There are any number of things to do in St Ives - but Cornwall offers so many other attractions its well worth getting out of town to explore further.

The countryside around here is beautiful. The drive along the coast road towards St Just and then Lands End is particularly scenic. Rosewall Hill is only a few minutes drive away, has a small car park and offers some great walking and views over St Ives and St Ives Bay.

If you're walking a good route to take is up the hill towards Knill's Monument and Steeple Woodland. You can then follow a circular walk down to Halsetown and back to town. Another classic walk is to Zennor, either via the coast path or the easier and flatter inland "Coffin Path".

Further afield there is plenty to see around West Cornwall and the rest of the county. The "jewel in the crown" is probably Eden Project - a truly world class attraction. Paradise Park is closer and a great place to go if you've got kids.

Details are below with a selection of other places to visit and links to their websites for more information.

This long established local coach company offer a range of day trips and tours from their base in St Ives. You can board your coach in the centre of town with no worries about driving or parking.

Destinations include Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Minack Theatre, Truro, Padstow and Tintagel.

This is a great way to get to these places, particularly as some trips include your entry ticket so that you can avoid the queues. You can also enjoy a drink if you want to.

With a fleet of modern vehicles from 8 to 49 seaters, they also offer a range of other services - coach hire, port and airport transfers, incoming tour organisation and coach holidays throughout the UK and Europe.

You'll find full details and a schedule of day trips on their website.

St Ives Cornwall - Oates Travel

The most visited location in Cornwall and truly a world class destination, this visionary project is a "must see".

Much more than just a tourist attraction - their aim is: " To promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources leading to a sustainable future for all."

There is a huge amount to see on site. The tropical and temperate biomes. The outside planted areas which change season by season. The education centre. Plus various installations and things to do, such as ice skating, which vary throughout the year.

They also stage gigs and other arts events, latest details are on their website.

Distance from St Ives: 44 miles.
Driving Time: 60 minutes.

Eden Project

Hundreds of beautiful birds, from parrots to penguins and eagles to flamingoes. Also otters, red pandas and red squirrels. Many pairs of owls, toucans and cranes have large aviaries and mixed groups of parrots have plenty of flying space.

There are sheltered exotic gardens and a steam railway.

Also a great place to take children. There is a Fun Farm, outdoor play area and the Jungle Barn indoor play centre.

Distance from St Ives: 5 miles
Driving Time: 15 minutes

Paradise Park

Britain’s leading marine animal rescue centre. Set in 40 acres of beautiful country on the picturesque Helford Estuary near Helston. The Sanctuary is home to many grey seals that cannot be released, as well as common seals, sea lions, goats, ponies and more recently short clawed Asian otters.

With talks and demonstrations throughout the day, the residents own stories, unique personalities and curious habits are revealed. Those who make the trip in autumn, winter and early spring are rewarded with rescue work in action, for this is the busiest time of year looking after seal pups. Summer visitors won’t be disappointed and may catch some of the stragglers.

Distance from St Ives: 22 miles
Driving Time: 40 minutes

National Seal Sanctuary

This is a great day out and will give you a real insight into West Cornwall's mining history.

As you enter you pass Victory Shaft, closed off now (they hope to re-open part of it one day) which leads down to a vast complex of tunnels going down 2000 feet. Past there is a modern museum where you can learn about tin mining techniques and history.

The Dry, where the miners met before and after each shift, has been left exactly as it was on the day the mine closed in February 1990.

The processing works is a huge building where you progress downwards to see the various stages of processing that the tin ore went through.

You can then go underground and into Wheal Mexico - an eighteenth century mine at the lower end of the site. Only a small part is open - they don't know how far and deep it extends - work has started to explore further.

There is a nice cafe on the site serving drinks, snacks and hot meals.

A really good day out with plenty to see and do.

Distance from St Ives: 11 miles
Driving Time: 20 minutes

Geevor Tin Mine - Victory Shaft

Geevor Tin Mine - Last Shift in the Rat Hole

Reviews some of the attractions around Cornwall and St Ives by both visitors and locals.

TripAdvisor is one of the biggest travel sites on the Net and features reviews and ratings from thousands of "real" people.

These comments give you some views on the best places to visit around Cornwall and help you to plan your day out.

Lands End - various attractions and great scenery.

Flambards Experience - rides, exhibitions and entertainment.

Crealy Adventure Park - rides and outdoor adventures.

Jamaica Inn - Daphne Du Maurier and smugglers.

Poldark Mine - tin mining, crafts and amusements.

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Lands End