things to do in Penzance

Things to do in Penzance

Search Cottages

Use our guide to discover the best things to do in Penzance

If you’re wondering what to do in Penzance, find an abundance of things to do all year round.

Penzance is a thriving Cornwall hotspot that features a wealth of seafood eateries, golden beaches and historic attractions. This market town is the last stop on the Great Western rail, one of the most southerly points in Britain.

Beaches in Penzance

There are many Penzance beaches perfect for a summer holiday in Cornwall, featuring golden sands and so much to do. Praa Sands Beach is a sandy haven where you can surf the waves alongside awe-inspiring coastal views. Alternatively, explore Long Rock Beach which allows dogs all year round, whilst Sennen Cove is ideal for families, surfers and nature lovers.

Attractions in Penzance

Our list of what to do in Penzance includes taking a walk along Chapel Street, a charming historic street with several unique Victorian buildings. Men-An-Tol is a popular destination where visitors will see Bronze Age stones sculpted to look like human faces and includes the only pierced stone in the country. No trip to Penzance is complete without a boat trip over to the sensational island of St Michael’s Mount, managed by the National Trust.

Activities in Penzance

Whether you’re here for a long break or a quick trip, there’s plenty of activities in Penzance. Make sure you visit the Minack Theatre for unforgettable performances throughout the year. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors will be enchanted by a day out to Trenwainton Garden or Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens.

Continue reading to find more fun Penzance things to do…


Photo of Chapel Street by Kathryn Yengel

Search by Location:

Hold tight whilst the map loads...

Search by name:

Filter results:

  • Nanjizel Beach

    Nanjizal Beach

    St Just
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    England
    TR19 7AH

    Walkers will love the secluded sand and pebble delight of Nanjizal Beach, which enjoys a prime location at the end of a shallow valley.

    view more information
  • Newlyn Art Gallery, Penzance

    Newlyn Art Gallery

    New Rd
    Newlyn
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR18 5PZ

    01736363715

    A gallery with a 125-year history designed to celebrate Cornish and contemporary art where visitors can explore new works and create their own.

    view more information
  • Newlyn Tolcarne Beach

    Newlyn Tolcarne Beach

    Fore St
    Newlyn
    Penzanc
    Cornwall
    TR18 5JR

    A quiet beach nestled on the edge of Newlyn where visitors can walk their dogs.

    view more information
  • The Old Lifeboat House Bistro, Penzance
    Image Credits: Ruth Sharville - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Old Lifeboat House Bistro

    Wharf Rd
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR18 4AA

    01736369409

    Visitors can enjoy freshly caught fish at this restaurant based in a 19th-century lifeboat house in Penzance.

    view more information
  • aerial view of pedn vounder beach, penzance
    Image Credits: Jim Champion - CC BY-SA 3.0

    Pedn Vounder Beach

    Penzance

    Dog Friendly

    A breath-taking beach and star of the screen boasting dramatic cliffs, white sand and turquoise waters.

    view more information
  • Penlee House Gallery and Museum
    Image Credits: Ruth Sharville - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Penlee House Gallery and Museum

    Morrab Rd
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR18 4HE

    01736363625

    Discover the history of West Cornwall with this collection of archaeological finds, fabulous ceramics, social history and fashion.

    view more information
  • Penzance Promenade

    Penzance Promenade Beach

    S W Coast Path
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    England
    TR18 4HH

    A mile-long shingle beach sat in front of the historic promenade at Penzance.

    view more information
  • Penzance to Marazion

    Penzance to Marazion

    Penzance Railway Station
    Wharf Rd
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR18 2LT

    An easy two-mile walk on a surfaced path suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

    view more information
  • perranuthnoe beach

    Perranuthnoe Beach

    S W Coast Path
    Perranuthnoe
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR20 9NF

    A quiet beach popular with locals sitting next to a charming unspoilt village near Penzance.

    view more information
  • children and adult at museum

    PK Porthcurno

    Eastern House
    Porthcurno
    Penzance
    Cornwall
    TR19 6JX

    01736810966

    A museum dedicated to Cornwall’s vital part in communications technology where visitors can explore a WWII bunker and view early scientific inventions.

    view more information
activityarrow_downarrow_leftsmall-rightarrow-top-rightbikeguidescamerachild-friendlycircularclockCottagecrossdangerdestinationpindownloaddropdown-arrowemailFamilyfinish-flagflagfloraflowergroupHeartinfo-altdidyouknowInspirationlinearlocationmap-pinmapparkingpawphonerulersearchshare Facebook Google Plus Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter YouTube ui-24px-glyph-2_grid-45popularsun-cloudtexturef-check-glyph-16toggleVideoWalkingwheelchair