St Ives is set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and surrounded by Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), making it a paradise for nature lovers. From dramatic clifftop trails to rugged moorland, tranquil lakes, and historic mining ruins, the landscape here is as diverse as it is breathtaking.
Take a walk along the South West Coast Path, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning sea views and the chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, and even basking sharks. Venture inland to explore wildflower-rich heathlands, or visit the RSPB Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers, where you can see guillemots, shags, curlews, kestrels, and wild geese.
For those interested in geology, the nearby St Erth Pits offer a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s prehistoric past, preserving evidence of the area’s climate and geography dating back over two million years to the Pliocene age.
With so many stunning natural spaces to explore, St Ives is the perfect destination for hiking, wildlife spotting, and immersing yourself in the beauty of Cornwall’s unique landscape. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best nature trails and sites to visit in the area.
Steeple Woods
The Steeple Woodland Nature Reserve is a 40-acre public open space around Knill's Monument (a 50 ft pyramid of hewn granite) from which are spectacular views across St Ives Bay and the surrounding countryside.
Visitors can explore the woods, stroll over heathland and discover areas planted with young trees. A variety of activities take place at the reserve, including volunteer work sessions, wildlife surveys, environmental research projects and community events.
Penbeagle Nature Reserve
Nestled on the outskirts of St Ives, Penbeagle Nature Reserve is a newly established green space dedicated to wildlife conservation and community enjoyment. This stunning reserve transforms a previously overlooked area into a thriving habitat for local flora and fauna, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors to explore and connect with nature.
Designed to support biodiversity, Penbeagle features a mix of wildflower meadows, ponds, and native woodlands, attracting a variety of birds, insects, and small mammals. Walking trails wind through the landscape, providing a perfect setting for relaxing strolls, birdwatching, and outdoor learning. As the reserve continues to grow, it will serve as an important natural sanctuary for both wildlife and the local community.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a keen photographer, or simply looking for a quiet escape, Penbeagle Nature Reserve offers a refreshing new way to experience the natural beauty of St Ives.
St Ives Community Orchard
Nestled on the slopes of Penbeagle Hill, St Ives Orchard is a flourishing community-led project dedicated to sustainability, biodiversity, and local engagement. This vibrant green space has been carefully nurtured to create a rich habitat for wildlife, while also serving as a welcoming retreat for visitors to enjoy and connect with nature.
The orchard is home to a variety of fruit trees, wildflowers, and native plants, supporting pollinators and local wildlife. Walking paths weave through the landscape, offering a peaceful setting for strolls, foraging, and outdoor learning. At the heart of the orchard is the newly developed CORE building, a community hub designed to support educational activities, workshops, and sustainability initiatives.
Throughout the year, St Ives Orchard hosts events such as apple pressing days, seasonal celebrations, and conservation projects, inviting people of all ages to get involved. Whether you're passionate about nature, keen to learn more about sustainable growing, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, St Ives Orchard is a special place to explore and enjoy.
Seals
Seal Island (The Carracks), 3½ miles along the rocky coastline towards Zennor, is home to a colony of grey Atlantic seals. A boat trip from St Ives will virtually guarantee you the chance to watch seals up close and you may also spot dolphins or porpoises on the way. It is also common for the odd seal to be spotted snoozing in St Ives harbour!
Dolphins
Cornwall is one of best places in the British Isles to see bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, basking sharks, and seabirds.
Oceanic sunfish are not uncommon and even a few whales and loggerhead turtles are sighted annually.
Although sightings come from all around the hundreds of miles of Cornish coastline there are several places that have historically produced consistently large numbers of records.
Conveniently, in south-west Cornwall, visitors are never too far away from one of the top sea watching places.
Trencrom Hill
Trencrom Hill is the site of an Iron Age hill fort with splendid views over the Hayle Estuary and St Michael's Mount and beyond. It is strewn with interesting rock formations and standing stones. Higher Hill wood is awash with bluebells in early Spring.
Details
OS Grid Ref: SW 51807 36188
The Tinners Way
A circular walk offering splendid views of the Cornish countryside and coast around St Ives and St Just.
The walk begins at the beautiful town of St Ives, taking you past the harbour and pier and around St Ives head. The path then climbs through or past Venton Vision, Trowan, Trevalgan, Trevega, Trendrine, Boscubben, Wicca, Lower Tregerthen and Tremedda, mostly at between 350 and 400 feet – before descending to the pretty little village of Zennor.
St Michael's Way
This fabulous walk runs from Lelant on the north coast of Cornwall to Marazion and the iconic St Michael's Mount on the south coast.
You start in Lelant near St Ives, and head along the coast to Carbis Bay passing the beautiful Porth Kidney Sands on the way. The route then heads inland through the delightful Cornish countryside to Trencrom Hill where you can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding areas.
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Hayle Esturary
Hayle Estuary, is the most south westerly estuary in the UK and is home to a wide variety of wetland birds.The best time to visit is during winter when you can see a vast flock of teals and wigeons and maybe a vagrant ring-billed gull from North America!
Details
OS Grid Ref: SW 55158 37384
Glendurgan Gardens
Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, TR18 5JZ
An amazing valley of exotic plants and wildflowers leading down to Durgan beach and the stunning coastline of the North Helford countryside.
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Godolphin
An ancient and atmospheric estate with a medieval garden and historic house
Details
Godolphin Cross,
Helston, Cornwall,
TR13 9RE
Trebah
Trebah is a 26-acre sub-tropical garden situated in Cornwall, England, UK, near Glendurgan Garden and above the Helford River. Part of the parish of Mawnan, the gardens are set within an area of the same name, which includes the small settlements of Trebah Wartha and Trebah Woolas.
Details
Trebah Garden Trust,
Mawnan Smith,
Falmouth TR11 5JZ
Trengwainton Gardens
Trengwainton is a country house and garden situated in Madron, near Penzance, which has been in the ownership of the National Trust since 1961. The garden is noted for its collection of exotic trees and shrubs and offers views over Mount's Bay and The Lizard.
Details
Boscathnoe Ln,
Madron, Penzance TR20 8RZ
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. The gardens are typical of the 19th century Gardenesque style with areas of different character and in different design styles.
Details
St Austell, PL26 6EN
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Paradise Park
Located just a short drive from St Ives, Paradise Park in Hayle is a must-visit attraction for wildlife lovers and families alike. This award-winning park is home to an incredible variety of exotic birds, rare animals, and interactive experiences. From the vibrant parrots and majestic birds of prey to the playful otters and adorable red pandas, there’s something to delight visitors of all ages.
Kids will love the JungleBarn Indoor Play Centre, while daily feeding sessions, flying displays, and the park’s conservation efforts make for an educational and memorable day out. Whether you're exploring Cornwall’s stunning coast or staying in St Ives, a trip to Paradise Park promises fun, adventure, and a chance to connect with nature.
Details
16 Trelissick Rd, Hayle TR27 4HY
Tremenheere Sculpture Garden
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens offers a unique blend of art, nature, and sweeping coastal views. Set in a sheltered valley near Penzance, the gardens feature dramatic exotic and sub-tropical planting, interwoven with inspiring large-scale sculptures by internationally renowned artists. Visitors can wander winding paths, discover thought-provoking artworks hidden among lush greenery, and enjoy panoramic vistas over Mount’s Bay towards St Michael’s Mount. With a contemporary art gallery and a welcoming café on site, Tremenheere is a must-visit for anyone seeking creativity, tranquillity, and beauty in the heart of West Cornwall.
Details
Penzance TR20 8YL
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