocolate and find your own special little place to watch the tide ebb and flow.

Half Term Halloween Happenings In and Around St Ives, Cornwall

Halloween is fast approaching and guests holidaying with Carbis Bay Holidays this October half term might be wondering what spooktacular events are on in St Ives.  We’ve rounded up the best of the local events for you to explore.  Tell us what you think!

Halloween Treats, St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

Thursday 27^th and Friday 28^th 11am - 4pm. 

Search for the legendary giant with his cauldron of activities.

http://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/

Halloween Fancy Dress Monster Roll, St Ives

Roller Disco at The St Ives Concert Hall

Friday 28th October

Family Roller Disco 2pm – 5pm

Under 18s Roller Disco 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Over 18s Roller Disco 8pm – 10.30pm

Chart and Party Tunes, Games, Prizes and Giveaways

http://www.streetlifeextremesports.co.uk/

Lantern Ghost Story Walk, St Ives

Wednesday 26^th to Sunday 30^th October at 9.15pm

Join Shanty Baba as he shows you the "the darker side of St Ives".  From haunted places to spooky alleyways, there’s fun for all the family.! 

http://www.shantybaba.com/

Carbis Bay Holidays - the first green holiday letting agency in St Ives

Following the assessment of Carbis Bay Holidays in July 2011, we are delighted to have been presented with a GOLD Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) for our commitment and environmentally friendly facilities at Carbis Bay Holidays. The award was very well received by us all, especially after so much effort and commitment has been made to ensure that we reduce our impact on our surroundings.

We always strive for the very best and although we achieved a GOLD on our first assessment, it was by no means easy and meant us reviewing our entire business and renovating our new office with the environment in mind.  We will continue to sustain that same high level of commitment over the years to come and aim to pass on our message of encouragement to our owners and our guests. With that in mind we have created a guide which outlines how our guests can support the local area and environment whilst on holiday with us in St Ives, West Cornwall.

We hope to add a selection of GTBS accredited properties to our portfolio in the coming months to provide guests with the option of a completely green holiday in St Ives.  Watch this space!

Autumn is upon us... latest news from Carbis Bay Holidays

St Ives September Festival draws to a close this weekend and the nights are drawing in…but there is still lots to do in West Cornwall to keep any visitor to the area happy!

Cornish Food and Drink Festival this weekend

Truro’s Lemon Quay hosts the 8th Cornwall Food & Drink Festival running from this Friday 23 to Sunday 25 September 2011.  Entry is free and there’s something for everyone with lots to see and do and the finest selection of food and drink to try and buy.  You can find the event programme here.

Dogs soon welcome on all beaches

After 30^th September, the restrictions on dogs being allowed on some of our beaches are lifted.  Porthkidney Sands and Lelant are always dog friendly, but this time of year, your four legged friend has a wider choice of beaches and can expend some energy on Carbis Bay and Porthmeor beach too (amongst others!).  We’ve a great selection of pet friendly properties available if you are considering a short break or week long stay in St Ives.

Fancy a Winter Break?  You could win an iPad too!

If you're considering a stay with us between November this year and February 2012, look out for future blog posts outlining what’s on during your stay.  We have a great promotion this year, as all customers taking a holidays in St Ives, Carbis Bay and Lelant with us during this period will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad.  We have four to give away!  You can find out more information on our website.

We'd love to know what the best aspects of your holidays in St Ives are at this time of year.  Do add your comments below.

Must See Beaches for Visitors to St Ives by Carbis Bay Holidays

We’ve rounded up some of your favourite beaches, which we feel are a must-see for any visitor to St Ives.  Some are on the doorstep, and some are a little further afield but definitely worth the trip.

Have we missed any of your favourites?  Be sure to add them in the comments below!

Gwithian:  A great beach for family fun 

20 minutes drive from the Carbis Bay Holidays Office (Postcode:  TR27 5BX)

A breathtaking sandy beach with superb rock pooling to be had, Gwithian provides something for all the family.  Check out Sunset Surf School if you’re feeling active or just enjoy the scenery that this lovely sheltered beach provides.  Sunset Beach Café does some great sticky cakes and Sandsifter is great for a steaming cup of hot chocolate after an afternoon in the surf.

