When planning a coastal day in Penzance, the tide is a factor: the beach in front of the promenade is made up of sand and shingle and is often covered at high tide. Walkers, joggers and cyclists use the promenade. This gives you two different ways to enjoy the coast: exercise on the promenade or a beach whose appearance changes with the tide. If you plan to visit the beach, check the tide times for the day in question.
Art and Local History
Penlee House, a gallery and museum in Penlee Park, houses numerous paintings by members of the Newlyn School. The museum explores local history, with themes ranging from archaeological finds and ceramics to social history and fashion. Artworks sit alongside collection areas that explore different aspects of local life. Community events and workshops are also held at Penlee House. The café offers morning coffee, a light lunch and afternoon tea with homemade cakes. The variety of themes gives you several points of interest if art and history are among your interests.
The City's History
The official Penzance Town Trail takes you through the city's history and to some of its most interesting sights. One notable historical landmark is the Market House: it opened in 1838, replacing an earlier building that had stood on the same site since 1592. Penzance also became a “Coinage Town”, where locally produced tin was assayed before being sold and shipped through the port. This trading history adds an economic perspective to the story of the city's buildings. The Parish Church of St Mary is attributed to Charles Hutchens and dates from 1832 to 1835.
Gardens and Special Travel Occasions
Morrab Gardens is a public park in Penzance that was developed as a subtropical garden in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It adds a distinct perspective on designed landscapes to the history of the city and its collections. Morrab Gardens offers a different focus from Penlee House: here, the emphasis is on the development of a garden, while Penlee House focuses on art and local history.
The Golowan Festival is a ten-day celebration of Cornish culture, creativity and community, held every June in Penzance.
Penzance as a Place to Stay and Depart From
Penzance is a major departure point for the Isles of Scilly, both by boat and by helicopter. If the islands are part of your trip, check the sailing or flight connections for your travel dates. When looking for accommodation, first consider the role Penzance will play in your trip: if Penzance itself is your destination, the town, cultural and coastal attractions described above take centre stage; if you plan to continue on to the Isles of Scilly, you will also need to coordinate your stay with your departure. This lets you plan your stay around the main purpose of your trip, without treating a visit to the town and onward travel as the same thing.
Discover more destinations: Bodmin, Downderry, Chacewater, Brighton, Launceston, Gooseham, Saint Clether, Port Isaac
For the overview of the wider region: Cornwall.
