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St Ives is a coastal town in west Cornwall, uniquely positioned on a narrow peninsula that allows it to be surrounded by water on three sides. Historically, the town’s economy was built on the pilchard fishing industry, and the labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets in the oldest quarter - known as Down-along - still follows the original medieval layout. Geographically, it is famous for its northern light, a result of the surrounding sea reflecting into the bowl of the town, which led to the establishment of a significant artistic colony and the eventual opening of Tate St Ives. Unlike many seaside towns, it has several distinct beaches facing different directions, from the sheltered harbour to the Atlantic-facing Porthmeor, which is a key spot for surfing. While the summer months bring a clear influx of visitors, the town maintains a functioning daily infrastructure, including a branch line railway that connects at St Erth to the main line to London Paddington. Residents generally navigate the steep topography on foot, as the town’s ancient core was never designed for modern vehicular traffic.