Lifeboat Inn St Ives  Exterior photoLifeboat Inn St Ives  Interior photoLifeboat Inn St Ives  Interior photo
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From230US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Wharf Road, St Ives (Cornwall), United Kingdom, TR26 1LF
-
Near the harbour
Great
8.4
8.7
/10
5.0
4.1
/5

Lifeboat Inn - A harbourside pub with sea views, dog-friendly rooms, and traditional Cornish dining

Lifeboat Inn is a traditional harbourside pub in St Ives, featuring a roaring log fire and sea views overlooking the working port. The hotel offers five bedrooms and two apartments blending period features with contemporary style, including family-friendly options with bunk beds. Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast with choices like overnight oats or cooked dishes, while the on-site restaurant serves reimagined pub classics and seasonal specials using local produce. Dogs are welcome in select rooms for an additional £15 per night and are permitted in all areas except the main restaurant. Located in the town center, the Lifeboat Inn is a five-minute walk from Porthmeor Beach, Tate St Ives gallery, and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. The coastal path to Zennor, known for its dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches, is nearby.

Pros

The harbourside location provides direct sea views and proximity to St Ives' attractions.

Dog-friendly accommodations and public areas cater to travelers with pets.

The on-site restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in its seasonal menus.

Family-friendly options include interconnected rooms and children's meal selections.

The property is centrally located, within walking distance of beaches, galleries, and dining.

Cons

No on-site parking; guests must use nearby paid car parks.

Some rooms are accessible only by steep stairs, which may inconvenience those with mobility issues.

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Barbara Hepworth Museum for stunning art.
  • Savor a Cornish pasty at the famous Pasty Cellar in St Ives.
  • Explore the scenic coastal path from St Ives to Zennor.
  • Visit the local market on Thursday for fresh produce and crafts.
  • Enjoy a sunset at Porthmeor Beach with fish and chips from the coast.
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Select your room type

Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday
Signature Double
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Apartment Sea View
2 persons
595 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Sea view
Shower
Heating
One-Bedroom Apartment
2 persons
700 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Prices and availability

View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates

Facilities

Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Washing machine
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At the Lifeboat Inn, guests are invited to indulge in a selection of vibrant British cuisine, crafted from the finest local ingredients and served in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. With a focus on reimagined pub classics and seasonal specialties, dining here promises to be a true celebration of flavor and community spirit.
Lifeboat Inn St Ives  Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Ambiance
A modern seaside pub with family-friendly vibes and picturesque harbour views, perfect for both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.
Key Offerings
Savor a rotating menu that features fresh seafood, hearty pub classics with a modern twist, and a delightful selection of desserts. Daily specials highlight the best of local produce, ensuring every meal is a unique experience.
Reservation
No
Open daily for lunch and dinner from 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

