Is Penzance Worth Visiting? The End of the Line Might Surprise You

The quick answer:

The quick answer to “is Penzance worth visiting” is simply, yes. Its history reads like an unput-downable novel of smugglers, sailors, marauders, and Victorian gentry. Its gardens beckon with subtropical blooms and swaying palms and its waterfront awaits with a seawater lido kept fresh by the tides. Its mile-long promenade calls for leisurely ambulation, and its wealth of independent stores showcase eclectic local talent. Its eateries serve menus full of award-winning food, while its historic pubs tempt with characterful bars, cosy corners, and shelves stocked with every tipple imaginable… 

Places to visit in Penzance

Whatever the weather or the occasion, there’s always something to capture your interest in Penzance. From plant shops overflowing with greenery to stores selling bespoke Cornish clothes and ateliers showcasing mastercrafts and vintage finds, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the main places to visit:

-       Causeway Head: A hub of local boutiques, shops, cafés, and creative businesses. 

-       Market Jew Street: The place to go for high-street favourites and well-known chain stores.

-       Chapel Street: A quirky street home to the Egyptian House, The Turks Head, Admiral Benbow, Artist Residence and more.

-       Penzance Promenade: A mile-long stretch of waterfront lined with cafés.

-       Morrab Gardens: Peaceful gardens providing verdant inspiration in the heart of Penzance.

What’s in Penzance

It’s hard to explore Penzance in a linear fashion. Instead, its meandering waterfront and harbour give way to a network of winding streets that weave in and out of main thoroughfares and residential areas. Hidden down quiet avenues you’ll find atmospheric bars and award-winning restaurants; meanwhile, on the main stretches of Causeway Head, Market Jew Street and Chapel Street you’ll find independent shops and chain stores alike. Along the waterfront you’ll find the Art Deco Jubilee Pool and beautiful views over its working harbour towards Mount’s Bay and the fairytale St Michael's Mount. In short, you can find just about anything you’re looking for, but it’s best to take your time!

Things to do in Penzance

If you’ve considered whether Penzance is worth visiting and are looking for things to do, you can anticipate a year-round array of activities and attractions. Whilst part of the fun is simply exploring the town at your own pace, there are undoubtedly some bucket-list highlights to weave into visits:

-       Find the Egyptian House on Chapel Street

-       Take a refreshing seawater dip in the Jubilee Pool

-       Go for a drink in The Turks Head, the oldest pub in Penzance

-       Enjoy a meal at the Michelin-recommended The Shore

-       Walk down Penzance’s prom with an artisan coffee in hand

-       Buy a delicious pastry from Loaf

-       Snap a picture of St Michael’s Mount across the bay

-       Sample a drop of local tipple at Polgoon Vineyard

Attractions in Penzance

There are countless attractions in Penzance. From alfresco highlights to indoor attractions, the town’s offerings ensure there is always a weather-friendly option to suit all generations. What’s more, many attractions are in easy walking or cycling distance of each other, meaning you can easily leave your car behind for a while and simply enjoy what’s on your doorstep.

Explore on foot from our Hotel Penzance Collection:

-       South West Coast Path 

-       The Edge of the World Bookshop 

-       The Exchange Gallery 

-       Eastern Green Beach 

-       The Acorn Theatre 

-       Penlee Museum 

-       Jubilee Pool

-       Morrab Gardens 

-       Polgoon Vineyard 

-       Newlyn Harbour 

Explore by bike or car from our Hotel Penzance Collection:

-       Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens 

-       Trengwainton Gardens 

-       St Michael’s Mount 

-       Chysauster Ancient Village 

-       St Ives 

-       Minack Theatre 

Day trips from Penzance

Located in the heart of West Cornwall, Penzance is perfectly placed for exploring both loved landmarks and hidden gems. Just a few miles away, the oceanside town of St Ives is renowned for its beautiful light and picture-perfect aesthetics and is a fantastic place to visit from Penzance throughout the year. As well as St Ives, other West Cornwall favourites include the coastal towns and villages of Marazion, Mousehole, and Sennen. Of course, a day trip to Land’s End, mainland Britain’s most south-westerly point, is well worth a visit for the mesmerising views.