Best Beaches for Surfing in and around St Ives

If you’re visiting St Ives in Cornwall this summer, you really should try surfing. The sport of surfing is a vibrant part of the culture and lifestyle of Cornwall, and St Ives is a hotspot for surfing activity. To leave Cornwall without having tried surfing, is like visiting Cornwall without ever tasting a Cornish pasty. It’s simply something you should do to get under the skin of this holiday destination and immerse yourself in the Cornish vibe.

Of course you wouldn’t just try surfing because of its connection with Cornwall. It is also a fabulous activity which allows you to have fun in the sea and experience the power of nature as you ride waves along the shore. It is also a healthy exercise and is great fun for all ages and abilities, especially families who are staying locally in St Ives holiday accommodation.

Surfing at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
The best place to start your surfing adventure in St Ives is Porthmeor Beach. This half-mile stretch of sand is located right in the heart of town, overlooked by the prestigious Tate Gallery. The beach faces north west, so it is slightly sheltered from the biggest swells and strongest winds. This means the waves are often cleaner and gentler here than west facing beaches, so Porthmeor Beach is perfect for learning to surf most of the time. St Ives Surf School runs surf lessons here (see discount information below). A surfing lesson at Porthmeor Beach is a superb activity to experience while you are on holiday in the St Ives area.

Surfing at Sennen Beach
Just a short drive away from St Ives and Carbis Bay, at the far end of West Penwith is the pretty fishing village of Sennen with its crescent of golden sand renowned for its quality surf conditions. As this beach is located right at the tip of Cornwall, near Land’s End, Sennen Beach does pick up most Atlantic Ocean swells. On big wave days, the surfing is best left to the local pros. But when the conditions are calm, Sennen is one of the few places where you can pick up some beginner size waves. There is also the very good Sennen Surf School here, with professional surf instructors eager to teach you in the ways of wave riding.

Surfing at Gwithian Beach
Located just the other side of Carbis Bay, at the other end of the Hayle Towans, Gwithian is one of the hottest surf destinations in the area. This beach is also exposed to the best swells rolling in from the Atlantic, which can deliver big barreling waves for experienced surfers some days. But on other days, beginner surfers can enjoy calmer waves and surf conditions suitable for learning how to surf. If you check the surf forecast and choose your visit correctly, you will be rewarded with some awesome waves in the shadow of Godrevy Lighthouse. Gwithian Academy of Surfing runs surfing lessons here for beginners and progressing surfers.

Surfing at Praa Sands
Praa Sands is only a 20 minute drive away from St Ives, but has a very different outlook and atmosphere to the rugged beaches of the north coast. When you pass Penzance you’ve turned the corner onto the south coast of West Cornwall, with generally gentler, greener coastal scenery. Surf conditions on the south coast can be world class, especially at nearby Porthleven with its renowned rocky reef break. The waves can also be big and hollow at Praa Sands, but generally in the summer months, the waves break gently onto a soft sandy beach. This makes it a good location for families with small children to try surfing and master core board skills without battling it out through big breakers. Stones Reef Surf Shop, located right on the beach, provides surfboard hire and surfing lessons.

Let’s Go Surfing!
So there you have it. A round-up of the best places to learn to surf and enjoy surfing while you are on holiday in St Ives or Carbis Bay. But your surfing adventure needn’t end there. There are surfing beaches, coves and more advanced surf spots to explore along the entire coastline of Cornwall. Once you’ve had your initial surf lessons and feel comfortable in the water, you can just pick up a board and explore. You’ll be assured a true Cornish adventure.

For more information on surfing in St Ives or to book surfing lessons at Porthmeor Beach, please visit the St Ives Surf School website. Remember that if you’re on holiday in St Ives with Carbis Bay Holidays, you can get 20% off the price of surf lessons with this surf school.

If you’re a keen surfer or want to try surfing while on holiday in St Ives, please check out the range of holiday cottages, houses and apartments near Porthmeor Beach on the Carbis Bay Holidays website.

