Child-friendly accommodation in St Ives

If you’re looking for child-friendly (or baby-friendly) holiday accommodation in St Ives, Morveren will keep the whole family happy.

Although its style and comfort make it highly attractive to couples, the owners have two young children themselves and have made the apartment as child-friendly as possible, so you can enjoy a truly relaxing holiday. Morveren offers:

• Free use of travel cot (please bring your own cot bedding
• Accommodation all on one level
• Selection of children’s DVDs, and MP3 docking station for young music fans
• Convenient location, a short stroll from St Ives town centre and Porthminster beach
• Easy access – fewer steep hills on the Porthminster side of town!
• Free secure parking right outside the apartment
• Plug socket protectors throughout
• Detailed welcome folder with lots of suggestions for things to do/places to visit

For more information, visit: www.morveren.com We hope you and your family have a wonderful stay in St Ives!

See in the New Year in Cornwall!

Cornwall is a wonderful place to spend Christmas or New Year – and nowhere more so than St Ives.

Book a festive holiday at Morveren and enjoy a breathtaking coastal backdrop – and the legendary party atmosphere for which St Ives is famous on New Year’s Eve.

See the cobbled streets around the harbour come alive with locals and revellers from all over the country, most clad in fancy dress.

A dramatic fireworks display, street parties, beach parties, buskers and dancing mean St Ives is firmly established as the place to be – and it’s all just a 12 minute walk away.

And whether you want to see in the New Year in a pub, a club, the street, or in the luxury and comfort of Morveren, we’ll throw in a bottle of complementary Champagne to help you celebrate in style!

The apartment is fully equipped and perfectly situated both for couples seeking a romantic getaway, and for families.

Come and enjoy a special time of the year in a really special place!

Call Aspects Holidays on 01736 754 242 to book your holiday.

Enjoy a Cornish autumn/winter escape!

Summer may have gone, but don’t give in to the cooler weather – grab your jacket and enjoy the great outdoors with a relaxing seaside break in lovely St Ives!

With some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the country to explore, miles of clean sandy beaches, and the magical ever-changing sea, an autumn or winter break will blow away the cobwebs, leaving you feeling refreshed and energised.

What’s more, while you won’t be fighting the crowds, the town is a buzzy year-round destination, so you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do.

Take your pick from mouth-watering restaurants, cosy Cornish pubs, stunning galleries and tempting shops .

Morveren is available for weeks and short breaks through the autumn and winter at competitive prices – luxury self-catering accommodation in a fab location with secure parking, WiFi and sea views.

Visit our website for availability and prices at: www.morveren.com – and secure your wonderful coastal getaway!

Mid season magic!

May and June are fabulous months to visit St Ives – if you are not locked into school holidays.

Here’s why a ‘mid season’ break in late spring or early summer makes a lot of sense.

1. Summer starts earlier in Cornwall, thanks to the warming Gulf Stream.

2. Everything’s open!  Unlike other resorts, St Ives remains open throughout the winter. Take your pick of pubs, restaurants, shops and galleries. It’s not called ‘the jewel of the south west’ for nothing!

3. It’s lively, but not too busy.  And with more hours of sunshine (upwards of 1500 each year) than any other county in the UK, that means sun-worshippers have plenty of room to spread out on the beach. May to July average around 7 hours of sunshine each day.

4. The stunning scenery is arguably at its most beautiful, with all the vibrant colours of spring. Walkers and cyclists can lap it up – and enjoy some tranquility!

5. The town’s clean, sandy beaches offer something for everyone at this time of year.  Make a picnic, take a Frisbee, fly a kite, have a paddle, build sandcastles, try your hand at surfing, or just put your feet up and gaze out at the Atlantic -keeping your eyes open for seals!

6. It’s great value for money. Enjoy a week at Morveren in May from just £569 – that’s £142 per person, or just £20 a night!

For the latest availability, call Aspects Holidays on 01736 754 242.

It’s holiday April!

Who doesn’t love a holiday – especially now the days are longer and warmer?

Because Easter falls late this year, and we have May Day and the Royal Wedding on the horizon, April is a holiday bonanza with TWO four day weekends, back to back!

So, why not make the most of your free time with a visit to St Ives? It is particularly alluring in the spring with wildflowers on the coastpath, mild temperatures, unspoilt beaches, gardens alive with colour, and mouth-watering restaurants to tempt your tastebuds.

A Cornish spring break can awaken your senses – and it won’t break the bank either: at Morveren we are offering discounts throughout April of 15% (w/c 9th, 16th and 23rd) and 20% (w/c 2nd).

That’s a week’s luxury holiday from just over £100 per person!

Don’t miss out – call Aspects Holidays on 01736 754 242 and book your spring break in one of Britain’s most beautiful seaside destinations.

Upgrades for 2011!

Guest feedback and suggestions are hugely important to us, in creating the perfect holiday experience for you.

So we are pleased to announce a few extra touches at Morveren, to make your stay even more special in 2011!

We are installing Wi-Fi broadband at the end of March, allowing free high speed wireless internet access throughout the apartment.

