Things to do in Penzance
Jubilee Pool
This beautiful art-deco open-air bathing pool is the UK’s largest seawater lido. There is also an excellent café and a delightfully warm geothermal pool. The pool opens from the end of May until September. Even in winter, some hardy year-round swimmers use battery rocks (just north of Jubilee Pool) for their daily dip!
Parks and gardens
Morrab Garden is a sub-tropical garden in the heart of Penzance with Victorian fountains and a bandstand, which still plays host to concerts in the summer. The Morrab Library sits in the gardens and is an absolute joy with its wonderful photographic archives and collections. Full of trees and squirrels, Penlee Park has a specific dog-free and child-friendly play area making it ideal for families.
Art galleries
Penlee House Art Gallery & Museum (with an excellent cafe) sits opposite the Penlee open-air theatre and is home to a large collection of Newlyn School paintings as well as more contemporary works. Along the various streets and alleys lie many other superb galleries featuring a mix of local and national artists. Further afield, you have the renowned Newlyn Exchange and the wondrous Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, which is home to many incredible sculptures throughout its grounds. Or, if you want to create your own art, why not embark on one of Penwith’s popular painting holidays to really make the most of Cornish scenery.
Shopping in Penzance
Not all town centres have the beautiful granite terrace and arcade steps, the iron railings; or retain the architecture of previous generations above the modern shop frontages that Penzance enjoys. There are many Georgian and early Victorian facades just above eye-level in Penzance giving a really unique backdrop to your shopping. By way of shops, you’ll find everything from boutiques to big names as well as delis and food shops that are jam-packed with tempting, locally sourced treats.
Walks
Penzance, with its recently resurfaced prom and surrounding coastline, is perfectly placed to enjoy some stunning Cornish walks. The further to the west you go, the more rugged and captivating the coastline – although be warned, in Penwith, the more beautiful the view, the steeper the trek to reach it! Our favourite stretch has to be between Mousehole all the way along to the Minack Theatre, which provides days upon days of incredible coastal walks. During your treks, make sure to keep an eye out for some of Cornwall’s ancient sites, which can be found scattered around the wild landscape.
Eating out
Penzance self-catering holidays are perfect; Chapel Street leads up from the harbour to the town centre where you will find a range of restaurants and pubs as well as independent shops and houses of historic interest and importance. Lavenders Deli on Alverton Street is ideal for stocking up on treats for your holiday cottage. Check out our blog on places to eat in Penzance for ideas on where to refuel.
Dog-friendly Penzance
With the sights and smells of the nearby beaches and plenty of dog-friendly pubs (Admiral Benbow is particularly popular with dogs and people alike), Penzance is a wonderful place for a dog-friendly holiday in Cornwall. There are also some great dog-friendly beaches nearby so you can enjoy a proper romp in the sand with your furry best friend.