PENZANCE GUIDE
What can I do in Cornwall?
ATTRACTIONS / ART & CULTURE / EATING & DRINKING / PLACES TO VISIT
There is SO MUCH to do in Cornwall! Our Penzance Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore, discover and revel in the delights that West Cornwall has to offer.
Whether it’s a romantic costal holiday or fun, family holiday, Penzance and West Cornwall have it all!
From peace & relaxation, sport & adrenaline, sightseeing & culture, fresh air & a spot of beauty therapy or fine dining and merry drinking.
Take a look at our Cornwall guide & links to see our top things to do during your stay and catch a glimpse of what Penzance and the beautiful surrounding areas have to offer. You will be surprised how many fun and exciting things there are to do in South West Cornwall.
USEFUL LINKS:
Things to Do in Cornwall - www.visitcornwall.com/site/things-to-do
Cornwall Guide - www.cornwalls.co.uk
Cornwall Beaches - www.cornwallbeachguide.co.uk
South West Coastal Path - encountercornwall.com
National Trust - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main
Surfboard Hire - http://www.surfboard-hire.co.uk/
// St. Michaels Mount, Penzance
Looking for a fun day out? Cornwall is full of exciting attractions for all ages. From nearby St. Michaels Mount to the Eden Project, there is always something to do to suit all tastes.
Eden Project - www.edenproject.com - One of the top 10 attractions in Cornwall. The Eden Project is a famous eco-park where gardens from all over the world have been re-created alongside fun family activities.
Minack Theatre - www.minack.com - Cornwall’s Theatre under the stars! The Minack Theatre is a breathtakingly beautiful open-air theatre overlooking the stunning coastline and Porthcurno beach.
St. Michaels Mount, Penzance - www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk - Wow. What can we say! St. Michaels Mount is a tiny island in Mounts Bay (just off the coast of Penzance) with sub-tropical gardens and a medieval castle on top, which is now open to the public for visitors to enjoy. It truly is a must-see experience!
National Maritime Museum - www.nmmc.co.uk - Billed as a new generation of museum, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth was voted the best South West Cornwall Attraction of the Year.
Surf Board Hire - Planning a surfing holiday in Penzance? Surrounded by some of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall such as Sennen Cove and Godrevey Beach, Cornwall is known as the best UK surfing destination. And what's more, Surf Board Hire will deliver and collect straight to our door with no extra fee's http://www.surfboard-hire.co.uk/
ART & CULTURE:
// Penlee House Museum & Gardens, Penzance (photograph courtesy of Steve Tanner)
Visit Cornwall and it will be no surprise why artists & poets have long been drawn to Penzance and West Cornwall! The captivating light and stunning scenery have provided beautiful subject matter for some of the U.K.'s greatest artistic minds, with Penzance being within the heart of this thriving arts scene.
Located just minutes away from our central Penzance location on beautiful Chapel Street, you will find Penlee House Museum, The Exchange Gallery, Newlyn Art Gallery and many other independent art galleries. The neighbouring town of St. Ives (just 8 miles away) holds host to the famous Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Musuem & Sculpture Garden and Leach Pottery Studio.
Tate St. Ives - www.tate.org.uk/stives - Modern and contemporary Gallery in a stunning Cornish seaside setting, overlooking Porthmeor Beach St Ives. We vote this as one of the top 10 things to do in Cornwall.
The Exchange Gallery, Penzance - www.newlynartgallery.co.uk - Spectacular glass-fronted Penzance art gallery showcases’ regular contemporary exhibitions. Guests will find the Exchange Gallery’s sister art gallery – the Newlyn Art Gallery – along the Penzance harbour towards Newlyn.
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, St Ives - www.tate.org.uk/stives/hepworth - Magical Gardens and Museum dedicated to one of Britain’s most important 20th Century artists Barbara Hepworth.
Leach Pottery Studio St Ives - www.leachpottery.com - The Leach Pottery is a Studio, Museum & Workshop devoted to the life and works of internationally famous potter Bernard Leach.
Penlee House Museum & Garden, Penzance - www.penleehouse.org.uk - Set within an attractive park in Penzance, Penlee House showcases the rich Cornwall art and culture heritage, reflecting the fascinating history of the area.
Muju Shop & Studio, St Ives - mujuworld.co.uk - If you haven’t seen our Room number 7, then check it out now because it is incredible! Muju World didn’t have to travel far to decorate this boutique room. Currently, they live and work in St Ives, where they run their trendy shop and studio. A must visit!
