Lifeboat Inn St Ives  Exterior photoLifeboat Inn St Ives  Interior photoLifeboat Inn St Ives  Interior photo

LIFEBOAT INN, St Ives (Cornwall)

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From$308 /night
Check-in
24Jun
Check-out
25Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Wharf Road, St Ives (Cornwall), TR26 1LF
-
Next to the harbour
Great
8.4
8.7
/10
5.0
4.2
/5

Coastal Pub Accommodation in St Ives

Location

The Lifeboat Inn is located beside St Ives harbour, providing direct access to one of Cornwall's most scenic coastal settings. With all that St Ives has to offer just steps away, guests can explore local art galleries, shops, and beaches easily. The hotel does not have a car park, but nearby options are available, charging approximately £10 for 24 hours.

Accommodations

This hotel offers five uniquely styled bedrooms and two apartments that feature both period charm and contemporary design. All accommodations overlook the harbour, allowing guests to enjoy stunning water views. Each room is equipped with luxury toiletries and supporting amenities for a convenient stay.

Dining

Dining at the Lifeboat Inn showcases a contemporary menu prioritizing local produce and seasonal options. Guests can savor classic pub dishes, including a traditional roast served on Sundays, alongside vegan and vegetarian choices. The pub atmosphere, supported by a welcoming bar and restaurant area, creates a vibrant setting for meals.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Lifeboat Inn accommodates dogs with selected dog-friendly rooms available at an additional charge of £15 per night, per dog. Dogs are welcome in all areas of the inn, excluding the main restaurant. This policy allows guests to enjoy their stay without leaving their pets behind.

Holiday Celebrations

During the Christmas season, the Lifeboat Inn offers festive menus, providing options for both intimate meals and larger gatherings. Guests can enjoy a four-course Christmas Day dinner featuring local produce, while special breaks for the holidays allow for relaxation and enjoyment. These festive offerings provide a chance to celebrate without the hassle of preparation.

Highlights

Location: St Ives harbour, near local attractions

Accommodations: Five bedrooms and two apartments

Dining: Contemporary menu with pub classics

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly rooms available

Celebrations: Festive menus for holiday gatherings

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll along Porthmeor Beach at sunset for breathtaking views.
  • Sample a Cornish pasty at the famous St Ives Bakery.
  • Explore the Tate St Ives for contemporary art and stunning coasts.
  • Wander through the beautiful gardens at the Barbara Hepworth Museum.
  • Visit the St Ives Farmers' Market for fresh local produce on Saturdays.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Signature Double
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Apartment Sea View
    2 persons
    55 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • One-Bedroom Apartment
    2 persons
    65 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

View our calendar

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June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
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 Lifeboat Inn, dining experiences celebrate the essence of British cuisine, featuring a diverse range of dishes reimagined with local flair. Guests can relish delightful meals in a family-friendly atmosphere, complemented by stunning harbor views, ensuring a truly enjoyable culinary outing.
Lifeboat Inn St Ives  Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British cuisine with contemporary twists
Ambiance
Family-friendly and modern, situated with views of the harbor
Key Offerings
Dishes include reimagined pub classics, fresh seafood, and seasonal specialties, along with options that cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets; daily changing specials feature prominently.
Reservation
Recommended
Lunch and dinner from 12:00 to 21:00, seven days a week

Lifeboat Inn Location

Wharf Road, St Ives (Cornwall), TR26 1LF
Explore St Ives (Cornwall)
Explore St Ives
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
The Saint Ives Museum
The Saint Ives Museum
9 minutes' walk
Local history and art presented through engaging exhibits. Offers guided tours and free admission days.
Tate St Ives
Tate St Ives
7 minutes' walk
Modern and contemporary art in a stunning coastal location. Regular exhibitions and family workshops available.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
7 minutes' walk
Sculptor's studio and beautiful gardens showcasing her work. Unique setting with guided tours and seasonal events.
The Island
The Island
9 minutes' walk
Scenic views and historic fortifications. Ideal for relaxing walks and enjoying the coastal landscape.
Porthminster Beach
6 minutes walking
Relax on golden sands or take part in water sports. Facilities include cafes and beach rentals nearby.
Surfing at Porthgwidden Beach
7 minutes walking
Thrilling surfing opportunities available with rental shops close by. Perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers.
RSPB Hayle Estuary
5-minute drive
Nature reserve known for birdwatching and scenic walking trails. Ideal for relaxing walks and picnics.
Simply Cornish
1 minute' walk
Offers a cozy atmosphere with local specialties. Indulge in their famous Cornish pasties and baked goods.
Smeatons Fish & Chips
1 minute' walk
Classic fish and chips in a casual setting. Freshly caught fish daily, perfect for a light meal.
The Cornish Bakery
2 minutes' walk
Charming bakery with delightful pastries and sandwiches. Excellent for breakfast or a quick snack.
Sky's Diner
1 minute' walk
American diner vibes with a diverse menu. Known for their burgers and family-friendly setting.
The Red Lion
5 minutes' walk
Live music venue offering a relaxed atmosphere. Regular jazz nights and open mic events attract locals and tourists.
St Ives Cinema
12 minutes walking
An independent cinema showcasing films in a cozy space. Family-friendly options and regular screenings available.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    St Ives (Cornwall) 12 min  ·  1 km
  • Airports
    Penzance (PZE) 19 min  ·  12.4 km
    Land's End (LEQ) 43 min  ·  28.1 km
  • Train
    St Ives train station 6 min  ·  500 m
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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 the entire hotel 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

