The Penwith Gallery is a vast multistorey gallery which presents work created by the Penwith Society of Arts in Cornwall. While there is plenty of two-dimensional work to ogle, you’ll be rapt by the iridescent ceramics and masterful clay-stuffs on show.

Fancy being the next Kelly Slater? Head to St Ives Surf School on Porthmeor Beach, tucked below Tate St Ives. From the get-go, its team of coaches (some national surf champions) make you feel as if belong on the sea, no matter your age or experience. If the surf is a little flat during your stay, or you’re not the surfing type but want to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, it also offers paddleboard, kayak and coasteering lessons as well as equipment rental.

This pocket of Cornwall has a strong artistic current, playing home to some of Cornwall’s brightest creatives since the 30s, when the St Ives School of artists was founded. Today, aesthetes are spoiled with small galleries and studios to visit, though the spiral-shaped Tate St Ives is the go-to for modern European art. The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is just down the road from here.

One of the great things about St Ives is its plethora of small, independent galleries. Showing exhibitions by modern British contemporary artists with strong links to the West Country, Belgrave St Ives is among our favourites. You’ll also find a who’s who of local talent in Penwith Gallery on Back Road West.