Visit Penzance Cornwall
A historic town nestled within beautiful Mounts Bay - Bustling streets, sub-tropical gardens, bobbing harbour boats, galleries, an Art Deco swimming lido and dockside taverns are all set within this famous Cornish town. There's plenty of quirky cafes and characterful pubs to visit in Penzance, and lots to see and do in connection with the art scene. The promenade stretches from the town all the way to the fishing harbour of Newlyn, overlooking the stunning St Michael's Mount - A must visit if you're in the area.
The 11 BEST Things to do in Penzance Cornwall
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1. Take a dip in an Art Deco saltwater pool – The Jubilee pool is the UK's biggest sea water lido. It was originally opened in 1935 and was the first sea pool to be geothermally heated. Take a refreshing swim and then warm back up with a coffee from the café on site!
www.jubilee.co.uk 2. Find a sub-tropical oasis - Morrab Gardens is a colourful public garden and park set in the centre of Penzance, that proudly displays well-manicured gardens and exotic plants. A tranquil place away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. www.morrabgardens.org 3. Walk the coastal path – Stroll across the promenade to the neighbouring fishing town of Newlyn! With fantastic views over Mounts Bay, it is a wonderful way 20 minute walk, with plenty of places along the way to stop and take some great pictures. 4. Browse the contemporary art - The Exchange Gallery presents contemporary work in all forms, with a packed programme of events and exhibitions. The gallery has a sleek modern design with a large glass façade that runs the length of the building - It's reputation helps bring in the best art from around the world. www.newlynartgallery.co.uk 5. Watch a show from the cliff edge - The Minack theatre is actually carved into the cliff side with vast views across the Atlantic Ocean and Porthcurno beach. The atmospheric theatre was mainly built using hand tools and determination from its owner 'Rowena Cade' along with her friends and helpers! Shows and tours are available to book in the summer months, they cover the history of Cornwall and how this amazing theatre became known as a famous landmark in Cornwall. www.minack.com 6. The artistic heart of West Cornwall - Visit Penlee House gallery & museum, home to many amazing paintings from the Newlyn school and Lamorna artists. Here you'll find interesting archaeological finds, crafted ceramics and the history of Cornwall. There is also a great on-site cafe in the Orangery, the features homemade cakes, freshly ground coffee and a delicious lunch menu. www.penleehouse.org.uk |
7. Observe a working harbour – Penzance harbour is a lively working harbour surrounded by historic buildings - The perfect place to grab a coffee and go for a stroll. 8. Visit a sculpture garden - Tremenheere Gardens can be found in a beautiful sheltered valley just on the outskirts of Penzance. Interwoven within the sub-tropical plants lies an array of inspirational artworks and sculptures to browse. There is quite a climb to reach the top of the woodland, but once there you will be rewarded with stunning views over St Michael's Mount. There is a fab little restaurant and shop set within the gardens too! www.tremenheere.co.uk 9. Visit a medieval castle on an island! - Just a couple of miles along the coast from Penzance is Marazion where you can access the iconic St Michaels Mount - A medieval castle set on it's own tidal island. You will need to time the tide just right to be able to access the footpath that leads to the castle, as once the tide comes in the only way to get to and from the castle is by boat! This place is filled with history, myths and legends - With so many levels to explore, this is a great one for the kids! www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk 10. Explore a Cornish Tin mine - This mine excavated 50,000 tons of black tin during its operation between 1911 - 1990, now the mine is a heritage attraction and boasts amazing coastal views high above the crashing waves, helpful staff will explain all the inner workings of the mine and how it operated all those years ago. The café is also highly rated, so it’s a great day out for all the family. www.geevor.com 11. Jump of a cliff - With the guidance of an experienced coasteering instructor of course! Kernow Coasteering offers adrenaline filled days out exploring the coastlines through out Penzance www.kernow-coasteering.co.uk |
Penzance restaurants
We have covered all the best things to do in Penzance now we are helping you visit all the top restaurants in Penzance, we have listed all the top spots to eat and drink during your holiday in Cornwall. You may be surprised to hear that Penzance has a huge range of global cuisines including, Italian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Cantonese and of course the best local Cornish produce! To find out more about the place, view menus and book a table just click on your restaurant of choice below:
Fraser's Fish & Chips (Best for takeaway fish and chips, expect a queue)
The Shore (One man kitchen with high end seafood)
Sukhothai (Asian, Thai cuisine)
Old lifeboat House Bistro (Harbour side seafood bistro)
Artist Residence (The Cornish Barn - a smokehouse, bar and garden with relaxed atmosphere)
The Mexico Inn (Gastro pub with wood fired pizza)
The Honey Pot (Cornish Café)
Taj Mahal (Indian restaurant)
The Vault (Trendy cocktail and wine bar)
Admiral Benbow (Serving pirates, smugglers & rum since 1695)
The Shore (One man kitchen with high end seafood)
Sukhothai (Asian, Thai cuisine)
Old lifeboat House Bistro (Harbour side seafood bistro)
Artist Residence (The Cornish Barn - a smokehouse, bar and garden with relaxed atmosphere)
The Mexico Inn (Gastro pub with wood fired pizza)
The Honey Pot (Cornish Café)
Taj Mahal (Indian restaurant)
The Vault (Trendy cocktail and wine bar)
Admiral Benbow (Serving pirates, smugglers & rum since 1695)
The Real Pirates of Penzance
In the early 18th century Penzance was once a wild outpost in the depths of Cornwall for pirates!
One of the oldest pubs in Penzance 'The Admiral Benbow' was originally an illegal drinking den for real smugglers and pirates, known for using tunnels under the pub to smuggler contraband like Brandy, Gin and Tobacco - The pub has now made a name for itself by serving beers, Cornish ales and great local food!
One of the oldest pubs in Penzance 'The Admiral Benbow' was originally an illegal drinking den for real smugglers and pirates, known for using tunnels under the pub to smuggler contraband like Brandy, Gin and Tobacco - The pub has now made a name for itself by serving beers, Cornish ales and great local food!
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What is Penzance famous for...The Jubilee Pool
The UK's biggest seawater pool - A beautifully maintained Art Deco pool with great café! It has a safe shallow area for toddlers, with friendly staff and lifeguards. A real gem of Penzance and one of the most popular things to do in Penzance on a sunny summer's day. Find out more here: www.jubileepool.co.uk |
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If you only do one thing...Fish & Chips on the prom!
There is only one place to get the best take away fish and chips in Penzance - The highly rated Fraser's right on the promenade! It’s the perfect place to grab a portion and head to the nearest bench to take in the coastal views and atmosphere. Order your fish & chips online here: www.frasersfishandchips.co.uk Click to view a live Penzance webcam - See what the weather in Penzance is looking like in real time! Thanks to 'Frasers' for providing the live webcam feed from right there on the promenade! |