Lifeboat Inn Location

Wharf Road, St Ives (Cornwall), United Kingdom, TR26 1LF
Map view
Wharf Road, St Ives (Cornwall), United Kingdom, TR26 1LF
Nearby
Museum
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
1900 ft
Gallery
Tate Gallery St. Ives
1900 ft
Museum
Tate St Ives
1900 ft
Church
St Ives Parish Church
400 ft
Gallery
The Penwith Gallery
900 ft
Gallery
New Craftsman Gallery
200 ft
Saint Ives TR26 1SZ
St Nicholas Chapel
1800 ft
Gallery
Porthminster Gallery
800 ft
Gallery
Salthouse Gallery
700 ft
Gallery
The Blue Bramble Gallery
1000 ft
Gallery
Art Space Gallery
800 ft
Gallery
Anima Mundi
800 ft
2 Tregenna Hill The Hole in the Wall
St. Ives Gallery
1000 ft
Museum
Capt Sir Richard Francis Burton Museum
1200 ft
Smeatons Pier
800 ft
Cemetery
Barnoon Cemetery
1000 ft
Store
I Should Coco
800 ft
Harbour
St Ives
1300 ft
Zennor
Zennor Circular Walk
1600 ft
Beach
Bamaluz Beach
2200 ft
32 Back Rd W
Norway Stores
800 ft
Porthmeor Hill
Porthmeor Beach
1000 ft
St. Ives Surf School
1000 ft
Church
Saint Leonard's Chapel
1100 ft
Store
Common Wanderer
200 ft
Gallery
Belgrave Gallery
200 ft
Store
Belgrave
200 ft
Restaurants
Smeatons Fish & Chips
100 ft
Wharf Road
Jus' Desserts
200 ft
Wharf Road
Sky's Diner
300 ft
43 Fore Street
The Cornish Bakery
400 ft
9 Fore Street
Simply Cornish
200 ft
Brig-y-don 1 Wharf Road
Pels
600 ft
Harts Building 5 The Wharf
Poppins tea room
400 ft
Cyril noall square off fore street st ives cornwall
St Ives Bakery
500 ft
52 Fore Street
Yallah Coffee Kiosk
300 ft
Wharf Road Court Arcade
Coast To Go
400 ft
Wharf Road
The Balancing Eel
600 ft
The Sloop Car Park Back Lane
Pengenna Pasties
1500 ft
9 High Street
Explore St Ives (Cornwall)
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The St Ives Museum
9 minutes' walk
Local history exhibits showcase St Ives' maritime heritage. Free admission on certain days adds value to your visit.
Tate Gallery St. Ives
7 minutes' walk
Contemporary art housed in a stunning space by the sea. Regular exhibitions and programs make it a vibrant hub for culture.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
7 minutes' walk
Sculptor Barbara Hepworth's former studio features unique artworks and a tranquil garden, ideal for art lovers.
The Island
9 minutes' walk
A picturesque headland offering stunning coastal views. Perfect for leisurely walks and photography enthusiasts.
Water Sports at Porthminster Beach
7 minutes' walk
Surfing and kayaking rentals available for thrill-seekers. Equipment can be rented nearby for a fun day on the waves.
Coastal Walk from St Ives to Carbis Bay
18 minutes' walk
A scenic route along the coastline. Ideal for relaxation and stunning sea views, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Yoga Classes at Porthgwidden Beach
7 minutes' walk
Local studios offer beach yoga sessions. Great for relaxation with the sound of waves enhancing the experience.
Smeatons Fish & Chips
1 minute' walk
Classic British fish and chips. Enjoy a casual dining experience with generous portions and a local favorite vibe.
Simply Cornish
1 minute' walk
Traditional Cornish fare with a cozy atmosphere. Famous for hearty pasties and local specialties, perfect for lunch.
Sky's Diner
1 minute' walk
American-style diner with a casual, vibrant atmosphere. Known for its burgers and milkshakes; great for families.
St Ives Arts Club
6 minutes' walk
Live music and cultural events create a vibrant atmosphere. Check their schedule for local performances and art shows.
The Boat House
5 minutes' walk
A lively bar with a relaxed atmosphere. Hosts quiz nights and local music sessions, suitable for all ages.
The Royal Cinema
8 minutes' walk
Art deco cinema featuring a mix of mainstream and independent films. Family-friendly with a charming old-world vibe.
How to get around?
City Centre
St Ives (Cornwall)12 min  ·  3300 ft
Airports
Penzance (PZE)19 min  ·  7.7 mi
Land's End (LEQ)43 min  ·  17.5 mi
Train
St Ives train station6 min  ·  1700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:30
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Lifeboat Inn provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
7

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Lifeboat Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the Lifeboat Inn's prime harbour location in the heart of St Ives, offering amazing sea views from rooms and the lounge. The spacious rooms, some featuring living rooms overlooking the bay, provide a comfortable stay. While the breakfast is generally well-received, some guests have noted that information about the availability of cereals, pastries, and juices could be better communicated upon arrival. many find the inn a fabulous option, especially for the price, with some even extending their stays to further enjoy the experience.
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Review score
Based on 517 verified reviews
8.7/10
Great
86%
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Staff
8.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.8/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Gorgeous harbor view
Spacious, clean rooms
Cosy room feel
Friendly staff
Good location
Cons
Poorly equipped kitchenette
Steep access stairs
Basic breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 517 reviews
8.7/10
based on 388 reviews
8.4/10
Ava from United States
Family with children
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 18, 2026
6/10
perfect locationsteep stairswebsite statement
the location was perfect and a great base to explore from. breakfast has a varied choice and hot food was served hot and freshly cooked.
the stairs were the worst i have ever experienced. the website states 'narrow, steep stairs,' but this is incorrect. it should be stressed these stairs are for young and agile people only. during the stay, i endured injuries because of the stairs.
0 Helpful
Rowan from Ireland
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 20, 2025
7/10
superb locationspacious roomhelpful staffsteep stairsmissing frying pansdirty oven
The location was superb. It gave easy access to local attractions. The room was very spacious and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful (especially when I asked for extra towels).
The stairs were very steep. It was a bit difficult to get my luggage up to the room. The kitchenette had only one pan. There were no frying pans available. I did find the oven racks needed a thorough cleaning.
0 Helpful
Frank from Germany
Couple
Signature Double
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 07, 2025
9.7/10

