famous road
B3306 St Ives to Land's End
A narrow granite-walled road along Cornwall's wild north-west coast past Zennor and Pendeen, slow but stunning.
6 km · about 10 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
St Ives
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About St Ives
St Ives works well as a base: 10 minutes from Uny Lelant, 6km from B3306 St Ives to Land's End.
St Ives is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 5,410, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, St Ives sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add St Ives to your route.
About St Ives
The Leach Pottery was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in St Ives, Cornwall, in the United Kingdom.
The buildings grew from an old cow / tin-ore shed in the 19th century to a pottery in the 1920s with the addition of a two-storey cottage added on to the lower end of the pottery, followed by aRead more
completely separate cottage at the top of the site added by Leach in 1927.
In 1922 Tsuronosuke Matsubayashi came from Japan to rebuild an unsuccessful climbing kiln for the pottery. Matsubayashi built a three chambered traditional Japanese Noborigama, the first Japanese climbing kiln in the western world, and this was used until the 1970s.
Bernard's son David Leach who trained at the North Staffordshire Technical College, became manager in 1937 abandoning production of earthenware, developing a new stoneware body and taking on local apprentices. Michael Cardew was an early student and William Marshall an apprentice. Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie became an apprentice in 1924 Warren MacKenzie from the US, Charmian Johnson from Canada and Len Castle from New Zealand also worked here.
The pottery's Standard Ware was first issued in 1946 and can be found in the V&A collection. Mail order catalogues were distributed and the range was produced until 1979. Three basic glazes were used for the ware: Celadon, Tenmoku and oatmeal with overpainting in brown and blue.
After Bernard's death in 1979, his wife Janet Leach stopped production of standard ware to concentrate on her own pots until her death in 1997, after which the pottery was purchased by Alan Gillam. The property was acquired by Penwith District Council as part of the Leach Restoration Project
The site was renovated and restored in 2005-08 before being reopened to the public in March 2008 as a working studio pottery, museum and gallery. The restoration cost £1.7 million which preserved the original buildings whilst adding an exhibition space and shop. It is now managed by the Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Limited, a registered UK charity founded in 2005.
There are two exhibition areas, the Entrance Gallery with work by Bernard Leach, Janet Leach, David Leach, Shoji Hamada, William Marshall, Michael Cardew, and Kenneth Quick and the Cube Gallery with a changing exhibition.
The Leach Pottery's director is Libby Buckley and the lead potter is Roelof Uys.
Where to Stay in St Ives
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in St Ives?
St Ives offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to St Ives?
Plan your road trip to St Ives with Plan Your Road Trips! Add St Ives as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is St Ives located?
St Ives is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 50.2086 latitude, -5.4875 longitude.
What is the population of St Ives?
St Ives has a population of approximately 5,410 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 5,410
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.2086, -5.4875
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from St Ives
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
castle
St Michael's Mount
Magical tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church, connected to Marazion by a cobbled causeway revealed at low tide.
10 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Mousehole
A tightly built granite fishing village near Penzance with a horseshoe harbour, famed for its Christmas lights.
14 km · about 25 min drive
photogenic
Botallack Mine
Ruined engine houses of the Crowns section cling to cliffs above the Atlantic, where tin shafts once ran half a mile out under the sea. A UNESCO mining landscape and the Wheal Leisure of TV's Poldark.
16 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Cape Cornwall
A rugged headland near St Just, once thought to be England's most south-westerly point, topped by a former mine chimney.
18 km · about 20 min drive
beach
Porthcurno Beach
Stunning white-sand beach framed by towering cliffs, consistently rated among the finest beaches in the UK.
21 km · about 25 min drive
ancient ruins
Wheal Coates
A ruined tin mine engine house perched on the cliff at St Agnes, one of Cornwall's most photographed industrial landmarks.
21 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Minack Theatre
Breathtaking open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs above Porthcurno Bay, offering performances with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
22 km · about 25 min drive
Driving roads near St Ives
- Right hereB3306 St Ives to Land's EndA narrow granite-walled road along Cornwall's wild north-west coast past Zennor and Pendeen, slow but stunning.
- 18 kmCape CornwallA rugged headland near St Just, once thought to be England's most south-westerly point, topped by a former mine chimney.
- 22 kmSt Agnes HeadA cliff-top headland on Cornwall's north coast with ruined engine houses of the tin mining World Heritage Site along the shore.
- 23 kmLand's EndThe most south-westerly point of mainland England, where rugged granite cliffs plunge into the Atlantic with views towards the Isles of Scilly.
- 35 kmLizard PointThe most southerly point of mainland Britain, with dramatic serpentine rock formations and a historic lighthouse.
- 44 kmBedruthan StepsGiant rock stacks marching across a wild sandy beach below towering cliffs on the rugged north Cornwall coast.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near St Ives.
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