Penzance

Penzance is the most westerly town in Cornwall and the end of the Great Western mainline. It's a proper, year-round working town with a lively mix of galleries, independent shops, historic streets and a broad promenade facing Mount's Bay – and it makes a great base for exploring the far west.

Things to do in Penzance

• Swim at the Jubilee Pool. This Art Deco seawater lido on the seafront is one of Penzance's landmarks, with part of the pool heated by geothermal energy.
• Visit St Michael's Mount. The famous tidal island is just along the bay at Marazion – walk across the causeway at low tide or take a small boat when the tide is in.
• Explore Chapel Street. The town's oldest street is lined with historic buildings, pubs and antique shops.
• See the art. The Penlee House Gallery & Museum holds work by the Newlyn School painters, and the Newlyn Art Gallery is a short walk along the promenade.
• Go to the Isles of Scilly. Ferries and flights to the islands leave from Penzance and nearby Land's End Airport.
• Gardens. Morrab Gardens, in the town centre, is a sheltered subtropical garden, and Trengwainton Garden lies just outside town.

Beaches

Penzance's own beaches are shingle and rock. For sand, head to Marazion, with its long beach facing St Michael's Mount, or west to Porthcurno and the beaches around Land's End.

Walks

The flat promenade path runs east to Marazion and west through Newlyn to Mousehole – easy walking with constant sea views.

Food and drink

Seafood landed at nearby Newlyn features on menus across town, alongside cafés, bakeries and some of Cornwall's oldest pubs.

Getting there

Penzance is the end of the line for trains from London Paddington, including the overnight sleeper service. The bus station is next to the railway station, with routes to Land's End, St Ives and around West Cornwall. There are several pay car parks in town.

When to visit

Penzance is lively all year. Golowan Festival in late June, with its Mazey Day parade, is a highlight. Spring and autumn are good for gardens and walking.