Introduction
Welcome to Penzance
Discover this historic port town in Cornwall.
Perhaps best known for its pirates, Penzance has one of the mildest climates in the UK and so it's perfect for a British seaside break. The presence of tropical plants and palm trees is an indicator of just how good the weather down here is.
Map
YHA hostels in Penzance
YHA Land's End
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WiFi
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Free parking on premises
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Self-catering kitchen
YHA Penzance
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Free parking on premises
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WiFi
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Restaurant
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Things to do in Penzance
Five free things to do in Penzance
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
Visitors can find a treasure trove of fine art, natural history and archaeology exhibitions in this museum. Admission is free on Saturdays.
National Dahlia Collection
Home to an incredible variety of dahlias in almost every colour imaginable, this is a great experience for flower lovers. As their growth is seasonal, it's best to visit in spring or summer.
Stone circles
The mysterious stone circles of Boscawen-Un, the Merry Maidens and Tregeseal East all have interesting stories attached to them - ask the locals to find out more!
Carn Euny Ancient Village
These extremely well-preserved Iron Age ruins are testament to the ancient history that's all around Penzance. Visitors can see the foundations of stone houses and an underground passage.
Mousehole
A trip to this pretty and charmingly-named fishing village is a must while you're in Penzance. Don't forget to sample the local stargazy pie!
It's not just pirates that love Penzance
The vibrant coastal town of Penzance is a fantastic destination for a holiday - scenic, rich in history and filled with great places to eat and drink. Its position at the south-westerly tip of England has led to a long association with pirates and plunder, but there are even older stories to discover in its Celtic monuments and stone circles.
Penzance is also home to the Wharfside Shopping Centre, the largest retail centre for miles around with a variety of fashion, toy and homeware shops. With the Eden Project only a short journey away, there truly is something everybody can enjoy on a visit to Penzance.
Things to do
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
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
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...
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...
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...
View some of our popular Penzance blog posts
Around West Cornwall on an open top bus
Is there a more carefree way to travel than on the open top of a double-decker bus? On a sunny spring morning we wound slowly through the lanes towards Land’s End, looking down on clouds of blackthorn and out to the turquoise sea...
The YHA guide to the Cornish coast
Cornwall’s coastline doesn’t do things by halves. The county itself might be tucked away in the corner of the UK map — parts of it being so far south that they enjoy their own microclimate — but once you get down here, the rewards come super-sized...
Cycle paths in Cornwall
Explore brilliant cycle paths in Cornwall whilst uncovering the wildlife, beaches, culture and areas you never knew existed. Here’s some inspiration for cycle paths in Cornwall, suitable for all ages and abilities...