Eating & Drinking:

// The Beach Restaurant, Sennen Cove
Cornwall is famous for its fantastic restaurants and traditional Cornish pubs. Owing to Cornwall’s ethos of quality ingredients and locally sourced produce, it is no surprise why! And don’t forget to savour the delights of a traditional Cornish Cream Tea! Below are just a few of our top rated restaurants in Penzance and West Cornwall.
The Bakehouse, Penzance - www.bakehouserestaurant.co.uk - Located just a stones throw away from our Penzance hotel on historic Chapel Street, this restaurant will be sure to get your taste buds tingling and is one of our all time favourites!
Sophia’s, Penzance - www.sophiaspenzance.co.uk - Outstanding Cornish cuisine in an elegantly decorated small restaurant overlooking the Penzance harbour. Perfect for a romantic or special evening.
The Bay, Penzance - www.bay-penzance.co.uk - This is fine dining with attention to detail. Located in Hotel Penzance, this contemporary and spacious Penzance restaurant overlooks stunning Mounts Bay with regular exhibitions of local Cornish artists.
The Admiral Benbow Pub, Penzance - www.intocornwall.com - Famous worldwide, this unusual and wacky pub is decorated with an array of pirate treasures! It is not to be missed!
The Beach Restaurant, Sennen Cove - www.thebeachrestaurant.com - Exceptional architecturally designed restaurant with large terrace overlooking Sennen Beach - one of the UK’s most beautiful surfing beaches. They even have their own boat to catch the daily fish. Wine and dine with the sun shining.
Bliss! Porthmeor Café – Restaurant – Bar, St. Ives - www.porthmeor-beach.co.uk - Picture this. You're eating delicious tapas, sipping a glass of Champagne, enjoying the most beautiful sunset and listening to the sounds of the peaceful waves on the beach beyond. Does that not sound like pure pleasure?
Blas Burgerworks, St Ives - www.blasburgerworks.co.uk - We hail this as one of the best burgers we have ever eaten! This St. Ives eco-friendly trendy eatery uses only fresh seasonal produce and 100% Cornish beef in their burgers. Fantastic for children and adults.
2 Fore Street St Ives - www.2forestreet.co.uk - This stylish French bistro restaurant with its chic décor, nautical artwork a beautiful secluded garden is a must visit in picturesque Mousehole.
Places to Visit

// The Minack Theatre, Portcurno
Lands End - www.landsend-landmark.co.uk - One of the top Cornwall landmarks and attractions, Lands End is famous for its stunning scenery, magnificent cliff trails and fun Cornwall tourist activities.
Sennen Cove - www.sennencovecornwall.co.uk - Want to see some surfers catching those waves? Or go on an exhilarating walk and take in some sea air? This breathtakingly beautiful UK beach boasts one of the most captivating stretches of sand, perfect for your Cornwall holiday. The beach also holds host to the The Smart Surf School for all those feeling adventurous. Refuel at The Beach Restaurant Sennen Cove, with some delicious food.
Porthcurno - www.cornwalls.co.uk/Porthcurno - As one of the best beaches in Cornwall UK, this is a pure gem! Visit Porthcurno beach and enjoy your romantic break or family holiday to its best! At Porthcurno, Cornwall you will also find the world famous Minack Theatre built by Rowena Cade, as well as the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.
St. Ives - www.stives-cornwall.co.uk - Just 15 minutes by car, St Ives Cornwall has a film star quality to it with its fine golden sand beaches and clear blue ocean. Well-known for its quaint cobbled streets, world renowned beaches and charming shops and art galleries, St. Ives is an essential day trip. Spend a day here and visit Tate St ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum, Leach Pottery Studio, Porthminster Beach and Carbis Bay. Favourite restaurants include Porthmeor Beach Café, St Ives and Blas Burgerworks St. Ives.
Isles of Scilly - www.simplyscilly.co.uk - This magical cluster of islands offers untouched and rugged beauty for the guest who likes to explore. Day trips offer anything from horse riding, bike riding, snorkelling, bespoke sea safari’s, glass bottomed boats, sailing and much much more. The beautiful ferry which leaves from Penzance harbour is an attraction in itself – with incredible sights of West Cornwall such as Lamorna Cove and perhaps the odd porpoise or whale!
Isles of Scilly Accommodation & Inclusive Holidays: www.islesofscillyholidays.co.uk
Mousehole - A tiny and exquisitely picturesque fishing village, which has retained its original character and charm. On a sunny day this Cornwall holiday destination is well worth a visit for its untouched beauty. A favourite restaurant here is the delicious 2 Fore Street Mousehole.
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