Art & Culture

Don't leave St Ives without exploring at least a few of the galleries, museums and theatres. From international organisations like the Tate to small independent puppet theatres St Ives is bursting at the seams with places to visit.

There aren't many places in the world where you can find so many galleries, both public and private, in such a small area. Whether you're on a buying spree or just love your art you're in the right place.

Tate St Ives

The Tate Art Gallery is open 7 days a week (closed Mondays, November – February) and occupies an enviable position on Porthmeor Beach which is a 10 minute walk from Cohort. There are around 3 – 4 different exhibitions per year and details of What’s On can be found on the Tate website, along with admission prices and facilities.

The Tate conduct daily gallery tours at 11:30 and 14:00, these are free of charge and well worth timing your visit around. They last around 30-40 minutes.

Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden

You can visit the former home and studio of Barbara Hepworth to get a remarkable insight into the world of one of Britain’s most important artists. Open 7 days a week all year round this is a museum and garden not to be missed. They conduct daily tours at 13:00, these are free of charge and led by enthusiastic gallery guides; all of this just a few minutes walk from Cohort.

For details about admission prices, facilities and special events visit the BH Museum website.

Leach Pottery Studio & Museum

A gentle 15 minute stroll up the road you will find this extraordinary museum. Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Hamada Shoji, the Leach Pottery is among the most respected and influential studio potteries in the world. Over the last hundred years it has forged the shape of studio pottery production in the UK and beyond. Open 7 days a week (closed Sundays, November – February) we can highly recommend a visit.

For details on admission prices, facilities and guided tours visit the Leach Pottery website.

Kidz R Us Theatre

Culture couldn’t be much closer with the nationally famous Kidz R Us theatre right next door. Kidz R Us is an award winning youth theatre company who have produced more than 80 shows. Watch out for their unmissable musicals during half-terms and holidays and traditional panto at Christmas.

For details of what’s on during your stay and prices visit the Kidz R Us website.

St Ives Museum

The St Ives Museum is located in the heart of the old St Ives fishing community of Downlong, less than a 10 minute walk from Cohort. Open daily from Easter – October it is well worth a visit if you’re fascinated by memorabilia. It has some stunning photographic collections of St Ives over the years and is a real treasure trove of history.

There’s a £2 entrance fee and the museum is administered entirely by volunteers who love to share their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge with all the visitors.

St Ives Arts Club

St Ives Arts Club is a unique establishment located on the sea front, just down the road from Cohort. A quaint old building founded over 100 years ago by artists drawn to the town by its beauty and exceptional light, it now aspires to be home to all facets of the arts. There is an exhibition space for the visual arts and a theatre.

Visit the St Ives Arts Club website to see what’s on when you’re in town.

The Boathouse Theatre

Just a stone’s throw from the harbour front, and just a 5 – 10 minute walk from Cohort, this old boat store was originally a Pilchard Cellar and has now been given a new lease of life as a charming little theatre which hosts plays and puppet shows throughout the year.

Visit the Boathouse Theatre website to find out what’s on and how to book tickets.

The Guildhall

The Guildhall is a multi-purpose venue in the heart of St Ives, just a stones throw from Cohort. It houses St Ives’ Tourist Information Centre along with a weekly Farmers Market (on a Thursday) and a wide range of live entertainment in its 500 seater auditorium.

Visit the Guildhall’s website to find out what’s on when you’re in town.

Private galleries

There are over 30 private galleries within St Ives town so if you’re looking to buy some art you can purchase anything from a small print to a sculpture. Equally the galleries are happy for you to come in and wander round. Artists, both modern and traditional, flock to St Ives because of the unique light and spectacular scenery and often have open studios for you to indulge yourself in.

If you’re looking for something specific our staff can help you pinpoint some galleries that may be of particular interest but our advice is just to wander, let yourself get lost in the cobbled back streets – you’re bound to find something special.