We've Struck Gold Again as a Green Tourism Business

Carbis Bay Holidays is pleased to announce that it has retained it's Green Award status following an evaluation from the Green Business Tourism Scheme.

To celebrate the accolade we gave this press release a cheeky, little Olympian theme as follows:

While Team GB revels in its medal success at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, St Ives holiday accommodation specialist Carbis Bay Holidays is celebrating its own ‘podium finish’ after retaining a Gold Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Following an ‘Olympian’ effort to get their environmental policies and procedures up to the highest green standards, the St Ives based holiday company has retained its Gold Award – the top accolade in the national scheme which promotes sustainable tourism.

Carbis Bay Holidays has always prided itself in its green credentials, but this latest award in this prestigious scheme is the crowning glory in its continued efforts to run a responsible tourism business. It is the third successive year that the company has achieved the Gold Award.

Amanda O’Toole from Carbis Bay Holidays commented: “We’re delighted to be recognised again for our efforts to be an environmentally friendly business and to promote green, sustainable holidays in the St Ives area."

You can read the full press release here: Gold Medal for St Ives Accommodation Company

Ancient Forests Uncovered at Mount's Bay

This is amazing. An ancient submerged forest has been uncovered at Mount's Bay, near Penzance, following the recent storms.

Frank Howie/Cornwall Wildlife Trust

It seems that the stormy seas which wreaked havoc on the coast in early February has uncovered stumps of ancient oak, beech and pine trees. These large tree stumps are between 4,000 and 6,000 years old and have been preserved all this time by sand and shingle.

I'm not sure how long the ancient forest in Mount's Bay will remain visible before shifting sands cover them over again, but experts are warning visitors not to investigate.

Frank Howie, Cornwall Wildlife Trustee and chair of the county's Geoconservation Group, said: "The storms have revealed two to five metre trunks of pine and oak as well as the remains of hazel thickets with well-preserved cob nuts and acorns washed out by streams running across the beach.

"These forests were growing four or five thousand years when climate was slightly warmer than today.

"They were not flooded at the end of the last ice age which happened around 12,000 years ago.”

The above quote is an excerpt from an article in The Telegraph. To read full article go here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/10653204/Submerged-forests-revealed-by-UK-storms.html

Happy Valentine's Day from Carbis Bay Holidays in St Ives

As it’s Valentine’s Day we wanted to share with you our love of St Ives.  We carried out a quick survey of some of the Carbis Bay Holidays team, to see what they love best about our lovely quirky fishing village.

Posh Fish & Chips by Sunset

On a fine summer evening my husband and I love taking our Patterdale terrier ‘Jet’ for a walk around the Island, stopping off at Harbour Fish & Chips on the way. Their fish and chips are truly scrumptious, especially the sprinkling of crunchy sweet potato on top. The Island offers stunning 360 degree views, taking in so many different aspects of the town and bay. We finally make our way around to our little bench which is perfectly positioned overlooking Porthmeor beach and enjoy our alfresco dinner with what we think is the best sunset in the world.
Tamsin, Marketing

The Breathtaking Beauty

Even though I have lived here half of my life I still cannot believe how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place.  The walk from Carbis Bay where I live to St Ives is like a mini holiday to me and as soon as I reach closer to St Ives I look over the wall to survey the beauty and the light – it still always takes my breath away!
Natalie, Property

 
Carbis Bay Holidays offer a wide selection of holiday properties suitable for a romantic break any time of the year.  From cosy hideaways for couples to holiday homes with hot tubs, we are sure you will love St Ives and return again and again.

What do you love most about St Ives?

 

Bonfire, Fireworks & Fun on Carbis Bay Beach

There really is no better place to see a firework display than on a beach in Cornwall. The clean and crisp fresh air, high cliff tops and dark swollen seas all help to make a Cornish Bonfire Night truly spectacular.

Carbis Bay Holidays are delighted to be the main sponsor for the Carbis Bay Residents Association Bonfire and Fireworks Party once again this year, which will now be taking place on Monday 4th November 2013 (postponed from Sunday 3rd due to weather forecast).

