St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
Tranquil, luxury boutique hotel and spa, perfectly located on Porthminster Beach, with stunning views out to sea.
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Bucket list experience:
Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, the pioneering Leach Pottery in St Ives went on to become the world’s most influential pottery studio; Eastern and Western ceramic traditions and the use of locally sourced materials continue to influence ceramic artists to this day.
It still trains potters from around the world, and you too can learn the art of pottery here from the best in the business. They offer a selection of workshops ranging from a 2-hour tasting session, to evening classes and 5-day courses. Adults only (18+)
There’s also a museum and gallery and shop if you want to explore the history of pottery, and a shop to purchase some first-rate, hand-crafted ceramics.
There are special workshops in school holidays for ages 7-12 and teens. There are also sensory experiences for toddlers, also during school holidays on selected dates.
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Destination Guide >The studio is a 20-minute walk up the hill from central St Ives; if you’re driving, there are a handful of parking spaces on site, or public parking nearby. Guided tours are offered on Thursdays and must be booked ahead on the website.
The museum and shop are open every day in summer, but close on Sundays in winter months. Pottery classes are run on selected dates – see the website for options and times.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
Tranquil, luxury boutique hotel and spa, perfectly located on Porthminster Beach, with stunning views out to sea.
Official star rating:
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[2.3 miles]
A beautifully chic, beautifully run boutique hotel outside St Ives, with stunning ocean views. No kids under 16.
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Marazion, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[9.4 miles]
An intimate and welcoming 17th-century coaching inn, with spectacular views across to St Michael’s Mount, right above Marazion’s beach.
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Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[10.4 miles]
A heritage Georgian home, originally built by an Admiral, now a stylish and welcoming 6-room guesthouse.
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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
The former home and studio of Barbara Hepworth – one of Britain’s foremost modernist sculptors. Works in wood, bronze and stone, mainly of the abstract human form.
Best for ages: 13+ | £7
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
Internationally-renowned contemporary art gallery, an offshoot of London’s Tate, idyllically set overlooking Porthmeor Beach.
Best for ages: 4+ | £11
Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[10 miles]
A spellbinding, castle-laden tidal island, famous for its ancient access causeway that’s covered by water at high tide.
Best for ages: 13+ | £26
Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[15.3 miles]
Excellently run and fascinating foraging and cooking courses with professional forager, ecologist and cook Caroline Davey. A must for foodies.
Best for ages: 13+ | £45 | 2 hours - 1 day
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
Families and chocoholics will love these chocolate workshops, that see you designing, moulding and decorating a variety of chocolate treats (that you take home after). A brilliant group experience for all ages, with special activities even for the toddlers.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1 hour
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
St Ives’ web of narrow streets is framed by these two postcard-perfect Blue Flag beaches. Porthminster, nestling under the cliffs, is broad and great for families. Porthmeor is deeper, with great rockpooling for kids and surfer-friendly waves.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]
This popular annual festival showcases the best of local Cornish food & drink, in one of Cornwall’s most charming seaside towns.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 3 days
Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[10.6 miles]
Stop for a swim at this Art Deco lido gem, with curving white walls, diving platforms, rows of cubicles, a baby pool and a warner geothermal pool (extra charge). Under 4s swim free. Right on the seafront, the pool is fed by the tide. Open end May to early September.
Best for ages: 4+ | £6