Perfect for everything from family getaways to romantic breaks, the town has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for all types of travellers.
A thriving port through the ages, Penzance offers beautiful gardens to relax in, contemporary art galleries and some of the UK’s best food spots for a touch of indulgence. Whether you want to step back in time immersing yourself in the town’s rich history or get involved in the wide array of modern leisure activities, there’s plenty on offer here..
Penzance will surprise you with the vast array of new and fun things to do, both for frequent and first time visitors alike. It definitely warrants a weekend away, but you can still easily make the most of a daytrip here. Read on for the best things to do in Penzance, from popular attractions and quirky adventures to the best restaurants in town.
Experience the town’s marine life
With miles of unspoiled coastline, Penzance is one of the best places in the British Isles to see marine life. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, nothing beats the anticipation of spotting one of the town’s favourite residents. Take to the water and you may be accompanied by grey seals, the world’s second rarest seal species, harbour porpoises and various dolphin species.
Browse Chapel Street
The most historic street in Penzance, Chapel Street offers an eclectic mix of shops, houses and hotels, each building with its own unique story. The street stretches to the tower of St Mary’s Church to the east and the Grade I-listed Egyptian House to the west - the latter serving as an attraction in itself, with its eye-catching colourful Egyptian styling that came into fashion after Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt.
Visit the Exchange Gallery
Penzance is notable for its thriving art scene, not least because of the striking The Exchange Gallery. The town’s most prominent contemporary art space is home to a variety of pieces produced by both local and international artists. The building itself can also be considered a work of art, as the former telephone exchange was altered to have a glass facade illuminated by hundreds of coloured LED lights.
Step back in time at the Penlee House Gallery and Museum
Set among a stunning park and gardens, the Victorian Penlee House Gallery and Museum is the place to go to soak up some art. Built in 1885, Penlee House has been converted into a museum and gallery, dedicated to preserving and telling the story of Penzance’s cultural heritage. The gallery specialises in the Newlyn School, once an art colony based near Penzance, notable for artists like Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley. The museum upstairs tracks six millennia of history, ranging from the stone age onwards.
Go for a dip in the Jubilee Pool
One of the most notable quirks on Penzance’s seafront is Jubilee Pool, the UK’s largest art deco seawater lido of its kind. Commemorating George V’s silver jubilee, the pool was lovingly restored after storm damage. Open all summer long, it has two parts - the open-air art deco seawater pool and the natural geothermal pool heated to between 30-35 degrees. Located at the tip of the headland, the pool overlooks the bay to St Michael’s Mount.
Catch a show at The Minack Theatre
A spectacle of its own, Penzance’s Minack Theatre is the perfect place to indulge in a little drama. The classical-style, open-air amphitheatre was built in 1929 by Rowena Cade and her gardener. Meticulously crafted by hand, the very fact that the seating, boxes and stage are cut from granite cliff make this a must-visit establishment. Nowadays, the world-famous theatre continues to entertain crowds with a variety of performances from Shakespeare to contemporary productions.
Explore the Morrab Gardens
A stone’s throw away from the heart of Penzance, the Morrab Gardens is a three and a half acre subtropical garden oasis. Designed in the 1890s, you’ll find a range of exotic plants rarely seen in other parts of Britain, such as palms, tree ferns, banana plants and Japanese Bitter Orange. The garden is also decorated with listed Victorian structures like a bandstand and fountain.
Stroll along Penzance’s Promenade
The iconic Penzance Promenade stretches on the waterfront from Jubilee Pool over to the neighbouring Newlyn. Offering an idyllic place to walk during the day or sit with fish and chips in the evening, the walkway is lined with different sights including a skate park, sculptured features, children’s play areas and flowery gardens.
See the old Market House Building
A focal point of the town for nearly two centuries, the Grade-I listed Market House is hard to miss with its Tuscan-style dome-ceiling façade. Since its construction in 1838 as part of a competition, the building has served many purposes from a market, corn exchange, school and even prison cells. These days, it is now occupied by Lloyds Bank and though you may not want to step inside, it’s still worth visiting to marvel at the architecture.
Catch a film at the Savoy Cinema
Standing proud as the only remaining cinema in town, the Savoy Cinema is also Britain’s oldest working cinema. Originally opened in 1912, it is now owned by Merlin Cinemas but retains its classic heritage with bright blue paint and large windows adorned with column features. You can catch Hollywood’s latest blockbusters here and binge on all the classic cinema treats.
Tick off Lands End
One of Penzance’s most quintessential landmarks, Lands End is the most westerly point of the English Mainland and the closest to North America. Looking out to sea, you can get amazing views of the cliffs, coves and lighthouse. It’s worth checking out the tourist complex which traces the history and heritage of Cornwall and also has play areas, a multi-sensory audio-visual immersive experience and several eateries.
Marvel at the architecture
Often overlooked, Penzance offers a wide array of architecture. Simply walk through the town at your leisure and soak up the Regency and Georgian architecture as you pass. Don’t forget to stop by the Egyptian House, dating back to the 1930s and serving as one of the most impressive sights in town.
