Penzance is the largest town in far west Cornwall. Sheltering in the curve of beautiful Mount’s Bay, it is a wonderful place to spend a relaxed day trip or to really unwind on a longer break. This picturesque town has a surprising amount to offer from art galleries and unusual architecture to sea-swimming and historic sites, there is plenty to do during all seasons. Here’s our pick of the best…
Enjoy the magic of modern art at The Exchange
The Exchange is a major contemporary art space in the heart of Penzance. Opened in 2007 in a disused telephone exchange, this fascinating Cornish art gallery hosts major works of art and has a dynamic programme of contemporary art shows throughout the year, featuring all media types by regional, national, and international artists.
The building still retains its impressive industrial character with a spacious t-shaped gallery with a striking glass facade that stretches the length of the building, flooding the space with natural light.
As well as the arresting permanent exhibits, there are regular visiting exhibitions and a wonderful well-stocked bookshop and café to enjoy. The gallery is a surprising and perhaps unexpected addition to this historic town and can be found tucked away just behind Chapel Street.
Twinned with the Newlyn Art Gallery, which is within walking distance along the seafront and was founded in 1895, it is possible to purchase joint entry to both galleries.
Discover some of Cornwall’s finest artworks at Penlee House Gallery & Museum
The elegant Penlee House was built as a family home in 1865 and is now a gallery that celebrates the skill and craftsmanship of the artists of West Cornwall. On display are many works by artists of the Newlyn School including Norman Garstin, Walter Langley, Lamorna Birch and Elizabeth and Stanhope Forbes. There are also regular special exhibitions showcasing individual Cornish artists.
Alongside the art collection is a wonderful museum holding historic collections spanning 6,000 years of Cornish history. There is also a huge photographic archive by the famous Gibson family from the Isles of Scilly, known for their images of shipwrecks.
Penlee House is very much a family-friendly gallery with ‘drop-in’ workshops every Saturday and colouring-in and quizzing activities to keep little ones occupied.
There is also a café, shop, and beautiful gardens, which include a children’s play area and sensory garden. There is level, ramped or lift access throughout.
Go swimming in Jubilee Pool
Jubilee Pool is right on the picturesque seafront in Penzance and has to be the UK’s most beautiful and celebrated saltwater lido. Designed by Captain F. Latham and opened to great fanfare in 1935, the year of King George V’s Silver Jubilee, it has long been a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
The geothermal pool (which is naturally heated to around 29 degrees) is the first of its kind in the UK and is a wonderful spot to enjoy a salt-kissed swim in a balmy setting. The recently installed sauna is another superb addition that ensures your visit is packed with health-boosting activities.
Offering safe swimming whatever the season, Jubilee Pool also hosts a wide range of poolside events throughout the year. Whether it’s dancing on the terrace, enjoying live performances by local bands during their Sunday Sessions, savouring poolside pizza nights, or marvelling at the stars during a magical full-moon swim, there is something for everyone at this unique Cornish swimming spot.
Take a stroll down Causeway Head
Causeway Head is the only pedestrianised street in Penzance and is packed with independent shops, bakeries, barbers, delis, and cafés.
A stroll down this cobbled street is a great way to while away some time and pick up an unusual gift or souvenir to remember your stay in the town. It is also a fantastic place to do some serious people-watching or enjoy one of the street entertainers that often frequent the narrow street.
Maybe grab a tasty treat from one of the bakeries and find a spot to watch the world go by.
Have a drink in an old smuggler's haunt
It is hardly surprising that as one of the oldest harbour towns in the county, Penzance boasts some of the most historic inns in Cornwall. The Admiral Benbow has been serving rum to pirates and smugglers since 1695 and is famed for featuring in the novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson who holidayed in the town in 1880. The pub has quirky, olde worlde décor, a cosy atmosphere, and is still a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike.
The Turks Head on Chapel Street is said to be the oldest pub in the town. Its name dates back to around 1233, when legend has it that the harbour was invaded by Turks from the Holy Land. In later years this pub became the notorious haunt for Penzance’s smugglers - the old smuggling tunnel is still there to this day. Today, you can sit down to some slap-up pub grub and delicious local ales.
The Dolphin Tavern on the harbour side has many fascinating tales to tell - if only its walls could talk! According to local legend, in 1585 the inn served as John Hawkin's headquarters while he recruited Cornishmen to fight in the Armada and Sir Walter Raleigh is thought to have smoked the first pipe of tobacco in England here. Pop in for a refreshing drink while exploring Penzance and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for ghosts!
Browse the shelves at the Edge of the World Bookshop
This quirky, independent bookshop is a real institution in Cornwall. Its shelves are packed with local writers' work from bestsellers to small print runs and you-will-find-this-no-where-else books.
The owners of the Edge of the World have two things on their mind – books and making their customers welcome! But mostly it's books, books, books – they love reading them, talking about them, shelving them and helping you find just the right one for you!
Whether you are into literary blockbusters, cult classics, holiday reads or inspirational coffee-table tomes, this bookshop has it all tucked inside its small walls.
So step in and chill out! Oh, and they don’t frown on a little book sniffing either…
Marvel at the rather marvellous Egyptian House
There is no building in the whole of the UK quite like Penzance’s Egyptian House, it is entirely unique!
This architectural gem is a rare survivor of a style that became fashionable after Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt in 1798 and brightens up historic Chapel Street with its exuberant colourful exterior.