Catch up on personal or business emails while you are away, surf the net for local or regional information, and keep in touch with friends and family (or even the office if you must!), at the click of a mouse.

We have also installed a black-out blind in the twin bedroom (a boon for any light sleepers), and a full-length vertical blind in the lounge (in addition to the existing curtains), for those who enjoy extra privacy.

So, whether you’re bringing the kids to St Ives for a family holiday, escaping with your other half for a romantic break, or planning a ‘working’ holiday in an inspirational location, we think you’ll find Morveren meets your every need.

Happy holidays!

10 good reasons to visit St Ives in 2011!

If you have yet to experience the joys of St Ives in West Cornwall – or are simply contemplating a return visit, here are ten very good reasons to book a break at Morveren in 2011.

1. Four fabulous beaches

With their fine golden sand and crystal clear waters, Porthminster (5 minutes’ walk from Morveren), Porthmeor, Porthgwidden and Harbour Beach are all stunning. They offer something for families, surfers, swimmers, sun-worshippers, walkers and people-watchers alike.  All are within 10 minutes of each other.

2. Mouth-watering menus

Seafood fans (Newlyn scallops, Cornish crabs, line-caught mackerel) need look no further, but the town is brimming with world class restaurants and cafes catering for all tastes, many offering spectacular views over the Atlantic. 

3. Jaw-dropping scenery

Spring, summer, autumn or winter, the ancient landscape of West Cornwall boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in the country which has inspired artists for generations. It’s a paradise for walkers and cyclists, and there are ample opportunities to recharge with a pint and a pasty at a village inn.

4. Mild climate

Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the unique micro-climate allows beautiful sub-tropical gardens to thrive - and means T-shirts and shorts may be the order of the day as early as March.  The jewel in Cornwall’s crown, St Ives is warmer than the rest of the UK and really is an all year-round destination.

5. Eye-opening galleries

For starters, check out Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden,  and Leach Pottery – and soak up the work of some of the greatest figures in modern art.

Then explore the Sloop Craft Market, Alexandra Dickens Studio Gallery, New Millennium Gallery, Pilchard Place Gallery, Salthouse Gallery, Wills Lane Gallery and more…

6. Surf’s up!

St Ives can pick up some excellent surf at Porthmeor Beach, and Gwithian/Godrevy off Hayle Towans.  The local surf schools cater for all abilities – but be warned: if you’ve not tried it before, it’s totally addictive!

7. The perfect base

St Ives is mesmerising and packed with things to see and do – but you certainly won’t be disappointed if you head further afield.  Explore stunning National Trust houses and gardens, beautiful fishing villages, the Eden Project, Minack Theatre, St Michael’s Mount and the National Maritime Museum.

8. Land of legend

West Cornwall is rich in archaeological sites of ancient villages, quoits, standing stones, mysterious stone circles and ruined tin mines. Take a trip back through time and discover how archaeology and folklore have shaped the Cornwall of today.

9. Sporting chance

As well as surfing, why not try your hand at water sports, sailing, fishing, golf or horse-riding? St Ives also offers a very well-equipped Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool.

10. September Festival

Every year, the St Ives September Festival celebrates the town’s artistic heritage with a dazzling two week programme of live music, exhibitions, poetry readings, workshops and much more.

We hope the above will whet your appetite, whether you are looking for a short break or your main holiday. For latest availability and prices, please call Aspects Holidays on: 01736 754 242. Special offers are sometimes available out of peak season.

Have a great time and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Guestbook comments

It’s been a busy year at Morveren, and in our second year we’ve welcomed visitors from all over the country.

Many have been kind enough to write in our guestbook – so here is a representative selection of their (unedited!) comments.

“What a fantastic place to spend Christmas and New Year.  The weather was great and we did not expect there to be so many people about which gave everywhere a wonderful atmosphere. Could not fault the apartment or the location.” AP, Stoke-on-Trent

“Great apartment, fully equipped, and a real home from home.  Really clean accommodation with everything you could ever need.  We’ll definitely stay here again.” AS, Bristol

“Our second visit to Morveren, and just as enjoyable and comfortable. Our favourite restaurants maintain thier high standards – Alba, Sloop, Porthminster Cafe. Trevarno Gardens well worth a visit.” T & S, Kenilworth

“Great apartment and good restaurants within walking distance – Porthminster Cafe, Alba, Alfresco, Seafood Cafe.  Bernard Leach Pottery very interesting.” DM, Sevenoaks

“Wonderful weather and excellent apartment. Can recommend the Porthminster Cafe, The Italian and Slipway – and a visit to St Michael’s Mount.” AM, Bolton

“Had a fantastic time, weather great. A wonderful apartment with every need catered for – a credit to the owners. Will certainly recommend Morveren to our family and friends. Hope to be back.” DH, Bolton

“Had a wonderful two weeks. Weather has been amazing -glorious sunshine every day. The accommodation and location are great.  We loved Porthminster Cafe, Alba and Seafood Cafe. The Thursday morning food market in St Ives is lovely.” S, A and J, Nottingham.

