A Lovely Long Weekend in St Ives

This mini heat wave has really shown Cornwall off at its best, I took the opportunity to spend a long weekend with my mum in St Ives and it didn't disappoint! 

I had been to this tourist hot spot just last September and it was rather wonderful, so when my mum and I needed some R&R this was the place I booked. 

True, the weather was rather spectacular, and it really isn't always the case in Cornwall, but St Ives just felt like a mini piece of paradise on our long weekend away. 

We picked a self catering place about 15 mins up a steep hill (oops), but the house was light and airy with a garden and comfy beds, all we needed after our epic climb.

The first night we dined in style, I treated mum to a meal at the famous Porthmeor Beach Cafe with a sea view and a delicious tapas menu. Everyone was so welcoming and flexible, it made for a great experience. Before our table was free we had just enough time to wander round the Tate art gallery and grab a coffee, still gazing at that epic view. As the sun was setting we wandered home to get settled in, ready to embark on tomorrow's adventure. 

The next day we had a leisurely breakfast and decided to hit the beach early, like proper early, before the hordes came. We decided to check out Porthminster which we practically had to our selves. With a bar, toilets and chairs to rent, the beach had a lovely relaxed feel. There was a steady ripple of holiday makers walking down from the handy train station, but plenty of space for us all. We braved a sea dip (well, our feet did) and retreated to de-sand at home before it got too busy, and hot.

Lunch was taken at Harbour Fish and Chips, delicious. Mum and I sat people and dog watching, while sketching boats. 

The afternoon was spent at the Barabra Hepworth museum, which is quite a gem, tucked away down the side streets. Wondering round this famous sculptor's studio and garden there is such a sense of peace. A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. 

We searched for the perfect ice cream parlour and may well have found it, Moomaid of Zennor was truly delicious. Generous scoopings and fab flavours, I particularly liked the banana and clotted cream. Then a chilled evening back at our cottage, the plan was to watch a movie but my mum fell asleep! 

For our final full day we were on a mission, to cram as much coastal fun as we could. Early morning coffee at Yallah was just the ticket. Such a gorgeous view from their little cafe and my iced coffee was creamy heaven. We next decided to take a boat trip over the waves to Godrevy Lighthouse, the very same that inspired Virginia Woolf's poem which was a favourite of my mums. A choppy trip out but worth it to see some seals sunning themselves, and to gaze back at the pretty seaside town and with the Mediterranean-like sea. 

After coming back on dry land (I was rather shaky) we grabbed fishy salads and sat - away from prying seagulls - in the memorial garden. Then we explored the shopping St Ives has to offer. Beautiful independent shops, some a little pricy but so many pretty things! 

We spent our final hours sitting on harbour beach watching the children jump over the tethered boats and the dogs chase balls as families played. Yet more ice cream and a truly wonderful way to end the day.

Our early start (I really am a fan of those) meant we had time to hop across to Marazion and enjoy a coffee at the Godolphin Hotel with a truly epic view of St Michael's Mount. Quite a trip! Cornwall truly is a special place to live and holiday - and I get to do both!