In 1835, mineralogist, John Lavin, purchased two adjacent cottages at auction for £396. Lavin had a vision and he decided to completely transform those cottages into what we see today, a remarkable pseudo-Egyptian masterpiece. The colourful, exotic design with lotus buds, fans, strange figures and huge columns was like nothing that the people of Penzance had ever seen before and unsurprisingly it caused a considerable stir about the town and wider countryside when it was revealed. The house has been something of a tourist attraction ever since.
The building is now cared for by the Landmark Trust and today Egyptian House must be one of the most photographed buildings in the whole of Cornwall.
Join the crowds at a local rugby match
Penzance is home to Cornwall’s famous national rugby team, the Cornish Pirates, founded in 1876 as the Penzance RFC. Their home ground and stadium, Mennaye Field, has a capacity of 4,000 and is often filled to the rafters on match days.
The Cornish are particularly passionate about this sport - supporters of the national team are referred to as Trelawney’s Army - so matches always have a wonderful atmosphere.
It is worth pointing out that few pitches can boast the incredible seaside location you can find here!
Cycle the path to the Mount
One of the finest views in Cornwall is St Michael’s Mount resting on its little island out in the bay. And one of the best ways to enjoy this panorama is by taking the 2-mile foot/cycle path that follows the curve of the bay just above the beaches from Penzance all the way to Marazion.
This almost flat, paved route can be walked or cycled and offers amazing views across the water to St Michael’s Mount and all along the coastline beyond. There is always plenty to look at as you go, whether that’s kite surfers jumping the waves or fishing boats and sailing ships further out at sea.
There are also several picnic spots and benches along the way so that you can pause and relax, as well as cafés and stalls selling ice creams and drinks. You could also finish your trip by making the magical journey across the causeway to the island itself (if the tide is out).
Sample a locally brewed real ale at The Crown
Set on a quiet Penzance back street, The Crown is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. This is an old-fashioned pub – you’ll find no distracting screens, jukeboxes or slot machines – just friendly local people savouring the ambience and hospitality of this renowned establishment.
The Crown Inn is also home to Cornish Crown ales, a local real ale brewed by the landlord with a loyal following, with six regularly brewed variations. Six draft ales are always on tap at The Crown and there are weekly guest ales to try as well as prosecco on draft.
Take a day trip to the Isles
If you have a day to spare during your break in Penzance then why not take a trip to a group of subtropical islands? The Isles of Scilly lie just 28 miles from Lands End but are like arriving in another world. From the idyllic beaches and wonderful wildlife to island hopping and the freshest local food, a day trip to the islands is an experience you will never forget – and it’s much easier than you might think.
Travelling on the iconic Scillonian III passenger ferry takes 2 hours 45 minutes from Penzance Quay, meaning you will have plenty of time to wander this little island paradise, paddle in the sea, and enjoy a fabulous meal before your return.
But the trip itself is as much an adventure as the destination. The journey takes in views of Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, including the Minack Theatre, Land’s End, and St Michael’s Mount. During your voyage, you may well be joined by a variety of animals, from dolphins and basking sharks to sea birds so make sure to take some binoculars if you enjoy wildlife watching.
Hunt for antiques on historic Chapel Street
Chapel Street is the oldest street in Penzance with the old town hall at the top, the elegant parish church in the middle, and the harbour at the bottom. One of the most famous houses on the street was also once the home of Maria Branwell, the mother of the Bronte sisters.
The gently winding street is lined with graceful buildings that are occupied by no fewer than ten antique and collectables shops! These stores, some tucked away in basements and little arcades, are a treasure trove of quirky delights, the perfect place to pick up an unusual souvenir or gift.
From paintings to furniture, glassware to jewellery there is something for everyone, especially if you love objects that carry a bit of history!
Relax in the subtropical gardens
Penzance is blessed with some wonderful green spaces and the mild climate means that these parks are bursting with unusual tropical plants. So why not while away an afternoon underneath one of the many palm trees in Penlee Park, an oasis of calm that also has its own outdoor theatre with performances throughout the summer months and a children’s playground.
The Morrab Gardens are another hidden treasure in the heart of the town. Established by local wealthy Victorian families who stocked the park with exotic plants and taken over by the town council in 1888, the gardens have numerous paths to explore, a gorgeous cast-iron fountain, and a bandstand, which hosts live music during summer months.
Central to the park is the Morrab Library, an incredible archive of local publications that opened as an independent library in 1818, it is open to the public and is a lovely, peaceful space to visit.
Another firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is a fascinating mix of subtropical plant life and incredible sculptures, creating a truly breathtaking day out in Penzance. A small exhibition space boasts fabulous exhibits throughout the year while the restaurant promises delicious dishes with spectacular views across Mounts Bay.
Catch a show at The Acorn Theatre
This theatre in a former Methodist chapel has become a much-loved hub for the creative arts in the centre of Penzance and has long played an important part in the theatre communities of West Penwith. The Acorn welcomes shows and entertainment of all shapes and sizes, from live music nights, international tours, book launches, work by local theatre companies and comedy nights, everyone is welcome!
With a range of events throughout the year, this venue is a great place to enjoy local talent and support up-and-coming artists.
Best of the rest
• Take the coastal path along the seafront to the picturesque fishing village of Newlyn with its working harbour, ice cream parlours, seafood restaurants and museums.
• Go looking for seaglass on the miles of sandy beaches just a short hop from the town.
• Jump on a bus to the stunning village of Mousehole just along the coast, famous for its postcard-pretty harbour surrounded by traditional fishermen’s cottages (visit at Christmas for a breathtaking lights display).
• Blow off some steam at the Wherrytown Skateboard Plaza.
Explore our beautiful holiday cottages in Penzance and start planning your visit today.
