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
07Aug
Check-out
08Aug
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

3-star harbourside inn with stunning sea views

Amenities

The Lifeboat Inn offers guests access to dog-friendly accommodation, allowing dogs in select rooms for an additional fee of £15 per night. The hotel boasts a traditional pub space with a warm atmosphere, including a log fire and scenic views. An extensive menu of seasonal dishes includes vegan and vegetarian options, highlighting the best of local produce.

Rooms

The hotel features five unique bedrooms and two stylish apartments, each blending period features with contemporary style. Rooms come equipped with luxury toiletries and cozy furnishings to create a welcoming environment. Guests enjoy the option of booking rooms with stunning views across St Ives harbour.

Location

Located beside the town's lifeboat house, the Lifeboat Inn sits at the center of St Ives, with easy access to local attractions. The hotel is a short walk from multiple car parks, charging around £10 for 24 hours. St Ives is renowned for its breathtaking coastline and rich artistic culture.

Dining

On-site dining at the Lifeboat Inn includes a pub menu that features hearty classics and innovative dishes, such as crispy Chermoula shrimps. The hotel serves traditional Sunday roasts with a selection of meats and top-quality vegetarian options. Christmas dining offers a festive two and three-course menu highlighting local produce.

Pet-Friendly

The Lifeboat Inn accommodates dogs in designated rooms, welcoming pets throughout the pub, excluding the main restaurant. This allows visitors to spend quality time with their furry companions while enjoying the coastal setting. The beaches in St Ives are dog-friendly year-round, offering plenty of areas for walks.

Highlights

Location: Situated beside the town's lifeboat house

Dining: Seasonal dishes with local produce

Accommodation: Five unique bedrooms and two stylish apartments

Pet-Friendly: Dogs welcome in rooms and public areas

“The Lifeboat Inn, positioned centrally in St Ives, distinguishes itself with a genuinely attentive staff. From what I gather, the sea view rooms definitely enhance the experience, though all rooms are comfortable. It strikes me as a particularly solid choice for those prioritizing location and authentic, personable service.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
  • Signature Double
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Apartment Sea View
    2 persons
    55 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Sea view
    Heating
    Shower
  • One-Bedroom Apartment
    2 persons
    65 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review 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

Services

  • Pet amenities available

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
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Lifeboat Inn, guests can indulge in a delightful dining experience featuring British cuisine with a contemporary twist. With warm, inviting atmospheres and a menu that celebrates local produce, every meal is a journey through the flavors of the region.
  • Restaurant #1

    British
    Ambiance
    A traditional seaside pub that offers modern, family-friendly dining with harbor views, creating a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.
    Key Offerings
    The menu showcases reimagined pub classics alongside daily specials, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Enjoy a diverse selection from fresh seafood to comforting meat dishes, all accompanied by plenty of gravy.
    Reservation
    Recommended for larger groups.
    Open for 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
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
7 minutes' walk
The museum highlights Hepworth's work in a serene garden. Unique features include changing exhibitions and an atmospheric setting.
Tate St Ives
Tate St Ives
7 minutes' walk
This art gallery showcases modern and contemporary art, beautifully situated overlooking the bay. Special exhibitions throughout the year.
The St Ives Museum
9 minutes' walk
A portrayal of local history and culture with artifacts and exhibits. Entrance is affordable and offers special events periodically.
The Island
The Island
9 minutes' walk
A scenic headland offering stunning views and walking paths. Ideal for a quick escape into nature right by the coast.
Surfing at Porthminster Beach
6 minutes' walk
Surf rentals and lessons available. Great for adventurous guests looking for wave action in a picturesque setting.
Walking the South West Coast Path
10 minutes' drive
A beautiful coastal route with breathtaking scenery. Ideal for leisurely walks or invigorating hikes, seasonal wildlife spotting included.
Yoga Classes at The Yoga Shed
15 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions for all levels. Pre-booking recommended to secure your spot during peak season.
Simply Cornish
1 minute' walk
Offers traditional Cornish fare. Known for pasties and cream teas, suitable for both casual and quick meals.
Smeatons Fish & Chips
1 minute' walk
Classic fish and chip shop serving crispy, fresh seafood. Ideal for a quick bite; vegetarian options are also available.
Sky's Diner
1 minute' walk
Quirky diner vibe with diverse menu. Burger and milkshake specials are popular; a fun family dining experience.
The Sloop Inn
5 minutes' walk
A lively pub with a rich history. Regular live music and quiz nights provide a vibrant atmosphere for guests of all ages.
St Ives Theatre
10 minutes' walk
Showcasing local talent with dramas and musicals. Family-friendly performances make it a wonderful option for an evening out.
Getting around town
  • City Centre
    St Ives (Cornwall) 12 min  ·  3300 ft
  • Airports
    Penzance (PZE) 19 min  ·  7.7 mi
    Land's End (LEQ) 43 min  ·  17.5 mi
  • Train
    St Ives train station 6 min  ·  1700 ft
Looking for early-bird discounts?
Get special discounted rates today!
Check Rates
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