With thanks to Neil Eggleton via Facebook

Porthkidney Sands: A walker and photographers delight

30 mins walk from the Carbis Bay Holidays office (Postcode:  TR26 5BL)

A lesser known beach of St Ives, Porthkidney Sands is located within easy walking distance along the coastal path from all of our properties.  Although lacking in amenities, this beach is a super spot for walking and photography with sweeping views across to Godrevy Lighthouse, and some beautiful sand dunes and grasses.  Also great for surfing too!

With thanks to @helsbels1272 via twitter

Church Cove:  A church on the edge of a beach!

47 mins drive from the Carbis Bay Holidays office (Postcode:  TR12 7PQ)

Church Cove is a sheltered family beach particularly popular for water sports such as snorkeling, diving and surfing.  One of its special features is the church located right on the edge of the beach which is often left battered by sand and waves after high tides and storms.  Church Cove also boasts many interesting rock types and rare and unique plant species. Due to this it forms part of a Site of Special Interest as well of being located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

With thanks to Dorinda Boag via Facebook

Porthgwarra: A secret hideaway, with a unique cliff tunnel

44 mins drive from the Carbis Bay Holidays office (Postcode:  TR19 6JR) 

A relatively unknown Cornish Cove with a tunnel running through part of the cliff.  There is a rope to hold on to as it can be very slippery.  Amenities are limited but there is a little cafe selling homemade pasties and ice creams.

There’s a great walk along the Southwest Coast Path between Porthgwarra and our next must-see beach Porthcurno.

Porthcurno:  Paradise!

39 mins from the Carbis Bay Holidays office (Postcode:  TR19 6JX)

A glorious sandy beach with a stream at the top which provides great paddling for children.

Porthcurno is stunning, with the colours of the sand and sea often being likened to the Caribbean. A fabulous place to visit to really appreciate the wonders of the Cornish Coast.

With thanks to Andrea Thompson and Susan Holt via Facebook

It's been a busy month here at Carbis Bay Holidays in St Ives

We've been a little quiet recently as we've been extremely busy moving into our new office along with furnishing it and preparing for high season.  We've also had lots of lovely bookings coming through for Summer.  Hooray!  Look out for another blog post soon where we will show you what we have done with what was The Cornishman Newsagents.  It really is a transformation.

With our new office move in sight, we made the decision to turn over a new leaf and signed up to the Green Tourism Business Scheme in 2010.  This month saw their visit to Carbis Bay Holidays, which was hosted by our lovely Tamsin.  We told them everything about Carbis Bay Holidays and our green ethos.  We are so excited to hear of the result in 4 - 6 weeks!

Our new office is certainly getting us noticed and grabbing the attention of lots of potential new owners with super properties in St Ives, Carbis Bay and Lelant.  So look out for more additions to our portfolio over the coming months.  In case you missed them, our latest are outlined below:

Driftaway, a stunning beachfront apartment in Carbis Bay overloooking Hawkes Point.  Sleeps two.  View here.

Bosorne, a beautiful bungalow in Carbis Bay.  Sleeps six plus an infant.  View here.

Carvean, a brand new pet friendly property sleeping 6 plus two infants.  View here.

We still have some availability for the school holidays, though some weeks are already booked up, so you need to move fast if you haven't yet made your reservation.  Don't forget also that we are now accepting provisional reservations for 2012 with no deposit required until early August!  Why not reserve your favourite holiday home now?

Do tell us what you think of our new properties in the comments below.

Carbis Bay Holidays Introduces Seagrass Restaurant in St Ives!

Seagrass is a stylish new restaurant located on Fish Street, just a few meters up from Harbour Beach in the beautiful town of St Ives.  Head Chef Lee Groves (Masterchef The Professionals Semifinalist 2010), uses his culinary skills and imagination to bring you an innovative modern menu using only the finest locally sourced produce there is.  Having worked with some of the most celebrated chefs in the Country he now aspires to become one of them. 

The expertly prepared food at Seagrass will excite both your palate and your eye - matched with carefully selected wines to ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable dining experience.

The atmosphere is relaxed and if you don’t fancy a full meal then you can enjoy a selection of small plates at the bar - mix and match from a selection of dishes like flaked Cornish Crab Caesar with a Gazpacho Shot or Bocconcini Baby Mozarella & Onion Jam washed down with a chilled glass of wine, champagne or a selection of beer.
 

Scrumptious Cornish Seabass

Open 12pm to 5pm for lunch, tapas and set menu and from 7.00pm for dinner - to reserve a table for dinner, please call 01736 793763, email; info@seagrass-stives.com or book through their website http://www.seagrass-stives.com/ where you will also find details of all their menus.