Carbis Bay beach firework displays have received many positive reviews, so whether you’re young or old, you’re sure to enjoy the excitement of a firework party on the beach.

Local businesses will be getting involved, setting up stalls providing BBQ, mulled wine, hot potatoes, teas & coffees, doughnuts, candyfloss, sweets and treats.

Come join us with your family, warm yourself by the bonfire and watch the firework display take place. A free shuttle bus is running from the Porthrepta Road car park (Council pay and display car parking charge applies).

We start with the lighting of the bonfire at 5.30pm and then the fun really gets started!

£1 entry per person (suggested donation).

Free Entry to the Tate St Ives & Hepworth Museum

A visit to St Ives would not be complete without visiting the World famous Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Up until the 29th September 2013, visitors can enjoy the summer exhibition which features Marlow Moss, R H Quaytman, Linder, Barbara Hepworth, Linder, Gareth Jones, Nick Relph, Patrick Heron and Allen Ruppersberg, along with taking part in the ‘I Spy Tate’ challenge up until the 3rd September 2013.

The winter exhibition ‘Aquatopia’ is then installed in October 2013.

The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is a lovely peaceful attraction to visit, set in the heart of St Ives. You are given the chance to explore Hepworth’s former studio and tranquil gardens, where many of her master pieces can be admired.

We have three very special properties which offer guests a complimentary pass for two adults to visit both attractions an unlimited amount of times (entry for under 18’s is free), along with gaining a 10% discount in the Tate St Ives gift shop and roof top terrace cafe.

Aquamarine

A stunning two bedroom apartment with amazing panoramic sea views stretching right across St Ives Bay.  Located at the Carbis Beach Apartments, you are just a two minute walk away from the golden sands of the beach below and just 60 seconds from the South West Coast Path.  Sleeping 4 + infant, parking, Superfast broadband, iPad, Sonos music system and much more.

 

The White Lantern

A fabulous contemporary house situated within a 4 minute walk of St Ives town centre and Porthminster beach, sleeping 4 + infant.  Enjoy sea views, outside living space, stunning modern interiors, parking for up to three cars, full Sky TV package, bike locking and wetsuit washing areas and a Playstation III, just to name a few facilities. 

Ultramarine

The sister apartment to Aquamarine, Ultramarine also sleeps 4 + infant and benefits from the same outstanding facilities, including unparalleled sea views, balcony, sleek coastal interiors, parking and amazing entertainments package.

 

During the winter of 2013/14, Carbis Bay Holidays will be offering complimentary passes to the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden for bookings commencing between the 1st November 2013 and 27th March 2014, excluding school holidays. Please take a look at our winter breaks page for further information, along with details on Tate St Ives winter closing dates.

Hot Tub Holidays

Whether you are looking for a romantic break away for two, or a great way to entertain the kids whilst on holiday, our three luxury Cornish holiday homes with hot tubs are sure to add an extra special treat to your break.

What could be more relaxing than simply escaping to your own private hot tub after an exciting day of exploring?


Atlantic Watch is a hidden treasure on the coastline of Carbis Bay. The property features an indulgent hot tub and enjoys a prime location with uninterrupted sea views. This 5 star gold award property offers superb self catering accommodation only a stones throw from the beach and sleeps 4 + infant. A perfect choice for a romantic getaway. Summer School Holiday Availability - Weeks Commencing 27th July, 17th & 24th August 2013.

Fernhill Lodge boasts exceptional views across St Ives Bay which can be enjoyed from the hot tub. This three bedroom house sleeps 7 + 2 infants and is tucked away in exclusive 'Fernhill'. Built in reverse-level to maximise the views, this really is an idyllic place to relax and admire the panorama whatever the time of year. Blissful summer nights can be spent on the covered balcony or in the eight seater hot tub whilst watching the stars.

