St Ives in Cornwall has been named the UK's best seaside town with a golden beach, according to a survey by Haven and OnePoll.com of 2,000 Brits. The picturesque town, located on Cornwall’s south-western tip, was praised for its stunning natural landscape and crystal clear waters.
Lined with golden beaches popular with surfers and featuring a quaint harbour with small sailboats, St Ives offers plenty for visitors. It is also a hub for artists, home to the Tate's western outpost gallery and Barbara Hepworth's house with a sculpture garden. The Porthminster Gallery highlights local artists.
Tripadvisor reviews describe St Ives as a "beautiful place to visit" with "stunning beaches" that are not all overpriced. Another visitor noted the "picturesque and dramatic views" from cafes or restaurants. The high street, Fore Street, is well preserved and offers shopping opportunities.
In the survey's top 30 ranking, Padstow came third, while Ilfracombe and Salcombe in Devon also made the list. Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire claimed second place. Simon Palethorpe, CEO at Haven, commented that the result proves one does not need to go far from home for picture postcard views.