Take a walking tour of the town
It’s universally known that the best way to discover a town is by foot and walking tours are an informative and engaging way to do just that. If you want to learn more about the history, expert local guides like Anna will introduce you to Penzance’s main cultural highlights whilst regaling you with tales of their intriguing pasts.
Bask in the sun at Longrock Beach
A favourite with Penzance locals, Longrock Beach is the perfect place to spend a day by the sea. With a shallow shore and light surf, it’s a popular family-friendly destination consisting mainly of sand as well as pebbles in the wash. Lifeguards are on duty covering the east end during the busy summer months and there’s plenty of places to stock up on snacks.
Get on a board and hit the waves
If you’re going to find yourself in the UK’s surfing capital, it’s only right to get involved with the culture and get surfing. If it’s your first time, there’s a multitude of schools, like Sennen Surfing Centre, that offer introductory lessons to help you nail the basics. Alternatively if you’re a seasoned surfer, Penzance has an assortment of beaches including Sennen, Praa Sands and Porthleven.
More things to do
Looking for more things to do? Penzance is brimming with activities, suited to a wide range of interests. Here are a few more of our favourites, including the best restaurants in town, quirky adventures ready for you to embark on and shops that are worth checking out.
The best restaurants in town
Frequently referred to as ‘Cornwall’s new gourmet capital’, Penzance’s foodie scene is quickly attracting the attention of big name chefs and food lovers. To help navigate your way through, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite places to stop for a bite to eat.
- Visit one of Cornwall’s most sought after dining destinations. Chef and restaurateur Ben Tunnicliffe has created a dining revolution for seafood lovers with the Tolcarne Inn. The historic maritime pub is nestled next to the seawall in Penzance’s Newlyn neighbourhood with a menu reading like an ode to sea; depending on seasonality, expect mackerel, cod, crabs and mussels.
- Stop in for the best fish and chips with a million dollar view. Open for more than two decades, Fraser’s Fish & Chips specialises in serving top-notch food in an idyllic location on Penzance’s promenade. Whichever fish you choose, you can be assured that it’s responsibly sourced and super-fresh.
- Indulge in some mouth-watering seafood. Tucked away on an assuming corner, head to The Shore for some upscale seafood. Soak up the charming interior as the chef patron Bruce Rennie brings you a daily-changing menu depending on what he sources at the nearby market.
- Pop in for a pint (or two) at The Admiral Benbow Pub. The characterful 17th century Admiral Benbow Pub houses a fascinating collection of nautical artefacts in addition to serving a wide variety of local beers and ales. The restaurant has a full a la carte menu packed with flavours and celebrates local seafood.
- Take a bite of Cornwall’s signature pasty. A trip to Cornwall is incomplete without a traditional Cornish pasty. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sourcing one but Warrens is a local favourite. Claiming to be the oldest maker of Cornish pasties, the bakery’s recipes have been passed down for generations.
- Taste the finest seasonal flavours at Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar. A jewel in Penzance’s bustling seafood restaurant scene, the Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar in the heart of Newlyn is one of the town’s most popular. The cosy atmosphere, intimate high tables and long benches make this restaurant stand out from the rest. The open-plan layout means diners can see the chefs working their magic first-hand in the kitchen.
- Celebrate the flavours of the East at Thai Moon. It’s hard not to love everything about the Thai Moon. This small family-run restaurant has a homely atmosphere that has quickly established it as one of the best international restaurants in town. Sit back and relax while your taste buds are treated to a fusion of fresh, local produce and authentic, Thai spices.
- Tuck into ingredient-driven food at Mexico Inn. Run by a talented young couple, Mexico Inn’s open fire and welcoming atmosphere draws diners in almost instantly. The outdoor wood-fired oven ensures every dish is cooked to perfection, from the creative selection of pizzas to the market seafood. By using local produce and uncomplicated food, the Mexico Inn ensures it has something for everyone.
- Enjoy a little bit of everything at the Artist Residence. This place is a multitude of things all rolled into one: quirky artwork, upcycled furniture and a rustic ambience of an old Georgian inn. The Artist Resident’s menu simultaneously pays homage to diner American culture with staples like chicken wings and double burgers with Monterey jack cheese, whilst serving upscale seafood like grilled lobster.
- Start the day right at the Front Room. A one-of-a-kind eatery in the heart of Penzance, The Front Room offers sumptuous all-day breakfasts in a cosy, welcoming ambience, enhanced by all-embracing décor. Their extensive breakfast menu covers anything from typical Cornish dishes to Eggs Benedict to American style pancakes.
- Make time for tea at the Honey Pot. This humble tearoom provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon. Rapidly becoming an institution in town, The Honey Pot serves wholesome homemade food, cakes, cream teas and artisan coffees. Busy with both locals and tourists throughout the year, the cafe has a strong focus on sustainability and keeping things local.
- Try the best ice cream in town at Jelbert. No trip to a seaside town like Penzance is complete without a spot of ice cream and Jelbert’s fits the bill with traditional Cornish ice cream made fresh daily. As close as you’ll probably ever get to homemade ice cream, all packaging is plant-based and biodegradable.