Complimentary Wine for guests of Carbis Bay Holidays!

To celebrate the opening of this super new restaurant, Seagrass are offering a complimentary glass of house wine with each main course ordered at dinner.  Just quote your booking reference number when ordering.  Offer expires 30/06/11.

Meet Head Chef, Lee Groves

For guests staying with Carbis Bay Holidays during the St Ives Food Festival, look out for chef Lee Groves on Saturday 21^st May.  He’ll be cooking up a storm at 4pm on the Harbour, West Pier with a fantastic cooking demonstration.

Have you tried Seagrass in St Ives yet?  Let us know your comments here.

English Wine Week...Cornish Style

When you think of wine I’m sure most of you think of France, Australia, Chile and many of the other superb wine producing countries, but watch out, England is now hot on their heels.

Cornwall in specific has two fantastic award winning vineyards.  Camel Valley have been producing world-class wines for over twenty years and the relatively new, but superb Polgoon Vineyard.

Camel Valley produces award-winning wines in an idyllic setting on sun-drenched slopes near the famous Camel River; with excellent grapes that perfectly suit the soil and climate; a respect for traditional vineyard practices combined with a modern approach to wine making and, most importantly – a passion for creating wines that provide pure pleasure.

Polgoon Winery is based in Penzance and successfully produce a range of new classic rosé, white and red wines, Sparkling Aval (Cornish for apple) Elderflower Fizz and sparkling fruit cider drinks.  John and Kim Coulson, Polgoon’s owners, have developed the Vineyard from a derelict farm and outbuildings to create a flourishing vineyard and orchard producing their award winning Cornish drinks.

To celebrate English Wine Week, Polgoon are holding free tastings and tours at their vineyard and orchard.  There's something for everyone with 16 acres of vines and apple trees, the shop and winery to explore. To find out more and to book a place visit the Polgoon Winery website.      

Guests staying with Carbis Bay Holidays will find a gift from us to celebrate English Wine Week with our compliments.  Tell us what you think!

St Ives is Best UK Beach Resort

St Ives has been voted the top UK beach resort and placed at number six in a league of the best sandy destinations in Europe in recent TripAdvisor awards.

Head of tourism at VisitCornwall, Malcolm Bell, said: 'This award is an amazing testament to the popularity of St Ives which is truly one of the jewels in Cornwall's crown.'

'As well as stunning beaches it has a range of quality accommodation and fantastic attractions making it appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.'

We at Carbis Bay Holidays are delighted that this beautiful part of West Cornwall has been recognised once again.  Having fallen in love with the area over ten years ago, we now let 70 luxury holiday cottages, apartments and houses located in and around St Ives.

Carbis Bay Holidays sponsor Kidz R Us in St Ives

After the success of the fireworks night on Carbis Bay beach last year, Carbis Bay Holidays have made it our mission to work more closely with our local community in 2011.  We're delighted to put our name to Kidz R Us, a registered charity set up in 1993, which is dedicated to developing young people through practical engagement in the performing arts.  Over 100 children are involved and each year offers at least three wonderful musical productions as well as a number of concerts. 

Planned for 2011 are well known shows such as Footloose and Annie, along with a swinging sixties musical called a Slice of Saturday Night.  We are certain these events will be enjoyed by many of our guests staying in luxury holiday homes in St Ives and Carbis Bay.

You can find out more information on the programme of events offered by Kidz R Us on their website, or by following them on Facebook.

St Ives based Cornish Holiday Cottage collection boasts most Gold Awards

Discerning guests searching for a little bit of luxury in the south-west Cornwall need look no further than our portfolio of superb properties. VisitEngland has confirmed that Carbis Bay Holidays offers more self catering properties in Cornwall with the much coveted Gold Award than any other in the county!  

The VisitEngland Gold Award is an accolade given to those luxury holiday apartments, houses and cottages with exceptional levels of quality within their four or five star rating – and they are properties that are sure to exceed guests’ expectations.

In our 2011 collection, Carbis Bay Holidays offer 33 properties which bear the Gold Award logo – representing nearly 50% of all the properties we market.

This wonderful news couldn’t come at a better time, as St. Ives was named the Best UK Seaside Town of the year, by the British Travel Awards in November last year. Why not stay in the very best accommodation too?

Are independent assessments such as VisitEngland Awards important to you when you book your self catering holiday in the UK? Let us have your comments.