St Ives
Sitting on a graceful curved bay on Cornwall's northern coast, the charming town of St Ives regularly features high on lists of the UK's best seaside towns. From medieval times the town was a fishing community; in fact it was the most important fishing centre on the northern coast. By the 18th century it enjoyed a reputation as one of England's busiest pilchard-fishing harbours, and many fine buildings were constructed on the back of this wealth. In later years the fishing industry declined, but by this time the railway had arrived, bringing droves of enthusiastic holidaymakers who ensured St Ives continued to prosper.
Portraits and landscapes
Now St Ives is also known as Cornwall's main art centre, as there are a number of galleries and artists' studios amongst the cobbled alleyways and switchback lanes fanning out from the harbour. Of course, the town also enjoys its glorious golden beaches, on the shores of the Celtic Sea.
