Penzance

Travel Guide

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

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 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 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 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 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 TheatreOpens in a new window, 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 Queens Hotel
The Queens Hotel
3 out of 5
The Promenade, Penzance, England
The price is CA $314 per night from May 25 to May 26
CA $314
CA $376 total
includes taxes & fees
May 25 - May 26
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Penzance. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (579 reviews)
"Very helpful reception staff. Really went above and beyond. Wait staff pleasant. Meals excellent. Varied menu options. Room very comfortable. Hotel well situated. No complaints."

Reviewed on May 9, 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 CA $132 per night from May 28 to May 29
CA $132
CA $159 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Penzance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (132 reviews)
"Extremely helpful and friendly staff. Perfect base for somewhere to explore the local area"

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

Mount View Hotel B&B
The Pirate Inn
The Pirate Inn
3 out of 5
Alverton Rd, Penzance, England
The price is CA $105 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $105
CA $125 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 3-star inn in Penzance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (345 reviews)
"Quaint old building with friendly staff and good food. A little mildew in the bathroom, and not the most comfortable bed are why a less than excellent rating."

Reviewed on May 18, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Minack Theatre and The Relentless Sea are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (53 reviews)
Very good accommodation, ideal location for walkin
"The property was in an ideal location for walking. The accommodation had everything we needed apart from there was no coat hangers. The food at the pub was very good especially the Sunday lunch. It was very quiet at night. We walked from the property to Lands End. There was a Spar close by. The accommodation ..."

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

The Saddle and Stable Rooms
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 and a garden. Popular attractions St. Michael's Mount and Minack Theatre are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
Mrs
"Was bit out in middle of nowhere. Would have been nice to have had a local pub to go to in the evenings. Would not have risked walking anywhere at night too dark !"

Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2025

Set in gorgeous gardens & quiet countryside close to Mousehole and the sea
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
Stay at this cabin in Penzance. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions St. Michael's Mount and Carbis Bay Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
Overnight getaway
"Perfect for our needs for an overnight stay. Modern and immaculate inside with comfy bed and private enclosed garden for our dog.Host extremely helpful. Would have no hesitation in recommending a stay in this cabin."

Reviewed on May 16, 2025

1 Bed Cabin. Parking. Private & secure Garden. Pets welcome. Nr to beaches/walks
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

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 23%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice little town, less touristy than st ives

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely place to visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It's transitioning to a tourist destination...needs work still...we would try St. Ives next time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Cute little town! Make sure to make reservations for dinner if you want to try some of the great restaurants in town, it gets really busy.

3/5 - Okay

LPH

Good location for day trips to destinations on the peninsula. Good hub for bus and train connections. Unremarkable as a city.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The tourist information is right by the train and bus stations staffed by knowledgeable helpful locals. Made sure I saw and experienced everything I wanted to, even timing my walk to St Michael’s Mount so I could walk the causeway.

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