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Lifeboat Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Lifeboat Inn enjoys a fabulous location right in the heart of the harbour with great views, especially from the lounge and some rooms. Guests find the beds super comfy for a good night's sleep, and the breakfast is generally considered delicious, even though a few found it too basic. Moreover, its central position makes it ideal for exploring, with the beach and shops just a few minutes walk away and the South West Coast Path easily accessible.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 492 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
86 %
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.1/10
Free WiFi
7.7/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Harbour views
Comfortable bedrooms
Excellent location
Cons
Steep stairs
Early dinner hours
Guest reviews
based on 492 reviews
8.7/10
based on 385 reviews
8.4/10
bobby from united kingdom
Family with children
apartment sea view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 07, 2026
9.3/10

romantic escape

fabulous location friendly staff comfy bed
the location was fabulous, right in the heart of the harbour. the staff were genuinely friendly and always ready to help with anything i needed. the bed was comfy, and the breakfast included a good selection of fresh fruit, which i adored.
The stairs were steep and narrow. It was a bit challenging to navigate them, especially with luggage. Better signage or clearer warnings about the staircase would be helpful.
Service
9/10
All staff members displayed genuine warmth and attentiveness. They seemed eager to assist with any inquiries. service was prompt and personalized. They remembered my preferences and addressed any concerns quickly. the team created a cute atmosphere that added greatly to the stay.
Rooms
9/10
The apartment offered fine views from every window. The sea view was nice!!! the apartment was generously spacious and well-appointed. It included all essential amenities for a romantic trip. everything was clean and felt very cute.
Location
10/10
The inn is superbly located near numerous shops and restaurants. Everything is within easy reach. the proximity to the harbour made it easy to watch the boats and enjoy the seaside ambience. the location provided easy access to nearby attractions.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Rebecca from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 17, 2025
6/10
steep stairs narrow steps
Breakfast was acceptable.
The stairs were terrible. They were far too steep for anyone with mobility issues. I endured scrapes to my legs as a result of the narrow steps.
0 Helpful
Rebecca from Australia
Family with children
Family Room Sea View
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 03, 2025
9.0/10

Harbourfront Stay

harbour view friendly staff spacious room
The location is superb. I had a great view of the harbour. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I found the room spacious.
Access was a bit tricky because the stairs were steep.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast included satisfying choices. I enjoyed a tasty, filling meal. The tea at breakfast was a highlight, particularly good.
Rooms
8/10
The room had great facilities and a comfortable large bed. It was warm and very clean. The decoration was beautiful and appealing.
Service
10/10
Staff members were courteous, even when very busy. The team offered professional service. They were kind and polite at all times.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About Lifeboat Inn
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Lifeboat Inn?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is Lifeboat Inn from the nearest beach?
The hotel is located 300 m from Porthmeor Beach.
What dining options are available at Lifeboat Inn?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving British cuisine, with vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options available upon request.
Are there any nearby restaurants to Lifeboat Inn?
Nearby restaurants include Peppers Pasta & Pizzeria, The Rum and Crab Shack, and Harbour Fish & Chips, all within 300 m.
Is Wi-Fi available at Lifeboat Inn?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What entertainment options does Lifeboat Inn offer?
The hotel features live music and performances as part of its entertainment options.
What room amenities can guests expect at Lifeboat Inn?
Rooms come equipped with allergy-free features, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and some include a kitchenette.
Is breakfast available at Lifeboat Inn, and what is the cost?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 10 GBP.
How far is Lifeboat Inn from Land's End Airport?
The hotel is located 28 km from Land's End Airport.
What attractions are close to Lifeboat Inn?
Nearby attractions include Tate St Ives (400 m), Porthminster Beach (600 m), and St Michael's Mount (16 km).
Does Lifeboat Inn offer any special amenities for families?
The hotel provides a selection of children's meals and high chairs upon request.

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