Boskerris Hotel
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.5 miles]
A beautifully chic, beautifully run boutique hotel outside St Ives, with stunning ocean views. No kids under 16.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
The Coast-to-Coast Trail [cycling]
Last updated: 19 April, 2023
This 15-mile traffic-free, multi-use trail combines scenic beauty, views and heritage. Running from Portreath Beach on the north coast to Devoran on the south, it passes through Cornwall’s former central mining district – a landscape studded with (safe) abandoned mines – following the original tramway and railway routes once used to transport ore and supplies to and from the many mines to the coastal ports.
The coast-to-coast route passes through the Bissoe Valley Nature Reserve, a former mine site that has heathland, woodland, ponds and a variety of local wildlife. You’ll also pass under the giant Carnon stone viaduct.
It’s easy going for all abilities – and a great way to learn about Cornwall’s mining heritage, admire the scenery, and see the local wildlife.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-2 hours
Getting there & doing it
The Sustrans website has information and maps of the trail.
If you’re starting in Devoran – hire bikes from Bike Chain Bissoe. If you’re starting at Portreath, get the train to Redruth and a taxi from there (about 15 minutes) to Elm Farm Cycle Centre (2 miles from Portreath) where you can hire bikes. Alternatively, get your bikes delivered at Portreath; Go By Cycle will deliver/collect bikes from pre-arranged points in the area. Book bikes in advance in peak season.
When to do it
The trail is accessible all year round. It’s obviously weather dependent, though hardly souls go in all conditions. May and September are best, with fine weather and fewer crowds. UK summer holidays in July & August (usually) have the best weather but also the most cyclists.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 miles]
Tranquil, luxury boutique hotel and spa, perfectly located on Porthminster Beach, with stunning views out to sea.
Official star rating:
Merchants Manor
Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[19.8 miles]
A beautifully decorated country house in buzzing Falmouth, with an outstanding restaurant and excellent spa and wellness facilities. Children 12 and over welcome.
Official star rating:
The Godolphin
Marazion, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[20.3 miles]
An intimate and welcoming 17th-century coaching inn, with spectacular views across to St Michael’s Mount, right above Marazion’s beach.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cornwall
Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
A region of craggy cliffs, sheltered creeks, glorious sandy beaches and quintessential villages – rich in local life, pagan legend and delicious, locally-made food and drink.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
The Mineral Tramways [cycling & walking]
Redruth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[4.9 miles]
A scenic, wildlife-filled landscape, rich in Cornish heritage, offering a network of 60km superb walking and cycling trails. It’s also the place to learn all about Cornwall’s mining history.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.7 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
Tate St Ives
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 miles]
Internationally-renowned contemporary art gallery, an offshoot of London’s Tate, idyllically set overlooking Porthmeor Beach.
Best for ages: 4+ | £11
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[19.6 miles]
Four-day foodie extravaganza, with oyster dredging, celebrity-chef masterclasses, live music and overflowing (sea)food stalls.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
King Edward Mine Museum
Cambornev, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[6.5 miles]
A 100-year-old preserved tin mine showcasing the history of mining (and the Mineral Tramways generally); much of the original mining equipment remains. It includes the Mineral Tramways Discovery Centre, with displays and information about the old mineral tramways, the mines, the ports used by the industry and the people involved with the trade.
Best for ages: 8+ | £8
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Overview >
![St Ives Food & Drink Festival [and food trail]](https://familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Cornwall-St-Ives-Food-Drink-Festival1-DFS.jpg)
St Ives Food & Drink Festival [and food trail]
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.5 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
Experience
Porthmeor & Porthminster Beaches
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 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
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Chocolate-making workshops at Coco Kitchen
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 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
Website >
Overview >