Tremorva is a stunning house in St Ives sleeping 8 + 2 infants in four bedrooms.  Located in the prestigious Treloyhan area, with magnificent panoramic ocean views aplenty. The fabulous rear garden boasts a large hot tub, outdoor table tennis table, gas BBQ, beach hut playhouse and outside shower. This stunning property also benefits from 3D Smart television with complimentary Netflix and Sky+ HD, children's den, log burner, super-fast broadband and much more. Summer School Holiday Availability - Weeks Commencing 10th, 17th & 24th August 2013 - Special £100 discount per week, see website for further information.

St Ives Retro Revelation - As Featured in July Vogue

The Vintage Store and Tearoom is quirky and stylish with beautiful wooden Ercol furniture to lounge on feeling like something out of Tom Ford film. Sample an array of gorgeous loose leaf teas or a well made Cornish roasted coffee, not to mention the amazing artisan cakes and freshly baked treats. There is superb view of St Ives harbour if you are lucky enough to get the window seat. A must visit whilst in St Ives, highly recommended!

How to get there - Once you are on the harbour front, about half way along you will spot a stylish A-board for The Vintage Store. It’s up a little flight of stairs and houses a beautifully curated collection of mainly 50’s and 60’s pieces including letterpress posters, angle poises, factory lights and a lovely bit of mid century furniture, from Eames to G-plan. They have also recently just introduced a great collection of household items from names such as Falcon, Tala and Iris Hantverk. 

01736 797530
sales@thevintagestorestives.com

Check out some of the unique and stylish mid century furniture in a selection of our properties at Carbis Bay Holidays.

Star Gazy is a fabulous luxury self catering property located at the prestigious Peninsula Apartments in St Ives, Cornwall. This stunning seaside holiday home is perfect for families. The inspirational interior is equipped with a beautiful Ercol plank table and set of Quaker chairs, as well as a few other quality mid-century pieces. These are teamed with one of the best panoramic sea views in St Ives, a flawless combination for an unforgettable Cornish holiday. 

Barbecue for Breakfast? Absolutely!

Introducing one of our fabulous new seaside properties Seaspray.

A beautiful beachfront Art Deco property with breath taking panoramic views.  Within just three steps you will be on the golden sands of the Blue Flag award winning Carbis Bay beach, you couldn’t be closer.  This property offers the perfect location for a seaside escape, sleeping four plus an infant, is dog friendly and boasts a wonderful log burner, perfect for those cooler evenings.

Food always seems to taste better when made on the grill and breakfast is no exception.  Start off your holiday mornings by the seaside with an alfresco breakfast made on the BBQ.

Here are some great ideas to get you started:

How about some BBQ fruit kebabs with yogurt and honey to get you energized for a morning walk, some BBQ grilled French toast or there is nothing like a traditional grilled bangers and bacon sandwich.

We have a number of alternative four and five star luxury holiday properties exclusively located within the St Ives area which also offer barbecue facilities.

St Ives Food and Drink Festival 2013

Come stay with us at Carbis Bay Holidays this May in time for the St Ives Food and Drink Festival.

Located on the beautiful Porthminster beach one of Cornwall’s finest beaches with amazing views across to Gwithian and into St Ives Harbour, the St Ives Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of the best of Cornish produce.

From wine, cider and beer producers, to chocolate and cheese makers, fruit and vegetable growers and meat, chutneys, curry and bread all produced in Cornwall, the food producers market at the festival is sure to delight the taste buds.

As well as the Producers' Marquee new events, activities and attractions are being added over the coming weeks. These include: Food and Drink Guided Tour, Wild Food Foraging Walk, Cornish Cheese and Wine Tasting, Live Music and Gourmet Evenings, as well as plenty of things for the kids to get involved in such as pasty making lessons.

Cooking demos will also take place over the two day event by local chefs sharing their culinary skills.

What better way to spend the weekend than staying in one of our luxury properties and tasting the culinary delights of Cornwall.

The St Ives Food and Drink Festival takes place Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th May 2013.  If you get here a day earlier, rumour has it you could bump into the Queen during a royal visit to St Ives!

