Penryn is an old market town near Falmouth with charming streets filled with shops, art galleries and cafes.
Despite being somewhat of a bygone market town, the charming main street of Penryn is lined with beautiful 17th to 19th- century architecture including a picturesque clocktower and clusters of quirky shops, art galleries and cafes.
There is more than enough heritage here to keep a history buff entertained; it was the founding of the Collegiate Church of Glasney, a scholastic monastery, in 1265 that gave Penryn its historical importance. Once home to many of the most important texts on the Cornish language, Glasney became a great seat of ecclesiastical learning for three centuries but sadly disappeared following Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Restaurants
- Lifeguards not available
- 5 minute walk from carpark
History of Penryn
Penryn is a small town located on the south coast of Cornwall. The town has a rich history dating back to the medieval period, with the town’s name believed to derive from the Cornish words ‘Pen’ and ‘Ryn’, meaning ‘headland by the river’.
In the 16th century, Penryn was an important center for the tin mining industry, with the town’s port playing a key role in the export of tin to other parts of the world. The town also had a thriving cloth trade, with woolen cloth produced in the town being sold across Europe.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Penryn continued to prosper, with the town’s shipbuilding industry becoming a major employer. Many of the ships built in Penryn were used in the transatlantic slave trade, a dark chapter in the town’s history that is still remembered today.
In the 20th century, Penryn underwent a period of decline, with many of its industries and businesses closing down. However, in recent years, the town has undergone a regeneration, with new businesses and amenities opening up, and a renewed focus on the town’s history and heritage. Today, visitors to Penryn can explore its historic streets and buildings, including the 13th-century St Gluvias Church, and enjoy its picturesque location on the banks of the River Fal.
Travel / Parking information for Penryn
Directions to Penryn
From the A30, take the A39 towards Falmouth and follow signs for Penryn. The town is located about five minutes from Falmouth and is well-signposted from the main road.
Parking for Penryn
Penryn offers several pay-and-display car parks, including Quay Hill and Commercial Road. On-street parking is also available in the town center, though spaces can be limited during busy times. Early arrival is recommended, especially if visiting during the university term when the town is more active.