The elegant town of Penzance is one of Cornwall’s top places to visit in the southwest of England. Tucked away on the coast of the south coast, it is absolutely beautiful to spend a few days visiting. Not only that, there are heaps of great things to do in Penzance scattered throughout the town and wider area. All this makes Penzance a perfect base for exploring Cornwall’s west coast; Which is beautiful, by the way.
Over the years, we’ve visited Cornwall’s coastal gems many times. We love beautiful Cornish beaches, stunning castles and Cornish pasties. The latter is very tasty and you honestly have to have it when you’re in Penzance.
So, to give you a running start on the top things to see in Penzance, I’m sharing our very favorite spots that we love. It’s a wonderful Cornish town and you’ll have bags of fun!
1.) Jubilee Pool
Jubilee Pool is quite easy to spot when you are walking around Penzance. It is right on the beach and absolutely gorgeous to visit on a warm sunny day.
Now, this art-deco pool is open to all; Which means it can get very busy at peak times. That being said, if you prefer to take a dip in salt water without having to deal with any surf or riptides in the sea itself, this is the place to go.
On most days, the main pool is able to accommodate walk-ins, should you prefer to visit on a whim.
That being said, you will need to book their geothermal pool if you want access to this as places fill up quickly. If you like that geothermal heat, then Book these tickets At least a few days (or weeks) in advance.
Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall
2.) Chapel Street
If you want to take a stroll in Penzance, make sure to head towards Chapel Street. You see, Chapel Street has a little bit of everything and is worth visiting at lunchtime, especially Admiral Benbow.
You see the Admiral Benbow, a cozy Cornish pub that has been around since the 1600s, where it was once the frequented watering hole of pirates, smugglers and other people you really wouldn’t want to see back in the 17th century.
Fortunately, today, consumers are very different! Just be sure to order their wild Cornish mussels or. Their homemade fish pie. They are very tasty.
Afterwards, head up Chapel Street and the venue Egyptian House With its sphinx-like ornaments and colorful designs before the nightcap Turks head. They champion the local Cornish brew which is very tasty.
3.) Exchange Gallery
Close to Chapel Street Exchange Gallery. Penzance is very easy to visit and easily one of the best things to do if you are interested in contemporary art.
Now, the size of the lake it has, makes it a collection. Inside, you’ll find a stack of local works and international installations in the Exchange Gallery itself.
The visit will take about 20-30 minutes and is beautiful to see if you are looking for plans beyond the beach.
Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall
4.) Minak Theatre
The Minnock Theater is easily one of the best open-air theaters in England to visit for a show or just a 20-minute drive from Penzance and around.
This location gives you a perfect view of Porthcurno Bay and its waters which is absolutely beautiful, especially around sunset.
Best of all, the Minnock Theater has a classical architectural style that lets you take in the beauty of Cornwall from your seat. It was deliberately made this way by Rowena Kade in the 1920s and is stunning.
Now, during the summer season, you can catch heaps of plays being played. That being said, you must book in advance, tickets sell out very fast, so make sure you do Get these tickets As soon as you know your travel dates.
Also, don’t forget that you can easily visit Porthcurno Beach He is just shy of Meenak Theatre. If you are staying a bit longer in this area it is beautiful and picturesque to explore.
5.) The Broad Shore of Penzance
If you’re a water baby, you’ve come to the right place when visiting Penzance. The entire coastline around here is stunning and quite beautiful to explore.
Now, go on a trip together to get a better feel for the area Atlantic Adventures. These guys have their tours to a tee!
We absolutely loved the ‘Blue Shark Snorkel Tour’ which was out of this world. You see, blue sharks love this area of England and are quite easy to spot on this tour. However, if you are just a beginner in snorkeling, this may not be for you. Lifejackets are provided, but if you’re unfamiliar with choppy water, you should try one of their other tours.
Fancy going on a coaster? Then head Kernow CoastingIf you want to try your hand at coasteering along the Cornish coast they host one of the best things to do in Penzance.
Alternatively, take to the open sea together Marine Discovery. His voyage of discovery, on his catamaran, is quite remarkable.
You can find seal colonies near Land’s End and 10 miles offshore. From here, you can also catch glimpses of porpoises, minke whales and dolphins.
Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall
6.) Trengwainton Garden
Found on the edge of Penzance, Trengwainton Garden is a stunning area worth visiting in the summer.
You see, it gives you the chance to see a wide range of plants not normally seen in the UK due to Cornwall’s milder climate, all within the 16th century grounds of Trengwenton House.
Visits will take around 90 minutes, and are worth exploring if you’re traveling more slowly in the area.
7.) Boscawen-an Stone Circle
About a 10-minute drive from the center of Penzance, The Stone Circle of Boscawen-un A must visit place when in the area.
You see, this site goes all the way back to the Neolithic-Early Bronze Age. This in itself is quite impressive! As such, some of these stones have been standing in the same place for 3-4 thousand years.
Now, like Stonehenge, no one is certain about its historical uses. However, it is believed that Boscawen-un was a place for ceremonies and rituals of local residents.
The visits take about 30 minutes and are worth exploring if you are interested in ancient history. After all, you don’t often see the remains of Neolithic and Bronze-Age people sites.
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8.) Morab Gardens
Morab Gardens is in the center of town, making it one of the best things to visit in Penzance if you’re looking for a more chilled time.
You see, this beautiful garden is a gorgeous three acres. Best of all, the gardens make the most of the mild climate with masses of sub-tropical plants.
Now, a visit here will take no more than 10 minutes; But it is a beautiful place for a stroll (or even a picnic).
Afterwards, take a short stroll to the Victorian Penley House. You see, Penley House Gallery and Museum is a historic and beautiful place in Penzance that is filled with artwork; Stanhope Forbes, Walter Langley, Norman Garstin and Lemona Birch.
Now, although there is no permanent exhibition in the gallery, Penley House Gallery And the museum hosts exhibits or shows featuring its local art collections that are constantly changing
Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Penley Cross. It is tucked away at the front of the house. It was an 11th century masterpiece that once stood in Penzance’s Green Market and was a sight to behold.
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9.) Prussia Cove
If you want to get out for a longer walk or hike, be sure to follow the South West Coastal Path. Prussia Cove.
Now, if you are walking from Penzance itself, it will take around 180 minutes each way. It is beautiful; But make sure to pack lunch, snacks and plenty of water along the way.
Alternatively, join the coastal path after parking This place. That way, you can focus on following the rock steps around Prussia Cove.
Once here, don’t forget to check out the gorgeous cottages and Cudden Point For some views across the region. It is beautiful.
Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall
10.) Lanyon Quoit
Dating from the early Neolithic period (about 4-5 thousand years ago). Lanyon Quoit There is a megalithic tomb which is quite epic to behold.
Yes, it may be small, and visits can only take 15 minutes, but if you’re interested in early history it’s easily one of the best things to do in Penzance.
Now, it is believed to be a site where people were laid to rest and where shamans visited, possibly seeking guidance from previous generations.
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11.) St. Michael’s Mt
On the eastern shore of Marazion Beach, St. Michael’s Mt Incredible to visit. You see, it’s a tidal island worth visiting for an afternoon.
In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Penzance if you have a few spare hours. You see, you can walk around and explore the gardens and experience the beauty of this stunning island. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.
Just make sure Book tickets In advance, they sell out quickly at peak times. Oh, and take some layers with you; If there is a westerly wind it may blow.
Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall
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