Lifeguards
If you’re heading to the beaches in St Ives, Cornwall, you’ll likely spot the bright red and yellow lifeguard stations keeping a watchful eye on swimmers and surfers.
Lifeguards in St Ives are highly trained professionals, patrolling the sands during the busy summer months to ensure everyone stays safe, whether it’s spotting rip currents, helping with minor injuries, or providing first aid.
They’re not just there for emergencies, either. Lifeguards also offer safety advice to families, surfers, and paddleboarders, making your beach day both fun and worry-free.
Only 2 beaches in St Ives are lifeguarded during the seasonal months. These are Porthmeor and Porthminster Beach.
RNLI
The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) in St Ives plays a vital role in keeping Cornwall’s coastal waters safe.
Based on West Pier in St Ives Harbour, the lifeboat crew is made up of highly trained volunteers who respond to emergencies at sea, from rescuing stranded surfers and swimmers to assisting vessels in distress.
The RNLI also runs community initiatives, teaching water safety, first aid, and awareness of tides and currents, helping locals and visitors enjoy the sea with confidence.
With their round-the-clock vigilance, the St Ives RNLI is a reassuring presence for anyone exploring Cornwall’s beaches and coastline.
Coastguard
The NCI (National Coastwatch Institution) Coastguards in St Ives play a crucial role in keeping the Cornish coastline safe.
Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the station keeps a constant watch over the harbour and surrounding waters, monitoring vessels, swimmers, and surfers.
While they don’t launch rescues like the RNLI, the NCI provide vital information, alerting lifeboats and emergency services when trouble arises.
Their keen eyes and local knowledge make them an essential part of St Ives’ coastal safety network, helping ensure everyone can enjoy the sea with peace of mind.
Post Office
The Wharf Post Office in St Ives is a charming and convenient spot right by the harbour, perfect for both locals and visitors.
More than just a place to send letters or collect parcels, it offers a friendly, community-focused service and a taste of traditional Cornish life.
Whether you need stamps, travel money, or just a quick chat with the helpful staff, The Wharf Post Office is a welcoming hub tucked into the heart of one of Cornwall’s most picturesque towns. They also sell fab toys - including our game, The Great St Ives Pasty Dash!
Library and Tourist Information
The St Ives Library and Tourist Information Centre is a handy stop for both locals and visitors exploring the town.
The library offers a quiet space to browse books, use free Wi-Fi, or enjoy community events, while the adjoining Tourist Information Centre is perfect for picking up maps, local guides, and tips on the best beaches, walks, and attractions.
Friendly staff are always on hand to answer questions, making it a great first port of call when planning your St Ives adventures.
St Ives Library and Tourist Information >>
Harbour Master
The Harbour Master in St Ives plays a vital role in keeping the busy harbour running smoothly and safely.
From co-ordinating boat movements and overseeing moorings to monitoring tides and ensuring safety regulations are followed, the Harbour Master is the go-to person for all things maritime in the town.
Whether it’s welcoming fishing boats, leisure yachts, or guiding ferries, their work keeps St Ives’ iconic harbour both bustling and safe for everyone.
Medical Help
If you need medical help while on holiday in St Ives, there are several options to keep you covered.
The town has a local GP surgery and pharmacy for minor illnesses, prescriptions, or travel-related health advice. They do ask you to contact your own doctor first though.
For urgent care, nearby West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance is the main hospital for the area, and in case of emergencies, dialing 999 will get you an ambulance.
There is a large A&E in Truro.
It’s always a good idea to carry your NHS number or travel insurance details just in case, so you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
Bus Services
Getting around St Ives by bus is fairly easy and convenient, whether you’re heading to nearby towns or exploring more of Cornwall.
The town’s main bus stops are centrally located, making it simple to hop on services to Penzance, Truro, or Newquay, as well as popular local attractions.
Buses are fairly frequent in peak tourist season, and many offer scenic coastal routes, so your journey can be part of the adventure.
There are 5 main routes offered by First Bus (the main Cornish bus operator).
7/7a - Gurnards Head to Sennen Cove via St Just
16/16a - Penzance to St Ives via Gulval & Nancledra
17/17a - Penzance to St Ives via Carbis Bay and St Erth
17E - St Ives to Pendeen via Penzance and St Just
T2/T1 - St Ives to St Austell via Carbis Bay, Camborne, Redruth and Truro
Don’t forget to check timetables in advance, as schedules can be quieter in the evenings or off-season.
There is also a local operator called St Ives Buses who run buses around the town.
Train Station
Catching the train in St Ives is a scenic and easy way to explore the Cornish coast.
The town is served by the St Ives branch line, which runs from St Erth, connecting with mainline services to Penzance, Truro, and beyond.
The journey itself is a treat, with stunning views over St Ives Bay and the surrounding countryside.
Perfect for day trips or avoiding car parking hassles (park at the St Erth Park and Ride), the train offers a relaxing and picturesque way to travel while enjoying all that Cornwall has to offer.
Dogs On Beaches
If you’re visiting St Ives with your dog, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the town’s beaches welcome four-legged friends, though rules vary depending on the season.
Some beaches allow dogs year-round, while others have seasonal restrictions during the busy summer months to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Always check local signage, keep your dog on a lead where required, and be sure to clean up after your pet.
With plenty of golden sands and scenic walks along the coastline, St Ives can be a real treat for dogs and their owners alike.
Petrol Stations
There are no petrol stations in St Ives town. The closest petrol station is at St Erth and there are also plenty in Penzance and Hayle.
For EV charging stations, the closest point is in Tesco at Carbis Bay.
Banks and ATMS
The last of the banks closed a while back in St Ives. The nearest banks are now in Hayle and Penzance.
There is ONE (not a typo) ATM in St Ives, This is located in the wall of The Wharf Post Office in the harbour.
Chemists
There are 2 chemists in St Ives.
The old fashioned and lovely Leddras, on Fore Street, and a Boots on the High Street.
The nearst 24 hour chemist is on the shopping estate in Hayle (by the A30 roundabout).
Taxis
There are several reputable taxi companies in St Ives.
Lost and Found
If you have lost something in town, the chances are it will be found. People are incredibly honest and kind here.
Places to check
- The Library - this is where most things end up when they get handed in.
- St Ives Lost and Found Facebook Group
- Real Love St Ives Facebook Group
- Love St Ives Facebook Group
