If lockdown is lifted, where can we go in the UK that is like St Ives?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

Been there a few times. What I like about it is the abundance of lovely restaurants and cafes and the gorgeous beaches and views. And the vibe.

I don't like the drive there though (we are in the north west), so were wondering about maybe Dorset or Devon as an alternative. We don't mind an apartment as would eat out most nights (dpeending on lockdown restrictions being lifted of course).

jAll this just might be fantasy holiday shopping as I've had a gin and feeling sad that we've cancelled our holiday to Costa Adeje. I am hoping UK holidays will be fine by the end of August so just thinking about options (if there will be any availability!)

Saundersfoot.
It's a heck of a drive from the NW though!

Bridport/Westbay/Charmouth on the Dorset coast.

Tobermory on Mull.

Abersoch seems full of shiny new Range Rovers being driven by drug dealers.

Wells in Norfolk.

Salcombe definitely has plenty of good choice of restaurants and a pretty area. But they are not cheap! Very dog friendly and good vibe. Tenby and Pembrokeshire is a lovely area. Stunning beaches.

In North Wales we have enjoyed holidays at Morfa Nefyn, Criccieth and Llanbedrog. Heading south in Wales we love St Davids and Aberporth.

We love Swanage in Dorset. We're still undecided on holiday for this summer....

I have never been to St Ives. It looks beautiful but too far and too busy for us.

I know somewhere but I'm keeping quiet

Cornish maid here, and I have to say I think St Ives is crowded, has an over-high opinion of itself and is overrated! A good example is Tate St Ives. it looms over the town like a weird dystopian HQ and its galleries really don't use the vast space sufficiently to justify the waste of precious land in the town. The Hepworth gallery is good I suppose. But overall nah.
I second what someone upthread suggested - fly to Scilly. The Islands are divine, each with a slightly different character and the most gorgeous beaches. Little launches ferry you to each island, and the atmosphere down on the quays as people wait is rather lovely. It's pricey mind. But there are some lovely campsites.

We visited St Ives last year and I agree with Theoneand Obi Lovely place but so overcrowded in season

Easyjet fly from Liverpool to Jersey (or did). Maybe look at that once travel is allowed - at the moment you need special permission to go to Jersey. Very similar to south-west but better.

(no quarantine rules when returning to UK)

Just popping back on to say that we booked a cottage in Dorset in the end, in a village near to Dorchester so pretty central for all the places along the coast. Excited to go somewhere new!

I would try Dartmouth or Salcombe if you like St Ives. If your happy to do south Cornwall, Fowey is lovely.

CJ, we booked Dorset. I have been to both Darthmouth and Fowey before and they are nice but we wanted to try somewhere different for a change. Hadn't been to Salcombe before but accommodation seemed to expensive so decided against that.