Penzance Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Land\'s End featuring a sunset, rugged coastline and general coastal views
Browse shopping arcades and art galleries and enjoy the superb views of Mount’s Bay in this harbor 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 harbor area as well as picturesque beaches that face the English Channel. Stroll through the town center to admire the Regency and Georgian houses.

The town also has several notable art galleries, among them Penlee House Gallery and Museum. Study works from the Newlyn School art colony, who took inspiration from the daily lives of local fishermen. Head for the harbor 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 Village. 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 End, the mostsouthwesterly pointon the island of Great Britain, just 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of town. In the Land’s End visitor center ask about activities. Spot seals and dolphins off the coast.

A short drive east from Land’s End is the extraordinary Minack Theatre, an outdoor theater 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 kilometers) from London or about 80 miles (130 kilometers) 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 Pirate Inn
The Pirate Inn
3 out of 5
Alverton Rd, Penzance, England
The price is AU$145 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$145
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly inn in Penzance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (197 reviews)
"Great service and excellent food Liam who welcomed us was a fantastic host"

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

The Pirate Inn
The Queens Hotel
The Queens Hotel
3 out of 5
The Promenade, Penzance, England
The price is AU$331 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$331
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Penzance. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (507 reviews)
3 day break in Penzance
"Our 1st stay here. Nice room with sea view all nicely clean. The largest towel was not very large and that really is the only complaint. All the staff were very attentive and helpful and the service from them was great. A pleasure to have stayed and hopefully we will visit again sometime. Some of ..."

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2024

The Queens Hotel
Hotel Penzance
Hotel Penzance
4 out of 5
Britons Hill, Penzance, England
The price is AU$207 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$207
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Penzance. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (379 reviews)
A great hotel in Cornwall
"I'd highly recommend booking this hotel for a Cornwall trip! It was in the perfect location especially for St Michael's Mount. The rooms are lovely and the service of the staff is outstanding. Ashama made us feel extremely welcome and she is so friendly. We also ate at the restaurant and the food ..."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

Hotel Penzance
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 WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions The Relentless Sea and Land's End are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (36 reviews)
"Perfect stopover"

Reviewed on 22 Sep. 2023

The Saddle and Stable Rooms
In the heart of Mousehole 50 yards harbour
In the heart of Mousehole 50 yards harbour
Mousehole
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Penzance. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Mousehole Beach and Chapel ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
Fabulous stay in Mousehole
"Perfect cottage to stay in to explore Mousehole and coast. Cottage had everything we needed, loved the fire and underfloor heating and round sofa! Would definitely return and recommend."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

In the heart of Mousehole 50 yards harbour
Set in gorgeous gardens & quiet countryside close to Mousehole and the sea
Set in gorgeous gardens & quiet countryside close to Mousehole and the sea
Penzance
Stay at this vacation home in Penzance. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Newlyn Tolcarne Beach and Chapel St are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
What A place
"What a fantastic place to stay, just the right size for a few days away from the rat race I will be visiting again but the next time it will be with my wife. FANTASTIC"

Reviewed on 6 Dec. 2023

Set in gorgeous gardens & quiet countryside close to Mousehole and the sea
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

Reviews of Penzance

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 8.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 8.333333333333334%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
10 Oct 2019

We visited off season and there were a lot restaurants closed, pretty hard to find a place to eat.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
2 Sep 2019

The hotel room was cramped -inadequate for 3 people , the mattress was uncomfortable and wifi poor.No atmosphere in Penzance-retirees town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Jul 2019

Lovely area to visit in Cornwall

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Jul 2019

We have previously visited Penzance and loved it - this time it was purely to visit a friend - no need to site see - we loved all the areas mentioned

Cities near Penzance