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Lifeboat Inn enjoys a prime location in the heart of St Ives, with many guests appreciating the harbour views from their spacious and well-decorated rooms. Breakfast is frequently described as amazing, and the Inn is conveniently located near the main shopping street with its numerous restaurants. Some guests have found the stairs to be steep and challenging, however, the comfortable beds and nice breakfast options generally make for a pleasant stay.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 489 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
86 %
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.1/10
Breakfast
6.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.8/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Good location
Cons
Steep stairs
Dirty shower
Narrow stairs
Guest reviews
based on 489 reviews
8.7/10
based on 385 reviews
8.4/10
Benjamin from Germany
Single
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 12, 2026
6/10

mixed feelings about the stay

small step narrow handrail
the location was acceptable.
The stairs were the worst i have ever seen. there were 17 stairs from the bedroom to the bathroom and back. Each step was too small. the handrail was too close to the wall, so there was no room to grip. i sustained injuries on my legs.
0 Helpful
Ken from United Kingdom
Couple
Signature Double
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
9.5/10

amazing stay!

great view large bed awesome tea helpful staff
this place is really great, i gotta say! we booked a room for a few nights because it was wifes birthday and it became one of our best trips for sure! the room included a great view to the bay and it featured a large bed. staff were always available and helped us with all our needs! breakfast was so tasty and the tea was awesome, wow!
the access stairs were quite steep and i almost fell, but luckily i'm still in good shape. everything else was awesome and exceeded my expectations. i can still feel the sea breeze on my face, yeah!
Location
10/10
this spot gives easy access to the shop and is just a short walk from the beach, i tell you! the harbour is really close, just a couple of steps and you're there. everything you need is close by, yeah!
Service
9/10
staff were friendly and polite, wow! the young woman at check-in welcomed me kindly, i loved that. she and her colleague in the dining area always tried their best to. great job, guys!
Facilities
9/10
my room had a modern bathroom and superb kitchen facilities, so cool! it also featured spacious areas, that's something i really appreciate. everything worked perfectly and added so much value to my experience, yeah!
Dining
10/10
the pub is awesome, i gotta say! i loved the food and drinks they offer, it's crazy! they have a good selection of beers, wines and ciders, so cool! i recommend this spot for sure!
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Lifeboat Inn
How far is Lifeboat Inn from Penzance airport?
Lifeboat Inn is 5 km from Penzance airport, which takes approximately 15 minutes by car.
What is the distance from Lifeboat Inn to the nearest beach?
Porthmeor Sandy Beach is 0.5 km away, about a 5-minute walk from Lifeboat Inn.
What breakfast options are available at Lifeboat Inn?
Breakfast is served every morning in the restaurant for an additional charge of £10.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Lifeboat Inn?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What room amenities are available at Lifeboat Inn?
Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and some include kitchenettes.
What notable attractions are near Lifeboat Inn?
Nearby attractions include the Tate Gallery St. Ives (0.5 km) and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (0.3 km).

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