D is for Downalong.

Nestled between the harbour and the Island and surrounded by numerous beaches, is a maze of quaint, narrow streets and tiny granite cottages that are commonly known as 'Down'long'. St Ives was primarily a fishing and trading port which meant the town developed around the harbour and wharf area. These tiny cottages were built to house the fishermen and their families so they could remain close to the heart of the action. As you can see, the cottages were mainly accessed on the first floor from a set of stone steps outside, this provided a large 'cellar' underneath to store all the nets, sails etc.
Nowadays, it's very different. Downalong is the place where everyone wants to stay for their holidays. The tiny fisherman's homes have been converted into 5star, luxury self catering cottages, the narrow roads see far more traffic than before and during the summer months it becomes the hub of the town. Whether you can remember 'Down'long' as it used to be or whether it's your first visit to this part of St Ives (if so, prepare to get lost!!) enjoy your time exploring one of the most important areas of St Ives heritage.