Culinary Adventures in St Ives - Part 1

Surrounded by crystal waters and beautiful countryside, the chefs of St Ives’ restaurants are lucky to be able to have access to some of the finest and freshest produce around to create some of the fantastic dishes on offer for diners visiting the town.

We seem spoilt for choice in this little seaside town so we thought we would let you know a couple of our favourites to get you started on your culinary adventures when staying with Carbis Bay Holidays.

The Black Rock Restaurant, the Market Place

Sophisticated, well cooked cuisine and fantastic fresh farm house bread. The Black Rock has a small but exciting menu offering tasty treats made with quality local ingredients. Coupled with a stylish interior scattered with works from Michael Leech, The Black Rock makes for stylish dining.

• Try the fresh crab claws dripping in wild garlic and butter or the Thai style slow roasted pork belly with noodles.

 

The Porthmeor Beach Café

This beachside terrace in front of Tate St Ives offers a kind of cool but casual alfresco dining experience with incredible views across the beach. Watch the sunset and if you’re lucky you may see a school of dolphins pass by. Fresh Produce is offered in an exciting tapas style menu and has gained itself quite a reputation over the years.

•  Try the Cornish duck breast, apple & fennel, beetroot caramel or the Cornish seafood bouillabaisse, toasted sourdough and saffron aioli

We suggest you ring to book a table in the busier summer months and during school holidays.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from St Ives

Wow!  Only seven days to go until Christmas and here at Carbis Bay Holidays we are all prepared!  Are you?  Our properties are festively decorated and the mince pies have been ordered for our guests to enjoy on arrival.  We even have a seasonal photoshoot planned too!

If you're in St Ives, have a great stay with us and don't forget to check our website for what's on in December.  If you're not holidaying in St Ives, then have a super Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you to Cornwall in 2013.

Do let us know what you think of our St Ives version of '12 Days of Christmas' - we had great fun creating it!

Best wishes,


Alan, Sheena, Amanda, Richard, Alex, Tamsin and Tasha

Calling all little Sand Sculpturers!

It's not escaped our attention that it's October half term very very soon and we thought it would be great fun to invite any of the children holidaying with us in St Ives this year to create a "Snowman Sandcastle."

We know it's only October, but we start thinking about Christmas early here in the Carbis Bay Holidays office as there's lots to organise with all those Christmas decorations to go into our properties. 

With a bit of beachcombing, we are sure you will be able to find some mussels, stones and seaweed that could decorate him or her nicely.  We'd love to see your creations!  Post to our Facebook page or  email us at marketing@carbisbayholidays.co.uk

Celebrating our 100th Luxury St Ives Holiday Home

Established over a decade ago, Carbis Bay Holidays has evolved into one of Cornwall’s most prestigious luxury self-catering agencies, offering only four and five star accommodation exclusively in the St Ives area, and boasting more VisitEngland Gold Award properties than any other rental specialist in Cornwall. 

We have been eagerly anticipating the addition of the 100th property to our portfolio of luxury coastal retreats and this week we have certainly been celebrating this exciting milestone in style with the arrival of Blue Rock. 

For most people staying in St Ives, Blue Rock is one of those properties that you stroll past and say “I would love to stay there”!  This extraordinary property offers all you could need from a Cornish seaside holiday home including stunning panoramic sea views across one of the most beautiful bays in the world, as well as an elevated outlook of the picturesque harbour of St Ives.  All of this is teamed together with sumptuous interiors, wonderful outdoor living space and ample parking, an exciting and fairly unique home for this award winning town. 

Richard Brindley, Operations Director, Carbis Bay Holidays comments:

“It’s been eleven years in the making, but the slow and steady growth of the company has ensured that we can maintain the same high levels of service to our owners whether they joined us ten years ago or more recently. It’s a testament to all of the team, including our housekeepers that we have maintained our ethos throughout. Despite the current difficult economic times, Carbis Bay Holidays have continued to grow in both the number of properties that they let and also the number of bookings achieved per property.  We would like to thank our owners and guests for their continued part in our success.”