“A great apartment in a charming location, excellent weather and many fab memories. I celebrated my 26th birthday here! We will return.” T & O, Surrey

“Comfortable, well-equipped and good location in a beautiful setting. We had a great week here in St Ives – great restaurants and shops in town and particularly enjoyed the beaches and views.” J & C, Surrey

“Great time had by all. Great apartment, very convenient for Porthminster beach and the town.  St Ives busy but beautiful, with loads to see and do in and around.  Will definitely be back.” PF, Oxford

“Apartment excellent, very clean. Weather great.  Try ‘The Coldstreamer’ at Gulval, Penzance for fab food. See you again soon.” H family, Cheadle

“We have enjoyed our stay in this excellent apartment. The weather has been great, and Cornwall as magical as ever. We will be back before long.  Must mention the cleanliness of the apartment.” F family, Hull

Escape to Cornwall this autumn/winter!

For some years now, St Ives has firmly established itself as a true ‘year round’ holiday destination with a lively atmosphere from January to December.

So, when the tan starts to fade, and the nights begin to lengthen, why not break up the long run-in to Christmas by treating yourself to a luxury break by the sea?

You might not need your beach towel, but West Cornwall offers so much to see and do in October, November and December that you really won’t miss it!

Be inspired by turning leaves, crashing waves, beautiful sunrises and empty beaches.

Banish the winter blues with lungfuls of fresh sea air on the stunning South West Coast Path.

Bring your bike and explore the area’s many pretty villages and ancient moorland landscape.

Hire a wetsuit and learn to surf, with expert tuition from a local surf school.

Indulge your taste-buds with some sumptuous cuisine at the town’s award-winning restaurants.

Enjoy a glass or two in the cosy comfort of a traditional local hostelry.

Check out some of Cornwall’s beautiful stately homes and gardens.

Catch up on some pre-Christmas shopping.

Try your hand at drawing or painting at a local art class– or simply soak up the culture at the town’s many art galleries.

Whatever floats your boat, St Ives has it. And with its luxurious facilities and ideal location (plus free on-site parking) Morveren makes the perfect base.

What’s more, for a limited time only (until 31 August) you can enjoy 10% off a self-catering stay taken between 2 October and 31 December (excluding October half term, Christmas and New Year weeks).

For a party of four, that’s from less than £100 per person for a whole week’s luxury holiday in St Ives!

Book now and discover how beautiful this part of the country is across the seasons.

For more details and latest availability, visit the Aspects Holidays website here: http://www.aspects-holidays.co.uk/propertydetails.asp?propId=P1356&month=

Here comes summer!

Don the sandals, spritz the sunscreen, and polish those shades: languid days and long, light evenings are here at last!

Spend some time in St Ives this summer and you won’t want to leave.

Voted the UK’s best seaside destination by Guardian readers, and the best family holiday destination in the Coast magazine awards, the town is magical all year round – but its four magnificent beaches really come into their own in the summer.

So, if you’ve been lucky enough to bag a week or two at Morveren this summer, how best to spend your time with so much on offer?

Well, you could start your day with an al fresco breakfast and newspaper on the sun terrace, looking out over the glittering Atlantic.

Then mooch down to the clean, white sands of Porthminster beach to work on that tan and take a refreshing morning dip.

The sea air will soon make you peckish, so maybe wander through the beguiling maze of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants for a bit of lunch and people-watching at the Sloop on the harbour front – built in 1312.

In the afternoon, try your hand at mackerel-fishing from the harbour, or soak up some culture at Tate St Ives or the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Garden.

And after recharging your batteries back at the apartment, round off your day with a sumptuous meal at the ultra chic, but very relaxed, Porthminster Café, right on the beach – recently voted Britain’s best seaside restaurant by Times readers.

The rest of the week?  How about:

• A stunning coastpath walk to Lelant, and scenic train ride back
• Pottering round Downalong – the oldest part of the town, lined with fishermen’s cottages and pots of Mediterranean plants/flowers
• An open top bus trip to Lands End
• A boat trip to Seal Island
• A visit to the Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan
• A day on Porthcurno beach followed by a show at the open air Minack Theatre
• A surf lesson or two at Porthminster beach
• Mooching round the galleries – and maybe even an art class
• A hike out to Zennor, a drink at the ancient Tinners Arms and a visit to the church/famous mermaid carving
• Exploring the area’s rich pre-history: quoits, standing stones, stone circles, Iron Age villages
• Hiring bikes and exploring the Lizard peninsula with its rare wild flowers, unspoilt fishing villages and secret coves
• Walking along the causeway to St Michael’s Mount, and enjoying lunch in Penzance
• Visiting one or more of the area’s many enchanting gardens: Trevarno or, Trengwainton for example
• Exploring the area’s mining history with a trip to Geevor Tin Mine or Levant Mine/Beam Engine
• Looking for seals, guillemots, razorbill, fulmars and cormorants on the cliffs above Godrevy – and enjoying a cliff-top picnic
• Sipping a ‘sundowner’ or two on the roof terrace at the Pedn Olva hotel on your way into (or out of) the town
• Catching some live music at St Ives Jazz Club or the Lifeboat Inn

And if you do need more ideas, you’ll find plenty in the welcome folder at Morveren!

Happy holidays.