harbor dreams

private accesspicture windowsteep stairs
i found the signature double room to be special, the private access felt exclusive. sitting by the big picture window felt serene, i just loved watching the sea and lost myself in the horizon.
the stairs were steep, i noticed they might be difficult for some people.
Dining
9/10
breakfast offered a lovely english spread, i did like the quality of ingredients. i learned later about the cereals, pastries, and juices and felt a better introduction would have been appreciated during seating.
Service
10/10
The staff acted very friendly and helpful. They made a true effort. i watched how they handled every request with a smile, and i saw that their warm approach certainly enhanced the stay for all guests.
Location
10/10
the location offered amazing views looking directly over the harbor. i loved the fact you can step outside and be immediately immersed in the scenery. the centrality made exploration smooth and very easy.
0 Helpful
|
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riley from australia
Family with children
family room sea view
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 12, 2025
8.5/10

waterfront gem

harbor viewshelpful staffsteep stairs
I loved that this inn sat right on the water. The harbor views were fantastic. our room felt spacious and comfortable, a real plus after long days exploring. the staff were pretty good, offering a warm welcome and were always helpful.
access to the room involved very steep stairs, which proved difficult and a bit dangerous. it would be beneficial to highlight this more prominently with mobility concerns.
Rooms
9/10
the family room sea view featured comfortable beds. the space provided enough room for luggage and relaxation. the bathroom was clean and well kept with fresh towels daily.
Service
9/10
the reception desk operated efficiently. staff members quickly addressed our requests. they provided helpful directions to nearby attractions and offered advice on local dining options.
Dining
8/10
breakfast included many choices. fresh pastries and fruit were available each morning. the dining area maintained a clean and organized setting, which i appreciated.
Facilities
8/10
the inn offered free wifi in public areas. seating was available outside with views of the waterfront. the overall cleanliness of the inn was evident and consistent.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
benjamin from germany
Family with children
family room sea view
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 02, 2025
6/10

mixed feelings about the stay

waterfront locationsteep stairsdark room
the location was good, right on the waterfront.
The stairs were a real problem. They were steep and narrow. i actually injured myself trying to navigate them in the middle of the night. also, the room felt quite dark, even during the day.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Lifeboat Inn
What are my options for parking nearby?
20 September 2024
Parking is available at several nearby locations, including Barnoon (TR26 1JF), Sloop (TR26 1LT), and Trenwith (TR26 1DD), typically costing around £10 for 24 hours.
Is it permitted to bring a dog during my stay?
5 November 2024
Dogs are allowed in designated rooms, specifically the Family Room. There is an extra charge of £10 per night for each dog.
Are there any rooms available with additional sleeping arrangements?
12 October 2024
The Inland View apartment features a sofa bed, while the Family Sea View room is equipped with bunk beds for added accommodation.
Can the beds be arranged as twins?
16 November 2024
The Sea View rooms offer zip beds that can be configured as either a king-size bed or two singles. Please specify this preference when booking.
How can I reach the Lifeboat Inn if I'm not driving?
24 September 2024
St Ives train station is the nearest option, located about a 10-minute walk from the Inn. There are also various bus and taxi services available from Penzance.
Is bicycle storage available on-site?
14 December 2024
Unfortunately, there is no secure bicycle storage available. Guests often secure their bikes to the harbor railings at the front of the property.
What time is food served at the Lifeboat Inn?
29 October 2024
Food is available for guests from 12:00 to 15:00 and then again from 17:00 to 21:00.
Can I find vegan options on the menu?
11 January 2025
Yes, the restaurant caters to various dietary requirements, including vegan options. The menu is available for review on the website.
Is there a place to drop off my luggage before parking?
3 November 2024
Yes, there is a nearby loading bay for dropping off luggage or passengers before you head to a parking facility.
Do you offer options for Christmas dinner?
25 December 2024
Christmas dining details can be obtained by inquiring directly with the Inn for special Christmas Day menus and reservations.

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