Penzance Town

Penzance is the regional centre of West Cornwall. This attractive town stands on the south facing shores of Mounts Bay. The bay itself is dominated by the granite heights of St Michael’s Mount.

Penzance is an ancient market town which has kept much of its character and originality. Its location, close to a multitude of attractions makes it an exciting holiday base.

Penzance is the most southern large seaside town of Britain as such it has an almost unique climate. Penzance is on a peninsular almost completely surrounded by the sea. This in conjunction with the Gulf Stream, reduces the range of temperate changes.

The more equable temperature enables sub tropical plants to thrive and makes it inviting to visit even outside the usual holiday season, when temperatures in other areas of the UK are not so welcoming.

The Town

The chief shopping areas are Market Jew Street with its raised granite walkway and Causeway Head a pedestrian precinct. The choice of shopping is good, all tastes and pockets catered for. Shops ranging from small interesting craft shops to supermarkets.

As well as being a thriving holiday location, Penzance is also a town in its own right and has the full range of facilities to meet the needs of the local inhabitants. The shopping area has all the major banks and a large Post Office.

Penzance has the only promenade in Cornwall. The promenade is over a mile in length and makes an interesting walk. The walk starts at the quay and can be followed to the charming fishing port of Newlyn.

A street of specific interest is Chapel Street. It has a range of quality bars, specialised shops and restaurants.

Reaching Penzance

Penzance can now be reached easily with the much improved road & rail. It is well served by the local bus service, providing links to many places of interest, making Penzance an excellent holiday base.

Penzance is the final departure point for the Isles of Scilly, which can be via helicopter or ferry.

Eating Places

There are numerous eating places in the town. A diverse range is available to please any palate, including Thai, Cantonese, Indian, Italian and Mexican.

Entertainment

Penzance has three night clubs; The Barn Club, Club 2000 and the Bosin’s Locker. As well, there are over 30 Public Houses, many of which provide food, while some have live music.

The Savoy Cinema in Causeway Head is the longest operating cinema in the country.

Festival

In June there is the Golowan Festival. During this period both Causeway Head and Market Jew Street are decorated with flowers and banners.

The festival reaches a climax on Mazey Day. On this day there are market stalls lining both of these streets, which are closed to traffic. There are colourful parades, street entertainment and musical events.

Attractions

Penzance has two indoor attractions which should not be missed, Trinity House National Lighthouse Museum and Penlee Gallery & Museum.

The area surrounding Penzance has been inhabited for thousands of years, and fortunately many ancient monuments have survived. Such archaeological sites include standing stones, stone circles and Iron Age villages.

More recent historically are the remains of the tin mining industry, dotted around the area are engine houses, many of which have been well preserved.

Lastly, the spectacular coastline itself and associated wildlife. These can be enjoyed by using the extensive coastal path network.