Luxury Summer Self Catering Properties with BBQ's

With the news from the Met Office of an imminent balmy summer, it has prompted us Cornish into pulling the barbeque out, and so can you by staying in one of our stunning luxury coastal holiday homes which provides a BBQ.

We have just a small handful of properties available for the school summer holidays, with the following properties providing a BBQ for guest's use:

St Ives

The White Lantern – Sleeps 4 + infant, 3 minutes walk to town centre and Porthminster beach, sea views, rear terrace and ample parking.
Availability – Week commencing Saturday 28th July 2012 

Chy an Pol – Sleeps 7 + infant, sea views, balconies, large secure rear terrace, parking for 2 cars.
Availability – Weeks commencing Saturday 21st July 2012 and Saturday 4th August 2012

Carbis Bay

Fernhill Lodge – Sleeps 7 + 2 infants, panoramic sea views, covered balcony, private garden and spa bath.
Availability - Week commencing Saturday 18th August 2012

Driftwood – Sleeps 6 + infant, dog friendly, secure rear patio and ample parking.
Availability - Week commencing Friday 17th August 2012

We also have a small range of alternative properties available during the summer holidays which do not offer a BBQ but are ideally positioned to enjoy a short stroll to the beach with a disposable BBQ.

The above properties were available at the time of publishing, please visit www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk for up to date availability.

Jubilee Bank Holiday Events in St Ives

St Ives will play host to a fabulous selection of events over the Jubilee bank holiday weekend and here are just a few that you can enjoy:

Saturday 2nd June

Jubilee Craft Fairs – Salvation Army Hall and the Parish Rooms throughout the day.

Roller Disco - 5.30pm to 7.30pm & 10pm, St Ives Guildhall - £5 per person (includes skate hire)

Sunday 3rd June

Jubilee Party and Country Fair at the Rugby Club – 11am, space can be reserved for individual streets to hold their own party. £5 for a pre-bookable lunch .The event will include traditional fun and games plus cake stall, tombola etc, face painting, BBQ, live music, cakes. Free entry for all.

Songs of Praise around harbour slipway – 7.30pm led by the St Ives Male Voice Praise Choir.

Monday 4th June

Lighting of Jubilee Beacon on the Island – 10pm organised by St Ives Rotary Club.

Tuesday 5th June

Harbour Boat Race - The Jumbo Association, Sailing Club and the Gig Club will be staging events in the harbour culminating with the St Ives Bay Diamond Jubilee Challenge Trophy 2.00pm – 2 races between the three clubs from St Ives to Hayle and back.

Kruners singing near the Sloop – 2.00pm

Bagas Porthia performing around the harbour front and in the town throughout the day.

 

Easter Events in West Cornwall

There are lots of great events to discover over the Easter holidays, all within a short drive of St Ives.
 

Trengwainton Easter Trail

Complete the Easter trail around this beautiful National Trust garden near Penzance and earn a tasty chocolate reward at the end. Held on the 6th, 8th and 9th April, 10.30am – 3pm £1.50 per Easter Trail entrant. 

Titanic the Musical at the Minack Theatre

A wonderful opportunity to watch this very special performance, with a backdrop of where the Titanic actually sailed on its way to Queenstown 100 year ago. Performances will be held on the 6th,7th,8th,9th,12th and 13th April with a centenary performance held on the 14th April at 10.20pm.

Consols Pool Model Boat Sailing Race

On Good Friday at 10.30am join the locals in this annual event at Consols Pool, St Ives. Located next to the round house at Hellesveor, sail your own non motorised model boat (£1 entry) or just sit back and take in the atmosphere for free. 

Trereife Easter Food & Craft Fair

This spectacular event is held on the 6th,7th,8th and 9th April 10.00am – 5.00pm. Lots of great activities to enjoy including, the grand Easter egg hunt, cooking demonstrations, funky food workshops, story tellers, magic shows and large marquees full to the rafters with food and crafts to purchase. Located on the outskirts of Penzance, admission for adults is £3.50, children £2 and under 5s free of charge. Family tickets are £9 (two adults and three children).

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.