The former mining centre of the peninsula, St. Just is a quaint and historic commune with shops and other amenities. Spot medieval and industrial-era mining remnants around town and learn about what life was like here in the past.
This town is not the only St. Just in Cornwall. Use the longer name of St. Just in Penwith to distinguish it from the others.
Visit the grassy St. Just plen-an-gwarry (playing space), which was used as an open-air theatre in medieval times. In recent years, the space has hosted a series of Cornish mystery plays, known as Ordinalia.
Wander through town to find the 15th-century St. Just Church. Head inside to marvel at the Selus Stone, a pillar bearing a Roman-era inscription. Galleries in town, such as the Bank Square Gallery, showcase the work of local artists.
The town is at its most lively during the annual Lafrowda Festival in the first two weeks of July. Watch processions, listen to live music and soak up the family-friendly atmosphere.
Venture west of St. Just to see the craggy, cliff-lined western coastline. Trek along a section of the South West Coast Path and look for dolphins and seals in the sea. On clear days, you might even be able to see across to the Isles of Scilly. This area is scattered with ruins from the region’s tin-mining industry, most notably the cliff-side mine relics at Botallack.
For more outdoor fun, practice your swing at Cape Cornwall Golf and Leisure. Land’s End, the most southwesterly point in Great Britain, is just a 15-minute drive south of town too.
Like the rest of the Penwith peninsula, St. Just is exposed to the prevailing south-westerly windsthat blow in off the Atlantic Ocean, so wrap up warm before going exploring. Drive west for 7 miles (11 kilometres) from Penzance to reach the town.
St. Just is a charming, historic town with easy access to the ragged coastal cliffs of West Cornwall.
