Shell Cottage 10 St Peters Street

Shell Cottage sits on St Peters Street in the Downalong quarter of St Ives, one of the town's oldest residential lanes running between the harbour and Porthgwidden. The two-bedroom layout - one double and one twin - sleeps four across a single bathroom, with a small yard behind.

Porthmeor Beach is 200m away, Porthgwidden 300m, and St Ives Harbour beach 300m in the other direction. The headland known as The Island, which marks the start of the South West Coast Path heading east, is roughly 150m from the front door. Tate St Ives, with its permanent Barbara Hepworth and local art collections, is a short walk uphill.

The bedroom detail is 1 double and 1 twin - the twin uses two 2ft 6in beds - so the layout suits families or two couples as much as groups. WiFi, dishwasher, and washing machine are all included. One dog is welcome.

Pull up opposite the cottage to unload, then park in the nearby Island Car Park. The family bathroom has a shower cubicle and is downstairs, while the double and twin bedrooms are on the first floor, reached by wooden stairs with stairgates at the top and bottom.

Best for families or two couples wanting immediate beach access and walkable proximity to St Ives town centre. Not great for those needing ground-floor sleeping or avoiding stairs in an older property.