things to do in Penzance

Things to do in Penzance

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Use our guide to discover the best things to do in Penzance

If you’re wondering what to do in Penzance, find an abundance of things to do all year round.

Penzance is a thriving Cornwall hotspot that features a wealth of seafood eateries, golden beaches and historic attractions. This market town is the last stop on the Great Western rail, one of the most southerly points in Britain.

Beaches in Penzance

There are many Penzance beaches perfect for a summer holiday in Cornwall, featuring golden sands and so much to do. Praa Sands Beach is a sandy haven where you can surf the waves alongside awe-inspiring coastal views. Alternatively, explore Long Rock Beach which allows dogs all year round, whilst Sennen Cove is ideal for families, surfers and nature lovers.

Attractions in Penzance

Our list of what to do in Penzance includes taking a walk along Chapel Street, a charming historic street with several unique Victorian buildings. Men-An-Tol is a popular destination where visitors will see Bronze Age stones sculpted to look like human faces and includes the only pierced stone in the country. No trip to Penzance is complete without a boat trip over to the sensational island of St Michael’s Mount, managed by the National Trust.

Activities in Penzance

Whether you’re here for a long break or a quick trip, there’s plenty of activities in Penzance. Make sure you visit the Minack Theatre for unforgettable performances throughout the year. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors will be enchanted by a day out to Trenwainton Garden or Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens.

Continue reading to find more fun Penzance things to do…


Photo of Chapel Street by Kathryn Yengel

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  • steak and wine dinner

    Bakehouse Restaurant

    Chapel Street
    Penzance
    TR18 4AE

    01736 331331

    A popular restaurant tucked away in a courtyard filled with fairy lights and palm trees. This quaint hotspot is only a three-minute walk from the beach.

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  • Battery Rocks Beach, Penzance
    Image Credits: Ian Knight - (CC BY-SA 2.0)

    Battery Rocks Beach

    Battery Rocks Beach
    Battery Rd
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR18 4FF

    Sitting between the historic South Pier and the Art Deco Jubilee Pool, this sand and shingle beach is a gem often overlooked by tourists. Sitting between the historic South Pier and the Art Deco Jubilee Pool, this sand and shingle beach is a gem often overlooked by tourists.

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  • Blacks of Chapel Street

    12-13 Chapel Street
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR18 4AW

    01736 369729

    Head to Penzance’s historic Chapel Street where you can grab a coffee, indulge in a delicious brunch or spend the evening sipping cocktails.

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  • Boscaswell Cliff

    Boscaswell Cliff

    St Just
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR19 7ER

    Head to this popular walking spot where you can tread in the footsteps of Cornwall’s miners and spot the remains of the mines themselves.

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  • Carn Galver ridge
    Image Credits: Nilfanion - (CC BY-SA 3.0)

    Carn Galver Engine House

    Carn Galver Engine House

    Visitors can immerse themselves in Cornwall’s rich mining history at the ruins of this 19th-century mine.  

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  • Chapel Street

    Chapel Street

    TR18 4AF

    Penzance’s oldest street, steeped in historical buildings and charming townhouses from the 18th century that lead to the enchanting St Mary’s Church.

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  • Chygurno Garden

    1 Lamorna Cove
    Lamorna Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR19 6XH

    01736 732153

    Guests will feel worlds away at this sub-tropical garden carved into a cliff edge overlooking the stunning Larmona Cove.

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  • Chysauster Ancient Village

    New Mill
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR20 8XA

    07831757934

    A Romano-British settlement where visitors can explore the remains of the homes originally occupied by settlers almost 2,000 years ago.

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  • Cudden Point

    Cudden Point National Trust

    Cudden Point National Trust
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR20 9BB

    Take in coastal views and appreciate the tranquillity of this headland with views across Mounts Bay towards Penzance.

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  • museum

    Davidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum

    Nottles Park
    Davidstow
    Camelford
    Cornwall
    PL32 9YF

    A war museum and airfield that allows visitors an insight into living through conflict and the role of the armed forces.

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