- Stop for lunch at Mermaid Alley. Mermaid Alley has something for everyone. The small restaurant sells a wide range of international street food, carefully crafted with locally sourced produce and a creative mindset. Pair your fantastic food with a cocktail or milkshake from the extensive drinks menu.
- Take your taste buds to Italy at The Bridge. Fusing a distinct Mediterranean feel with Cornish architectural features, The Bridge offers a slice of authentic Italian cuisine. All pizzas are handmade and stone baked and the menu is brimming with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Be sure to leave a little extra room for their homemade desserts which people are consistently raving about.
Quirky things to do
Penzance is definitely a town that marches to the beat of its own drum. Catering for visitors who come to escape their everyday life, there’s a myriad of one-of-a-kind activities, ready and waiting to be discovered.
- Golowan Festival. Time your visit with the Golowan Festival and you won’t regret it. Recently revived, the festival takes place around the Summer Solstice and features a torch-led procession down to the quayside. The main event is hosted in the town centre by street performers and traders and for the week after, there are several expositions that occur.
- Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. You may be getting the idea that a lot of Penzance’s artwork is outdoors. Opened in 2012, the 22-acre Tremenheere Sculpture Garden intersperses wonderful sculptures, artwork and exotic plant features. David Nash and Richard Long are some of the more notable artists to have contributed works to this unique gallery. The gardens are open from February to October with a small admission fee.
- St Michael’s Mount. Penzance is protected by St Michael’s Mount, a magical tidal island. Maintained by the National Trust, the mount is topped with a castle and chapel dating back to the 1100s. Head along the watery causeway and step back in time with a tour of the castle, appreciating the weapons on display.
- Cornwall’s Great Escape Room. They’ve taken the world by storm and it’s now your chance to attempt to break out before the time’s up. Embark on an exhilarating themed journey, courtesy of Cornwall’s Great Escape Rooms. Solve puzzles and riddles as a team working against the clock to find the key to escape.
- Blue Shark Snorkel. There’s so many different ways to interact with Penzance’s marine life and the most exhilarating is without doubt the Blue Shark Snorkel. Suitable for experienced snorkelers, the passionate team will be on hand throughout sharing your anticipation of what’s coming next. Though sharks are the main characters, you may see the ensemble of marine life including dolphins and whales.
- Cornwall Swimming Horses. There’s horse riding and then there’s taking to the sea whilst on horseback. Hop on to your ride and play around in the shallows before going deeper into the ocean for a swim. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime day out, this is definitely it. It’s suitable for all riding abilities, too.
- Penlee Park Open Air Theatre. There is never a dull moment in Penzance and the Penlee Park Open Air Theatre serves to make sure that’s always the case. The unique outdoor space celebrates Cornish, national and international performers with every type of production from concerts to theatrical spectacles.
- Polgoon Vineyard. Multi-award winning, Polgoon Vineyard has been drawing international attention. Family-run, the vineyard produces artisan wines, ciders and juices. With tours run all year round, you can gain an insight into the production processes and of course sample your way through the wines.
- Lanyon Quoit. For history buffs, Penzance’s Lanyon Quoit landmark should be top of the to-do list. Dating back to around 300 years BC, it’s believed that the stones played a significant role in Stone Age death rites. The remains of the Penwith chamber tour were reconstructed in the 19th century following damage from a storm and now appears to be lower than in the original structure.
- The nuclear bunker under a house. The Grade II listed York House may appear normal to the naked eye but buried underneath lies a nuclear bunker added around 40 years ago. The site has now been sold to a developer but was initially built in for a businessman, who died before it was completed.
Shops in Penzance
Penzance embraces its Cornish art culture with creative shops that sell one-off pieces and encourage a sense of individuality. Here are five of our favourite shops that you should definitely browse if you’re in the area.
- No.56. The contemporary homeware shop No.56 was founded by Carole Elsworth on the simple ethos that beautifully designed objects can bring great joy to everyday life. Goods range from handcrafted homeware to timeless clothing to organic skincare products.
- The Edge of the World. This independent book shop’s name is inspired by the journey a book can take you on. Whether you’re into literary blockbusters, cult classics or light-hearted holiday reads, The Edge of the World is sure to have it.
- Fishboy PZ. A Cornish clothing company that has been hand-designing and screen printing designs onto clothing on-site since 2001. Celebrating its rich Cornish heritage, Fishboy PZ stocks pieces from both local and international designers.
- Nuff Stuff. You really can’t miss Nuff Stuff with its prime location inside the Egyptian House. On a mission to provide high-quality products against honest, ethical standards, the shop sells fresh, natural skincare products.
- Make Industries. Selling a wide array of goods, step inside Make Industries and you’ll be dazzled by the works of art, crafts and food from 40 local producers. With such a wide array of goods, it’ll be a challenge to leave the shop empty-handed.
FAQ
What is Penzance famous for?
Once famous for pirates, Penzance is well-known for its commercial history with its bustling port as well as its beautiful views overlooking Mount’s Bay. A popular destination for holidaymakers, the town has one of the mildest climates in the UK as well as a wide variety of attractions including the iconic Lands End.
