Almost as far Southwest as you can go in the Cornish Nation, St.Ives is an absolute jewel of a seaside town, to which those who've discovered its charms return year after year.

A huge variety of excellent restaurants, from seafood (lots!) to vegetarian (The Cafe in Island Square), plus more pastie shops than you'd think possible, will amply satisfy the appetite you'll build up walking the maze of delightful little streets and strolling across the several gorgeous beaches (of which Porthmeor is one of the best surf beaches in Cornwall).

St.Ives has a thriving population of artists, as the vast array of gallery shops will demonstrate, and the Tate Gallery is well worth a visit - even if you don't like the art it has a breathtaking view across Porthmeor beach.

Many people who visit St.Ives never want to holiday anywhere else again, and many (myself included) have their sights firmly set on spending their retirements there someday!