Willow & Oak Bungalows: Your Insider Guide to St Ives

I’ve created this newsletter to ensure our guests at Willow and Oak Bungalows get the absolute most out of their stay.

One of the biggest secrets we want to share is the benefit of booking with us directly. When you use our own booking platform rather than the large global sites, you can save between 5% and 10% depending on the time of year. Those large platforms take a significant chunk of the booking fee—money that we would much rather stay in your pocket to spend on your holiday, or go directly toward maintaining the high standards of our bungalows and supporting the local Cornish economy.

Beyond the savings, being a "direct guest" means you get the true local experience. Each quarter, we’ll be sharing our favourite nearby craft fairs and artisan markets where you can find genuine Cornish treasures. St Ives is famous for its art, but we want to lead you toward the independent galleries and tucked-away creative spaces that many tourists blink and miss. Whether it's a pop-up market in a church hall or a weaver's studio at the end of a cobbled lane, we’ll make sure you know exactly where the real magic is happening during your stay.

Finally, we want to help you find your peace away from the harbour-front crowds. We’ll be highlighting the best "off-the-beaten-track" spots to eat and drink where I like to go, as well as our favourite gardens and quiet hiking trails. From hidden valley walks that glow with yellow gorse to tranquil gardens that offer a sanctuary from the summer bustle, we’ve got you covered. Consider this your personal "key" to the St Ives and west Cornwall that doesn't appear on the postcards—the quiet, authentic, and beautiful Cornwall that we are so lucky to call home.