Your Ultimate Spring in Penzance Itinerary

Why visit Penzance in Spring

Our spirits start to lift as we begin to imagine Cornwall in Spring. With it comes longer evenings, milder days and green landscapes filled with colourful blooms.

With Penzance right on the Cornish coast, it’s advised to bring your walking boots as well as your sandals so you can enjoy a scenic stomp along the coastal path. However, be mindful of those April Cornish showers and coastal breezes and when packing remember to bring suitable attire for all weathers.

Penzance Spring itinerary overview

This concise Penzance itinerary will help you plan for a short break in Penzance this Spring.

It begins with getting your bearings in Penzance with a short morning promenade walk followed by a trip to the iconic Jubilee pool before a relaxed dinner. Day 2 will see you explore the famous landmark, St Michael’s Mount and its neighbouring town of Marazion. The optional day 3 introduces a morning in Newlyn or Mousehole, followed by an afternoon exploring the famous Minack Theatre and beautiful Porthcurno Beach.

Day 1 Penzance itinerary: promenade, Jubilee Pool and town highlights

Day 1 in Penzance and time to take a deep breath and relax. No doubt you’ve had some travelling time to endure so now is the moment for you to switch off and enjoy your break away and Penzance in Spring. 

Morning in Penzance

Start your morning off with a peaceful walk along Penzance promenade where the bay is calm and the light is soft. The promenade dates back to the Victorian era and stretches along Mounts Bay, offering stunning seaviews and St Michael’s Mount in the distance.

There are numerous foodie cafes to head to for a morning coffee or quick brunch such as Harbourside Café offering views of the water, or Hellys Bistro, a great option for coffee!

Afternoon in Penzance

This Penzance itinerary moves onto the afternoon to experience Penzance’s Jubilee Pool, a unique and historic art deco lido (outdoor seawater pool) which is directly on the seafront.

Here you’ll find the traditional main saltwater pool which is usually a couple of degrees warmer than the sea. Additionally, you can relax in the geothermal heated pool, the first in the UK to use geothermal energy for heating where the water is around 28-30 °C, making for a much cosier swim even outside summer.

If the rain creeps in during your stay why not swap the pool for a browse around the town, with its Cornish craft shops and coffee shops or take a peek at the Penlee House Gallery and Museum to explore some local history and Cornish art. 

Evening in Penzance

After a busy day exploring use your evening to enjoy a well-deserved dinner, perhaps an after-dinner moonlit stroll by the sea before settling down for the night.

Day 2 Penzance itinerary: St Michael’s Mount and Marazion

Day 2 in Penzance brings a trip to see the iconic St Michael’s Mount in the morning, which is a must see if you’re visiting Penzance in Spring. Then a relaxing afternoon discovering the quaint, charming seaside town of Marazion.

Morning at St Michael’s Mount

The morning begins with a trip to the historic St Michael’s Mount, which is just a short drive from Penzance. Parking is accessible in Marazion and generally quieter in the mornings. 

You can walk to St Michael’s Mount via the cobbled causeway from Marazion if the tide is low, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the boat across if the tide is high. With this in mind you need to check the tide times before setting off and it’s recommended that you give yourself 2-3 hours for the full visit, including the walk along to get there and return. 

Once you’re there you will have time to enjoy the castle, the gardens and the stunning panoramic views from the ramparts.

Afternoon in Marazion

Once you’ve discovered St Michael’s Mount, you can now take your time to meander through Marazion, with its pastel cottages, independent shops and art galleries. The town offers a great opportunity for pretty photos to be taken with the sea in the backdrop. 

Stop off to enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the town’s pubs or a traditional Cornish cream tea in one of the many cafes – The Copper Spoon is known locally for its freshly baked scones, yum! 

Evening back in Penzance

Time to head back to Penzance to relax watching the sunset with your favourite tipple before hitting the hay for your final day – whether you decide to head home or spend an extra day in the area to make the most of Penzance in Spring.

Optional Day 3 West Cornwall day trips from Penzance

Day 3 in Penzance, and it’s your choice to whether you want to extend your break or head home, but this is the plan. First up, it’s a morning trip to either Mousehole or Newlyn to take a mooch, then onto the legendary Minack Theatre before exploring the nearby Porthcurno Beach.

Morning: Mousehole or Newlyn

Set off from Penzance to take a trip round one of two places, Mousehole or Newlyn. Both picturesque Cornish villages, but with Mousehole you have a ‘chocolate box’ village feel with its narrowed cobbled streets, boutique art galleries, small harbour front and quaint cafes. 

Newlyn has a slightly more industrial feel due to the nature of it being a working fishing port but equally it offers a great place to visit. Head to the fish market and immerse yourself in the bustling harbour life.

Afternoon: Minack Theatre and Porthcurno

Next on the list is a visit to the Minack Theatre, one of the most unforgettable Cornish experiences (when the weather holds!). It’s an iconic open-air theatre perched on the edge of the cliffs built in the 1930s. Shows are seasonal but you don’t have to visit to just see a show, the theatre is open during the day to view and there’s toilets and a café on site too. Make sure you pack waterproofs in case the weather turns, and good footwear is advised.

Just below the Minack Theatre is the stunning Porthcurno Beach, with its crystal clear turquoise water and white sand making it visually striking and often compared to tropical shores. If you’re planning on visiting Penzance in Spring you must try to stay and extra day to explore this beautiful area.

Evening: easy wind-down

After a long day exploring, it’s time to head back to your accommodation to unwind for your last evening in Penzance before heading home.

Practical tips for a smooth Spring break in Penzance

With this Penzance itinerary in mind, its recommended that you pre-check tide times for St Michael’s Mount access and to check out any performances at the Minack Theatre that you can pre-book. Additionally, the Jubilee Pool can be booked in advance and it’s recommended in busy periods and at weekends. 

The Cornish weather can always alter plans but there are many alternative options if the wet weather stays. Just remember to pack your waterproofs, swimming gear and sturdy footwear for those coastal stomps.