Travel: 48 Hours in St Ives

Monday, 7:55pm Arrive Newquay, hire car (Europcar) for 45-minute journey to Salt House – stunning, deluxe B&B straight out of Grand Designs. Rooms – there are only two – are above the living quarters of owners Alan and Sharon Spencer who have extended upwards to create blissful coastal escape, giving their guests the best views (www.salthousestives.co.uk, 01736 791857, rooms from £150).

9pm Wander into town for fish and chips at harbour washed down by pint at 800-year-old Sloop Inn, or chill out with Salt House's Sky+.

Tuesday, 9:30am After splendid breakfast in room and sensational shower, combine zany modern art of the Tate St Ives with bold bronzes of Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. This brilliant sculptor's work also stands outside the United Nations (01736 796226; joint admission: 8.75, 4.50 concessions).

Hide Ad

1pm Culturally sated, find room for crab cake or Mounts Bay sardines at Seafood Caf in Fore Street (01736 794004).

3pm Walk off lunch getting lost in some of narrowest, quirkiest streets in Britain, then watch the boats come in.

5pm Back to Salt House, having taped old episode of Cornwall-set Poldark on ITV4. Bathe while gazing out to sea.

8pm Head to Blas Burgerworks for funky, organic burgers served on what appear to be Jackson Pollock's old paint-spattered tables (01736 797272).

Wednesday, 9:30am Another tasty breakfast at Salt House, well-positioned for stunning beach walks and golden sands of Carbis Bay and Porthminster. Surf, or if you feel you've been energetic enough, lunch at Porthminster Caf (01736 795352).

4pm Return flight to Glasgow.

Flights from Glasgow to St Ives with Air Southwest (www.airsouthwest.com).

Related topics: