Penzance Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Minack Theatre featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and rocky coastline
Land\'s End featuring a sunset, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Land\'s End which includes rocky coastline
Porthcurno Beach featuring a sandy beach, swimming and landscape views
Chysauster Ancient Village showing tranquil scenes

Browse shopping arcades and art galleries and enjoy the superb views of Mount’s Bay in this harbour town near the country’s most southwesterly point.

Penzance is a charming market and port town with an interesting history and art heritage. Made famous worldwide by the Gilbert and Sullivan opera The Pirates of Penzance, the town has a quaint harbour area as well as picturesque beaches that face the English Channel. Stroll through the town centre to admire the Regency and Georgian houses.

The town also has several notable art galleries, among them Penlee House Gallery and MuseumOpens in a new window. Study works from the Newlyn School art colony, who took inspiration from the daily lives of local fishermen. Head for the harbour that inspired some of the Newlyn School’s art and observe the array of bobbing boats. Continue south along the promenade and connecting walking trail for about 30 minutes to reach Newlyn Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary art.

Learn about the distant past at the Chysauster Ancient VillageOpens in a new window. This Iron Age settlement comprises the stone remnants of old homes as well as a mysterious underground passage. Imagine what daily life was like more than 2,000 years ago as you explore.

Find the headland of Land’s EndOpens in a new window, the mostsouthwesterly pointon the island of Great Britain, just 10 miles (16 kilometres) west of town. In the Land’s End visitor centre ask about activities. Spot seals and dolphins off the coast.

A short drive east from Land’s End is the extraordinary Minack TheatreOpens in a new window, an outdoor theatre complex carved into cliffs overlooking the sea. Watch a performance from the terrace or visit outside of performance times to see the backstage areas and even walk on the famous stage.

Penzance has a mild year-round climate, with warm, sunny summers and wet winters that are perfect for storm-watching. The town is located in the Penwith area of Cornwall. Drive for about 300 miles (480 kilometres) from London or about 80 miles (130 kilometres) from Plymouth to get here. Ride the Cornish Main Line train from Plymouth to Penzance.

With its pirate connotations and historical and cultural attractions, Penzance is a great destination for a coastal getaway.

The Queens Hotel
The Queens Hotel
3 out of 5
The Promenade, Penzance, England
The price is £203 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
£203
4 Jul - 5 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Penzance. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (603 reviews)
"The communal areas were fine with good virews of the prom but some parts of the hotel were really rundown …which was where our stay was. The way the room was advertised I was expecting a sea view but unfortunately we had a lovely view of the car park and fire escape…right on the top floor ..room ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Queens Hotel
Mount View Hotel B&B
Mount View Hotel B&B
3 out of 5
Long Rock, Penzance, England
The price is £86 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£86
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Penzance. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (162 reviews)
"The staff were attentive without being pushy, breakfast was freshly cooked and plentiful, with choices of cereals and cooked food. Nicely situated for buses into Penzance and out towards St Ives and Truro. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Mount View Hotel B&B
The Pirate Inn
The Pirate Inn
3 out of 5
Alverton Rd, Penzance, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £71 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
£71
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star inn in Penzance. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (377 reviews)
Double pod
"Really lovely pod, seating outside for eating and relaxing. Very clean. Only tiny moan is bed springs a little uncomfortable. Hosts really friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

The Pirate Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Saddle and Stable Rooms
The Saddle and Stable Rooms
4 out of 5
Sennen, Penzance, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Penzance. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Minack Theatre and Porthcurno Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (56 reviews)
"Brilliant stay, clean and quite - recommended for anyone planning to stay near Land's End"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

The Saddle and Stable Rooms
1 Bed Cabin. Parking. Private & secure Garden. Pets welcome. Nr to beaches/walks
1 Bed Cabin. Parking. Private & secure Garden. Pets welcome. Nr to beaches/walks
Goldsithney, England
Stay at this cabin in Penzance. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St. Michael's Mount and Carbis Bay Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Our stay at this charming cabin was absolutely fantastic! The location is ideal for exploring Cornwall, with easy access by car to all the main attractions. The cabin itself was spotless and well-equipped, providing everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Debi was a wonderful host—attentive, ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

1 Bed Cabin. Parking. Private & secure Garden. Pets welcome. Nr to beaches/walks
Cosy Character Cottage With Sea View In Mousehole
Cosy Character Cottage With Sea View In Mousehole
Mousehole, Penzance, ENG
Stay at this cottage in Penzance. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions St. Michael's Mount and Porthcurno Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"Wonderful stay! So convenient for all the lovely places in Mousehole. Pub, deli, shops, harbour and hotel."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Cosy Character Cottage With Sea View In Mousehole
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Penzance

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
86
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
88
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Best pubs ever and so many!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Penzance has a nice atmosphere, and the Montol festival in particular is excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Panzance - really easy to get to by train & the beach was lovely to walk along on a crisp October morning! Looking forward to our next visit!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Penzance itself - end of a train line, in a time warp, no sign of vision for the future. Compared ith the rest of Cornwall, a pretty sad failing town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots of places to visit in the area, including many small villages, seasides, mines and viewpoints.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We love Penzance and if the opportunity arises would like to live there

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