Holidays in Penzance aren’t all about singing pirates and sea shanties. This lovely, unspoilt town offers visitors a glimpse into Cornish life, mixing attractions, beautiful beaches and a thriving real-life fishing port.
The town is probably best known for its proximity to the fairy-tale tidal island that is St Michael’s Mount. One of the UK’s most iconic seaside landmarks, it’s a ‘must-see’ day out on any Penzance holiday. Check the tide times to see when it’s safe to walk the narrow causeway, which is only accessible during low tide. Climb the rocky island pathway to the very top and explore the 12th-century fortress complete with a medieval church, castle, and gardens. Other notable attractions in and around Penzance include the amazing amphitheatre – the Minack Theatre, and Porthcurno Telegraph Museum. Nearby mines at Levant and Geevor make great days out, and Flambards theme park should definitely be on your list.
Don your walking boots and discover hidden bays, beautiful vistas, flora and fauna. Walkers will love Penzance’s proximity to the Granite Coast Walk and South West Coast Path. Boasting one of the mildest climates in the country, this part of Cornwall sees long sunny days for walking and relaxing on the beach. Family holidays in Penzance are all about keeping everyone entertained, and with so many fantastic beaches close by, you’ll be spoilt for choice! With youngsters in tow, try the shallow shores of Long Rock Beach and mix it up with days at the gloriously sandy stretches of beach at Lamorna Cove, Praa Sands and Kenneggey. If time isn’t on your side but you fancy a quick dip without leaving the town centre, check out Jubilee Lido sitting in the rocks just south of the harbour. Reputed to be the largest in the UK, it’s an excellent example of art deco architecture and a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
If you enjoy beautiful gardens, you’ll love a holiday in Penzance just to visit the subtropical and Mediterranean gardens in and around the town. These include Morrab, Trewidden and Trengwainton Gardens, and if you like sculptures and modern art, Tremenheere should be on your list.
Book a holiday in Penzance to try out some exciting water sports. Paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and canoeing are all popular with plenty of local providers. Get up close and personal to marine wildlife with boat tours from the harbour to see inquisitive seals and playful dolphins, basking sharks, puffins and if you’re lucky, a mighty whale. Back on dry land, your sea legs may fancy a walk, so head along the town’s promenade which dates from the 1840s for a stroll along the shoreline and views across the bay to St Michael’s Mount.
The town centre is focused around Chapel Street which is lined with wonderful galleries, treasure-filled independent shops and vintage finds. The town has some curiously fun and quirky historic pubs, adorned with figureheads, masts and remnants from shipwrecks. One even has an old smugglers’ tunnel leading to the harbour.
Visit the towns cafes, restaurants and pubs for good food, traditional Cornish music and lots of fun chatting to the locals. The pinnacle of Penzance’s events calendar is the ten-day midsummer Golowan Festival. It’s big, bright, noisy and very photogenic! Expect street performers, music, processions of colourful costumes and a full-on carnival atmosphere!
With so much to see and do, a holiday in Penzance credibly ticks all the boxes.
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Things to do
Food & drink
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