We love September in St Ives. The sun’s still out and the festival’s on, but everything just feels calmer. It’s many people’s favourite time of year to holiday in Cornwall, especially if you enjoy walking or sea swimming. Here are some great reasons to head down to St Ives in September.
There’s a party going on: St Ives September Festival
The St Ives September Festival lasts for two weeks, and is a celebration of all things arty. There’s live music, theatre, exhibitions, workshops, walks and talks, comedy, kids’ events… We don’t like to use cliches, but there really is something for everyone in this year’s programme.
The St Ives September Festival 2024 runs from 14-28 September. Please check the website for a full programme and details of how to book events.
The weather’s warm for walking
The average temperature is usually mid-teens, and there’s always the chance of an Indian summer… (Pack both beach clothes and waterproofs, and you’ll be ready for anything.) Flowers still bloom on the cliffs, and it’s a lovely month to explore the South West Coast Path.
There are some beautiful walks starting at Polmanter, including a challenging hike westwards towards Zennor and the wild moors. Catch the bus in one direction, or turn it into a day-long circular walk by adding the inland path to your route.
For a gentler stroll, head east towards Lelant and catch the train back to St Ives. Blow away the cobwebs while looking out for seabirds over the dunes and water. Another one of our favourite walks takes you from Polmanter to the cobbled streets of St Ives, then towards the splendid sea views at Clodgy Point.
And the sea’s warm, too!
The September sea in St Ives is a pleasant 16oC; and with the beaches less crowded, this is a great time to enjoy the Cornish coast. Dog restrictions vary in September, so it’s always worth checking the Cornwall Council website. In St Ives, we have the brilliant Bamaluz beach for year-round dog scampering (which again is less crowded in September).
Travelling is easier
You can reach St Ives via public transport (perfect if you’re staying in Polmanter’s self-catering cottages or apartments). Take the main line to St Erth (roughly five hours from London Paddington) then pick up the almost-impossibly scenic branch line train to St Ives. It’s then just a short taxi ride up to Polmanter or a walk into town . For train times and tickets, take a look at GWR’s website. There’s also a bus depot in town, and National Express runs a service to nearby Penzance.
If you’re bringing your motorhome or caravan to St Ives, you’ll find fewer traffic queues and more parking spaces in September. Busy roads like the M5 and M30 are far more free-flowing, and stopping en-route becomes a pleasure not a chore.
Everything’s still open, but nothing’s packed
Seasonal attractions tend to stay open until after October half term, so there’s still plenty going on. The same goes for St Ives’ shops, bars and restaurants. The festival brings a buzzing atmosphere to the town, and this can be one of the liveliest times for an evening drink in town.
Polmanter’s open in September!
Like the town, we don’t shut down in September. The Stable Bar is open for food, drink and entertainment, and we’re keeping the pool open until the 14th September. The Polmanter bus is also still running, to bring you back and forth between the town and the campsite. Take a look at our availability for September for both camping pitches and self-catering accommodation.
We hope this has whetted your appetite for a September stay in St Ives. Great walking, warm(ish) seas and even a festival – what could be a lovelier way to celebrate those late-summer days?
Guest blog written by Polmanter.
The South West Coast Path 