{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Penzance
Penzance (from Cornish Pen Sans, meaning "holy headland") has a rich and layered history:
Early Settlement: Archaeological evidence suggests Bronze Age and Iron Age activity. The nearby Merry Maidens stone circle reflects ancient spiritual practices.
Medieval Period: First recorded in 1284, Penzance grew as a fishing and market town. It suffered pirate raids and was even burned by the Spanish in 1595.
18th–19th Century: Penzance became a thriving port, especially for tin and copper exports during the mining boom. The arrival of the railway in 1852 boosted tourism and trade.
Modern Day: Today, it's known for its artistic community, maritime heritage, and as a gateway to the Isles of Scilly via ferry.
Description of Penzance
Penzance is a picturesque harbor town located in Mount’s Bay. Its charming Georgian and Regency architecture, palm-lined promenade (thanks to a mild climate), and scenic sea views create a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The town is a blend of bohemian flair and historic character.
Notable landmarks include:
Chapel Street (historic buildings, pubs, galleries)
Morrab Gardens
Jubilee Pool (1930s art deco lido)
St. Michael’s Mount (across the bay, accessible at low tide)
Typical Food in Penzance / Cornwall
Cornish cuisine is simple, hearty, and deeply connected to the sea and land:
Cornish Pasty: A baked pastry filled with beef, potato, onion, and swede. Originally made for miners.
Stargazy Pie: A unique fish pie with whole sardines poking their heads through the crust.
Fresh Seafood: Mackerel, crab, scallops, mussels, and hake are common.
Cornish Cream Tea: Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam (cream first in Cornwall!).
Cornish Yarg: A semi-hard cheese wrapped in nettles.
Things to Do in Penzance
Cultural & Historical:
Penlee House Gallery & Museum: Art from the Newlyn School and Cornish history.
Chapel Street: Boutiques, antique shops, and historic pubs like the Turk’s Head.
Outdoor Activities:
Walk the South West Coast Path: Stunning views along the rugged coastline.
Visit St. Michael’s Mount: Accessible by foot at low tide or by boat.
Jubilee Pool: Geothermal-heated outdoor pool by the sea.
Beaches: Penzance Beach, Longrock Beach, or further out to Porthcurno and Sennen.
Day Trips:
Land’s End: The westernmost point of mainland England.
Minack Theatre: A cliffside open-air theatre overlooking the Atlantic.
Isles of Scilly: Take the ferry for a unique island experience.
Early Settlement: Archaeological evidence suggests Bronze Age and Iron Age activity. The nearby Merry Maidens stone circle reflects ancient spiritual practices.
Medieval Period: First recorded in 1284, Penzance grew as a fishing and market town. It suffered pirate raids and was even burned by the Spanish in 1595.
18th–19th Century: Penzance became a thriving port, especially for tin and copper exports during the mining boom. The arrival of the railway in 1852 boosted tourism and trade.
Modern Day: Today, it's known for its artistic community, maritime heritage, and as a gateway to the Isles of Scilly via ferry.
Description of Penzance
Penzance is a picturesque harbor town located in Mount’s Bay. Its charming Georgian and Regency architecture, palm-lined promenade (thanks to a mild climate), and scenic sea views create a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The town is a blend of bohemian flair and historic character.
Notable landmarks include:
Chapel Street (historic buildings, pubs, galleries)
Morrab Gardens
Jubilee Pool (1930s art deco lido)
St. Michael’s Mount (across the bay, accessible at low tide)
Typical Food in Penzance / Cornwall
Cornish cuisine is simple, hearty, and deeply connected to the sea and land:
Cornish Pasty: A baked pastry filled with beef, potato, onion, and swede. Originally made for miners.
Stargazy Pie: A unique fish pie with whole sardines poking their heads through the crust.
Fresh Seafood: Mackerel, crab, scallops, mussels, and hake are common.
Cornish Cream Tea: Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam (cream first in Cornwall!).
Cornish Yarg: A semi-hard cheese wrapped in nettles.
Things to Do in Penzance
Cultural & Historical:
Penlee House Gallery & Museum: Art from the Newlyn School and Cornish history.
Chapel Street: Boutiques, antique shops, and historic pubs like the Turk’s Head.
Outdoor Activities:
Walk the South West Coast Path: Stunning views along the rugged coastline.
Visit St. Michael’s Mount: Accessible by foot at low tide or by boat.
Jubilee Pool: Geothermal-heated outdoor pool by the sea.
Beaches: Penzance Beach, Longrock Beach, or further out to Porthcurno and Sennen.
Day Trips:
Land’s End: The westernmost point of mainland England.
Minack Theatre: A cliffside open-air theatre overlooking the Atlantic.
Isles of Scilly: Take the ferry for a unique island experience.
Click to show the map