Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications
The history of cable telecommunications is only a short walk from the Minack Theatre and beach at Porthcurno. The museum explains the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable...
YHA Penzance
Overview
Set within beautiful gardens in a peaceful part of town, YHA Penzance is a Georgian mansion which provides perfect accommodation for seaside holidays close to the Cornish coast.
From ancient stones and mining heritage to modern communications and art, Penzance is a location with stories to tell and the departure point for sailings to the Isles of Scilly. The hostel is perfectly positioned for accessing some sensationally scenic walking routes nearby with excellent local and national public transport links.
Visit Porthcurno to see the stunning beach, Minack Theatre and Museum of Global Communications or explore famous locations like St Ives, Land’s End and Geevor Tin Mine Museum. Whether you’re learning to ride the waves on your surf board or exploring our extraordinary coast, there’s a lot to enjoy.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is offered here
- Entire place is not offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Excellent base for watersports breaks
- Historic Georgian mansion with gardens
- Great for coastal Cornwall holidays
Accommodation at YHA Penzance
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 91 people
Stay at YHA Penzance for a fantastic school trip or explore the Coast Path for the walking weekend of your dreams.
Penzance has great travel links so it's easy to get to top attractions like St Michael’s Mount, Eden Project and Tate St Ives. Visit Porthcurno to see the stunning beach, Minack Theatre and Museum of Global Communications or explore famous locations like St Ives, Land’s End and Geevor Tin Mine Museum. Whether you’re learning to ride the waves at Sennen Surf School or exploring our extraordinary coast, there’s lots to enjoy.
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
Shared spaces
This gorgeous Georgian mansion has a stylish café bar and magnificent grounds. It's well equipped for groups with free Wi-Fi, a TV and individual bunk lights with charging points.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Penzance (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking
There is parking at the hostel including space for coaches.
Accredited site
YHA Penzance holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (Site Only) (105569).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Ambulant accessible
- BBQ area
- Coach parking on premises
- Contactless payments
- Corridor zoning
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Extra-large garden/grounds
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Licensed bar
- Luggage store
- Minibus parking on premises
- Near bus stop
- Near ferry port
- Near train station
- Outdoor seating
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Closed facilities: The following facilities are currently closed at this hostel - laundry facilities, drying room and games room.
Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00. Meals are also available from 17:00 – 20:30.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks which is open 15.00 - 22.00. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Dogs can stay on our campsite and in our bell tents. There is a £10 charge per dog per night for our bell tent accommodation which is payable upon arrival. You can bring your dog for free if you are camping in your own tent. Pets are not permitted in the hostel accommodation at YHA Penzance. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
Public transport: Penzance train, bus station and ferry terminal are 1.5 miles away. From here, you can walk to the hostel in approximately 30 minutes. The route is up hill and the final part can be dark in winter. Please take care when crossing the A30. Public bus services run to within 500m of the hostel (see ‘Mousehole’ or the ‘5’).
YHA Penzance - Access Statement
(PDF download - 131.59 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Penzance
Things to do around YHA Penzance
Mên-an-Tol
This iconic and highly photogenic site is one of the best known megalithic structures in Britain. See the Wikipedia page for more information.
The Isles of Scilly
Each island has its own unique character, charms, and adventures. Don't miss the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens. Visit the Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber dating back to the Bronze Age (2000BC)...
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
St Ives
Home of the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, this wonderful seaside town has great views and sandy beaches.
Sennen Cove Surfing School
A long sweeping beach, ideal for surfing. The school has an excellent reputation offering lesson for all abilities. Visit the website
St Michael's Mount
From monks to a Cornish giant, the history and mythology that layer up on this rocky tidal island near Penzance is richly diverse. Whether you’re admiring the views from the medieval castle or...
Watersports in Penzance
Marazion and Gwithian have regular events for both Kite and Wind Surfing. Take to the surf at Sennen Cove, St Ives, Gwithian and Praa Sands, or just chill-out with a swim or body board at beautiful...
Geevor Mine and Levant Beam Engine
7.1 miles The largest mining museum in Britain with underground tours and “gold” panning. Levant Beam Engine is a short walk away. Visit the website
Leach Pottery
The most famous and certainly the most influential studio pottery in the world!
Poldark Mine - Cornish Mining World Heritage
This world heritage site offers a fascinating look into the underground world of mining. The beautiful rural setting belies its industrial past. Visit the Heritage Centre website
Walking and Rambling in Penzance
Penzance has the best transport links in West Cornwall, giving great flexibility in choosing your route. From short walks to all-day hikes, West Penwith has secluded valleys carpeted with wild flowers...
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
The only Cornish gallery specialising in the Newlyn School artists, the museum also covers West Cornwall's social history. Visit the Gallery's website
St Just-in-Penwith
This ancient Cornish mining town, Britain's most westerly town, has a wealth of artistic talent and Plain-an-Gwarry - an open air mediaeval theatre, situated near the WWII War Memorial. Nearby there...
Running in Penzance
Admittedly Cornwall is more famous for its leisurely pace of life and calorific cream teas than its enthusiasm for running! In fact, a local saying goes ‘it is best to miss the train than be seen...
Climbing in Penzance
The area is famous for its granite routes, including Chair Ladder and Commando Ridge, but there are other options including the vertical wall at Gurnard's Head. The Climbers Club have an excellent...
Cycling in Penzance
Explore the quieter back roads of Penwith, with their wealth of ancient sites and superb views or take an easy ride along Cycle Route 3 to St Michael's Mount. Penrose Estate near Helston has an easy...
More about this hostel
Volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
History
YHA Penzance started life as Castle Horneck, a Georgian manor house. The building is now Grade II listed and sits in it's original gardens with great views over Mounts Bay.
YHA opened this hostel in 1949 and refurbished in 1987 with major improvements to the inside and out. Further improvements have been made over the years with a modern look and feel whilst still keeping the originality of the building and its surroundings
Meet the team
Manager recommends: Leave the car behind and take the scenic train journey to St Ives, voted one of the best seaside towns in Britain. With five beautiful sandy beaches, amazing views and historic cobbled streets with a wide range of galleries and shops, this is hard to beat for a cheap seaside getaway! For school trips, the local area is full of historic attractions, or if you're looking for an activity break, hit the beaches for a great sailing or surfing holiday.
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