UK breaks: 24 hours in St Ives

Never surfed before? Fear not because the folks at St Ives Surf School run two-hour beginner sessions to help you get to grips with the waves. Seasoned pro? Book a class with a coach who can bring out your raddest rides yet. Either way, you won’t find a more exhilarating start to the day.

Oh yes, this is what we come to Cornwall for: beachfront breakfasts. You can eat al fresco whatever the weather thanks to their cosy heated booths (no, the sun isn’t always shining here). Warm up with croissants and coffee or try some delicious Cornish saffron toast.

What to do in St Ives? Tootle on over to the recently revamped Tate to enjoy art with Atlantic Ocean views. Like its London sister it showcases some of the most provocative artwork of our times, with special emphasis, of course, on the rich artistic heritage of the town.

You won’t be short of creative things to do in St Ives. If this vibrant community has inspired you, get stuck into one of Barnoon’s weekly art workshops. You can try all sorts, from artist-led tours of the town, drawing as you go, to dabbling in your own watercolour portraits.

Yes yes, Seasalt does yummy mummy coastal clothes. But did you know you can also get those cute prints on stationery, bedding and even chocolate bars? Oh hi there, toffee apple milk chocolate. There’s a lot more to discover here in the store’s spiritual home...

This place is all about the loaded dirty fried, epic milkshakes and Dirty South Burgers smothered in Cornish Blue - so make sure you’ve worked up an appetite before you settle in. The harbour-front hangout, who works with a heap of local suppliers, also does an excellent range of craft beer - 10 on tap at any one time. Hiccup!

Spoil yourself with some soothing downtime at this waterfront spa. Ease aching muscles with a warm seashell massage, or go all out with an Ocean Spa Ritual, where you’ll be pampered and polished from head to toe. Tip: for another restaurant in St Ives, The Terrace is wonderful.

No trip to the seaside makes sense without ice cream. Try a scoop or two of the Moomaid’s marvellous flavours: creamy clotted cream, pistachio or their special salted caramel Shipwreck with nuggets of scrummy honeycomb treasure. A strong contender for the hotly contested ‘best ice cream in Cornwall’ crown.

Take the pace down a notch and treat yourself to a potter by the harbourside. Dangle your legs over the water’s edge and watch the colourful fishing boats bob about as seagulls squawk above: fingers crossed they don’t nab your pasty.

Oo arrrr, this totally nails the cool, crashed-out pirate vibe, which makes it a great place to meet fellow travellers. Plus the menu hits the jackpot: rum cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to crab and lobster. Among the best restaurants in St Ives if you enjoy a relaxed setting.

You can catch a bus from St Ives to this iconic outdoor theatre, and we suggest you do. Ever watched from cliffside seats while actors perform Shakespeare with crashing waves beyond? Thought not. Tip: book bus tickets in advance from the Minack Box Office.

Each of the six beautiful, bright rooms at this guesthouse come with thoughtful touches to make you feel looked after, from the Egyptian cotton bed linen to the Neal’s Yard lotions and potions. You’ll love reading in the snug and tucking into your granola parfait brekky on the terrace.