Downsfield Bed and Breakfast

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Downsfield? It’s the kind of place where you actually want to hang around for breakfast instead of rushing off to the beach – and trust me, when you’re this close to Carbis Bay, that’s saying something. Perched up on Longstone Hill, this B&B has that perfect elevated spot where you can see the water sparkling below without being right in the thick of tourist chaos. The owners clearly know what they’re doing here, and honestly, after staying at my fair share of places around Cornwall, the attention to detail really shows.

The location is pretty brilliant, actually. You’re maybe a five-minute walk down to Carbis Bay beach (though it’s a bit of a climb back up if you’ve been lounging all day), and St Ives proper is just far enough away that you don’t get the crowds stumbling past your window at midnight, but close enough that you can easily wander into town for dinner. I mean, parking can be a nightmare in St Ives itself, so having a proper spot here is worth its weight in gold during summer months. The rooms have this cozy, unfussy charm – nothing overly fancy, but everything works perfectly and feels thoughtfully chosen. Those little touches like really good toiletries and beds that don’t creak when you move… it’s the kind of stuff you don’t notice until you’ve stayed somewhere that gets it wrong.

What really sets Downsfield apart though is breakfast – and I’m someone who usually just grabs coffee and runs. They do this thing with local ingredients that doesn’t feel forced or precious, just genuinely good food that happens to showcase what Cornwall does best. The dining room catches the morning light beautifully, and you can sit there planning your day while looking out over the bay. Fair warning though: if you’re visiting during peak season (July-August especially), book way ahead because word has definitely gotten out about this place. The 8.8 rating isn’t just inflated review nonsense – it feels earned. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option around, but for what you get and where you are, it actually feels pretty reasonable. Plus, the hosts are the kind of people who remember your name and can point you toward that hidden coastal path or the pub where locals actually drink, not just the obvious tourist spots everyone ends up at.

Facilities