Getting There
There is frequent service throughout the day between London's Paddington Station and the rail terminal at St. Ives. The trip takes 5 1/2 hours. Trains are not direct; it's necessary to change at St. Erth, which is just a 10-minute ride from St. Ives. Call tel. 0845/748-4950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for schedules and information.
Two coaches a day run from London's Victoria Coach Station to St. Ives. The trip takes 8 1/2 hours. Call tel. 0870/580-8080 or visit www.nationalexpress.com for schedules and information.
If you're driving, take the A30 across Cornwall, heading northwest at the junction with the B3306, heading to St. Ives on the coast. During the summer, many streets in the center of town are closed to vehicles. You may want to leave your car in the Lelant Saltings Car Park, 5km (3 miles) from St. Ives on the A3074, and take the regular train service into town, an 11-minute journey. Departures are every half-hour. It's free to all car passengers and drivers, and the parking charge is £8 to £12 ($16-$24) per day. You can also use the large Trenwith Car Park, close to the town center, for £4 ($8), and then walk down to the shops and harbor or take a bus that costs £1 ($2) per person.
Visitor Information
The Tourist Information Centre is at the Guildhall, Street-an-Pol (tel. 01736/796297; www.stives-cornwall.co.uk). From October to May, hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm. From June to September, hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
