Wren Cottage St Ives

Wren Cottage puts four guests in central St Ives, with two double bedrooms sharing one bathroom. That layout suits two couples comfortable with equal double beds, or a family whose children can share a room.

Wi-Fi, a dishwasher and a washer/dryer are included, and dogs are accepted. The kitchen has an induction hob, an electric oven, a fridge and a microwave. A private courtyard gives the cottage its own outdoor space, described as having harbour views, though it's a courtyard outlook rather than a full sea view from the rooms.

All three named beaches sit around 300 metres away: Porthgwidden Beach, Porthmeor Beach, home to the Tate St Ives gallery, and St Ives Harbour Beach. St Ives has been an artists' town since the 1880s, when painters and sculptors including Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson worked here, and the galleries, shops and restaurants of the town are all within walking distance. Everything is on the ground floor, with five steps up from The Wharf to Mount Zion and a step through the courtyard gate. The bathroom has a freestanding bath and a separate shower cubicle.

**Best for:** guests prioritising beaches, town-centre galleries and restaurants, and a dog-friendly courtyard over having a car.

**Less good for:** visitors needing separate bathrooms, or twin beds rather than two doubles.