St Ives Bay van adventure guide: Cornwall campervan tips

Ah, Cornwall. The pointy end of the UK that so completely rejects what people normally picture when they think of the country, and too often overlooked in favour of Scotland, Wales, or the lights of the big cities. We’re narrowing in on the picture-perfect region of St Ives Bay, a 6-mile stretch of seaside paradise on Cornwall’s north coast. We’ll tell you all the best places to go, the best places to stay for a night, and where to find the best pasties in the land.

Why visit St Ives Bay in a van?

As a whole, Cornwall is one of the premier destinations to visit in your campervan or motorhome. Encompassing some of the most unique countryside in the UK, from golden sand beaches to towering cliffs, coastal dunes to sweeping rivers, the Cornish Peninsula is full of adventure. St Ives Bay hits the best of both worlds, ringed with small towns boasting a vibrant sport scene, and just a step away from all the activities you’ll need on your road trip, it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in a diverse landscape.

Exploring the great outdoors

You might not associate the UK with a thriving watersports scene, but that’s just what you’ll find in Cornwall. The waters of St Ives Bay provide something for everyone, be it high-octane thrills or the peaceful serenity of a paddleboard excursion. Porthminster Beach , at the foot of St Ives town, is the mecca for watersports enthusiasts, and St Ives Surf School is the place to head towards for all your waterborne needs. Learn to surf, paddleboard or sea kayak in one of the top rated schools in Cornwall, with lessons and tours tailored to all ability levels.

Looking for more land-based activities? Don’t worry, Cornwall isn’t just about getting your bathers on. The South West Coast Path, an epic 630 mile trail runs right through St Ives Bay in both directions, giving you the freedom to choose how you want to hike. Take the eastern path for a more relaxed walk along well-paved tarmac with sweeping views of the ocean, or the western path for a more rugged adventure, with the broiling sea below and the majesty of the moors surrounding you. The River Hayle is also a popular bird watching spot, so if you’ve packed your binoculars, keep your eyes peeled for razorbills, turnstones, and hoopoes gliding in off the waters.

Our pick of the outdoor activities in St Ives Bay however, is one for those that just can’t choose between the water and the land. Coasteering , which we promise is a word, is a much-loved activity in these parts. Head to St Ives Watersports to sign up, where you’ll be taken by trained guides on an outdoors adventure like no other. Jump off cliffs, float through serene gullies, explore rugged caves and go rock walking on an experience you won’t soon forget.

Best places to grab a bite

We’re not going to sit here and not mention at least one place to try out Cornwall’s most famous export, the pasty. The Cornish Bakery in St Ives should be your stop for breakfast, lunch, and a quick post-dinner snack on your road trip. A huge variety of flavours, from spiced cauliflower and chicken masala to beef chipotle and the classic meat and potatoes, will keep you coming back for more.

For another taste of the local Cornish cuisine, Porthminster Kitchen offers a wide range of gourmet small plates highlighting the best seafood and produce of the county. Right on the waters of St Ives Bay, you’ll be treated to a gastronomical delight and expansive views across the waves.

Best places to grab a drink

Staying on the waterfront (because who doesn’t love a drink with a view), we’re heading to Seven Bar St Ives, a classy establishment by the sea with an abundant offering of classic, signature and experimental cocktails to try. A huge wine list from across the globe is also on offer, as well as champagne cocktails for a special occasion.

Of course, no visit to an English town is complete without a stopover in a proper pub, and you won’t need to look further than Pilchard Press Alehouse. Find it up a back alley in St Ives, with traditional cask ale, proper British gins and a laid back atmosphere to rival any pub in the land.

Essential campervan facilities in St Ives Bay

There are plenty of public toilets spread throughout St Ives Bay, with the West Pier, Dove Street, Longstone Cemetery and Sloop Car Park toilets open year-round. There are also free public showers at Porthmeor Beach if your van isn’t equipped with one. If you get caught out with too much waste on your trip, head to Treloweth Lane in St Erth, where you can safely dispose of general waste and recycling.

There’s plenty of places to stock up your van in St Ives Bay, with a Tescos in Carbis Bay for all your bulk needs, an Asda in Hayle , and a Lidl in Loggans. If you just can’t go without your percy pigs, there’s also a Marks and Spencer in Loggans.

Road trips from St Ives Bay

Unless you’ve started your journey in Cornwall, chances are you’ve already done a bit of road tripping to get to the peninsula, but there are still a number of fantastic places to make sure you check out in a van.

• Take the A30 north-east and wind your way through the Cornish countryside, where 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving will get you to Tavistock , the gateway to the fantastic Dartmoor National Park.

• For an unforgettable trip to soak up some history, head north to Bath , with its wonderfully preserved array of Roman bath houses, 3 hours and 30 minutes away.

• Rugged coastal journeys still on the mind? Not to worry, the spectacular Isle of Wight might be a 5 hour drive away, but if you’re looking to hit the most naturally stunning spots in the country, don’t miss this one.

Best places to stay the night

• Mount Douglas Farm Camping: Just outside the village of Carbis Bay, and only a short journey to the seaside, Mount Douglas Campsite offers shower blocks and electrical hookups in a pristine environment close to all the local hits.

• Sandy Acres Campsite: One of the best campsites in St Ives Bay, Sandy Acres offers surf lessons, yoga, and all the modern amenities you’ll need for a relaxing stay. Just a short walk to the beach and pet-friendly, you can kick back in style along the Cornish coast.

• Trevalgan Touring Park: For a splash of luxury, this five-star campsite offers a wide range of ultra-modern amenities such as under-floor heating, regular bus services to St Ives, and even fresh pastries in the morning. Doesn’t get better than that.

***With winter just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to head south and chase the sunshine as far as you can. Check out our top tips and tricks for winter camping in a van, and our awesome guide to seeing the **best of the Isle of Wight **while you’re down south. Rent a van from Camplify and explore the UK, your way. See you out there. ***