Penzance is a coastal town in West Cornwall with views over Mount's Bay and St Michael's Mount.
Penzance is historic port town and serves as the gateway to the picturesque Land’s End Peninsula. Penzance holds the unique distinction of being the most westerly major town in Cornwall. Its vibrant promenade, one of the longest in Cornwall, offers stunning views of Mount’s Bay and St. Michael’s Mount.
Penzance’s rich history is evident in its Georgian and Regency architecture, notably along Chapel Street where one can find an array of antique shops and galleries. The town is also home to the Jubilee Pool, one of the oldest surviving Art Deco seawater lidos in the UK, recently refurbished and popular for its geothermally heated section.
Culturally, Penzance thrives with festivals like Golowan, which revives ancient midsummer customs with modern celebrations including music, fireworks, and traditional Cornish processions. Its arts scene is dynamic, highlighted by local theaters and art galleries that host various exhibitions and performances throughout the year.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Lifeguards not available
- Dogs allowed (All year)
- 5 minute walk from carpark
History of Penzance
Penzance is a coastal town located in southwest Cornwall. The town dates back to the medieval period, and was an important center for fishing and trade throughout its history.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Penzance became an important center for the export of tin and copper from the nearby mines, and the town grew in size and prosperity. The town was also a popular destination for merchants and traders, who came to buy and sell goods from all over the world.
In the 19th century, Penzance became a popular tourist destination, thanks to its mild climate and scenic beauty. The town’s famous promenade, known as the “Prom,” was built during this time, and remains a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
Today, Penzance is a bustling town with a thriving arts and culture scene, and is home to a number of galleries, theaters, and museums. The town is also known for its beautiful architecture, including the Egyptian House and the Chapel Street Methodist Church, both of which are listed buildings.
Penzance is also a gateway to the nearby St. Michael’s Mount, a historic castle and island that is one of Cornwall’s most popular tourist attractions.
Travel / Parking information for Penzance
Directions to Penzance
To reach Penzance drive to the end the A30 going west, which directly leads into the town. This primary route offers scenic views of Cornwall’s rugged landscape. Penzance is also accessible by train, with direct services from major UK cities to Penzance railway station, situated near the town center.
Parking for Penzance
Parking in Penzance is plentiful with several options available, including the Harbour car park and the Station car park, both of which are convenient for accessing the town center, the waterfront, and Penzance's historic promenade. These car parks operate on a pay-and-display basis and are well-positioned for visitors looking to explore the area’s attractions.
Watch an aerial video of Penzance, Cornwall
Besides being the setting of one of Britain’s most famous pirate tales, Penzance is known among locals for being a less well-polished and slightly more gritty Cornish port-town. Nevertheless, it has an authentically alluring charm.
Of course, one of the main reasons to visit is for the majestic views over the iconic Mount’s Bay which lies adjacent to the towns grand seafront Victorian promenade. But it’s the abundance of quirky palm trees and gardens full of sub-tropical plants thriving in the regions extremely mild climate, which make the towns aesthetic appeal truly unique.