Many an artist has gravitated towards St Ives for its quality of light and inspiring coastal scenery since big names like Barbara Hepworth first settled here after the Second World War. In 1993, Tate opened an impressive gallery in St Ives in recognition of resident artists and sculptors’ contributions to the British art scene. The building has a view over the sandy stretches of Porthmeor – St Ives’ main beach – with its consistent surf and spectacular sunsets. Also overlooking the pretty reaches of this bay is Ayr Holiday Park – best of the campsite crop here.
Away from the rows of caravans, the camping fields are very much their own domain on the brink of the wave-lashed Atlantic scenery, yet along with this wild and beautiful location comes a far tamer camping experience. Everything about Ayr Holiday Park is organised and professional – from the spotless facilities block and soft-landing of the children’s play area, to its well-placed picnic benches and outside showers for salty wetsuits.
Unfortunately, the tariffs reflect all the care and attention that goes into maintaining the site, so all this luxury does come at a price. But when you consider Ayr’s location, and peer down over that incredible vista, the cost seems justifiable.
You can also make the most of Ayr’s proximity to St Ives and stroll down the hill to find wide- open beaches, trendy bars and cafés, any number of restaurants – from chip-cheap fish shops to contemporary fusion affairs – and, of course, the galleries. So it’s fitting that Ayr, enjoying its position in the midst of a town steeped in creativity, has got the art of camping just right.