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.
Overview
Refurbished to an excellent standard and 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.
Penzance is an excellent base for exploring the local area and is the departure point for sailings to the Isles of Scilly. The hostel is perfectly positioned for accessing some sensationally scenic routes nearby. Visit St Ives or Sennen Cove, great for watersports, sailing or surfing holidays, or just relax on some of Europe’s finest beaches.
Why guests love YHA Penzance
Accommodation at YHA Penzance
The hostel
This magnificent Georgian mansion has 100 beds in both dorm rooms and private rooms. Facilities include a café bar, laundry, drying room, games room and a BBQ area – perfect for dining al fresco on a balmy summer night. There is also a large garden area for guests to make use of on sunny days.
The hostel is full of original features with an impressive staircase and hallway. Guests can choose to relax in our spacious lounge and are welcome to help themselves to a board game or two for the evening.
Two good-sized dining rooms are available, one of them attached to the self-catering kitchen which is convenient for guests choosing to make their own meals.
Bell tents
Get all the fun of camping but without any of the set up stresses with these beautiful bell tents - part of the YHA Glamping experience. These spacious tepee-like tents are fully kitted out with a double futon bed and three single futons plus all bedding and can sleep four or five people. They also have eco-friendly solar lighting and comfy bean bags for you to chill out on during the day plus bedside tables, a coffee table, rugs and soft flooring. Premium bell tents sleep four and have the addition of a woodburner to keep you cosy.
There are six tents available at YHA Penzance - two premium and four standard - and there is a separate toilet and shower block for glamping guests to use. YHA Penzance's bell tents are available to book throughout the year for stays between Easter and the end of September.
Camping
Please note that camping is sold per person and not per pitch and so, during the booking process, you will need to select the number of people that you wish to camp.
YHA Penzance has a sheltered and cosy, south-facing campsite on a level green adjacent to the main Youth Hostel building with views across Mount's Bay to the Lizard Peninsula. Just a 10 minute wak from the nearest bus service and 15 minutes from the centre of Penzance, this campsite is ideally places for a family break or if you're organising a group getaway.
Facilities
Use of all the hostel facilities are included for campers.
Wildlife spotting guides are available from the Youth Hostel reception, so see what you can find!
There is a washroom and mini-kitchen on the campsite as well as four toilets and two showers.
BBQs are available for hire but your own charcoal must be provided. There is a metal table area which is suitable for disposable BBQs.
Parking
Parking is available in an adjacent car park.
Important Information
Quiet time is observed in the campsite from 10.30pm until 7.30am.
Campfires are strictly prohibited.
Please note that the site is not suitable for campervans or caravans.
Food and drink at YHA Penzance
Things to do around YHA Penzance
Walking and Rambling in Penzance
Penzance has the best transport links in West Cornwall, giving great flexibility in choosing your route.
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
Watersports in Penzance
Marazion and Gwithian have regular events for both Kite and Wind Surfing.
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
Leach Pottery
The most famous and certainly the most influential studio pottery in the world!
St Ives
Home of the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, this wonderful seaside town has great views and sandy beaches.
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.
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.
Running in Penzance
Admittedly Cornwall is more famous for its leisurely pace of life and calorific cream teas than its enthusiasm for running!
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
Facilities
General
- Cot available
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
Entertainment
- Board games
- Games room
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
- Camping and Cabins
Food & drink
- BBQ area
- Dining room
- Group catering available
- Licensed bar
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Need to know
Check in: 17.00 - 22.00
Check out: Before 10.00
Towels and toiletries: Towels and toiletries are not provided but are available to hire or purchase from reception. Bedding is supplied.
Parking: There is an on-site car park.
Open every day?: Yes, YHA Penzance is open every day. Bookings are available up to three months in advance. The hostel is also open for group bookings during the week from March until October.
Pets: Dogs can stay on our campsite and in our bell tents. There is a £5 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 however, assistance dogs are welcome throughout, please advise upon booking.
Wi-Fi: Free wi-fi is available in social spaces.
Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 7.30am til 9am.
YHA Penzance - Access Statement
(PDF download - 111.5 KB)
YHA School Trips
YHA Penzance is a great destination for school parties seeking an educational or activity break. The area boasts some great historic attractions as well as rock climbing and water sports. With up to 101 beds and meals available, YHA Penzance is able to cater to a range of school parties.
Visit the YHA School Trips website for more information.
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.
You can find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel on the volunteering website.
Meet the team
Manager Paul says: 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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