Imagine if you could stay in a beautiful portside town that’s a mere stone’s throw from one of the UK’s prettiest fishing villages.
One that also happens to be on the doorstep of several internationally renowned beaches. Oh, and a hop and a skip from an enchanted castle in the sea.
This town is not some Instagrammer’s fever dream, but Penzance. Our portside town is not only turning heads nationwide for its beauty, food, indie shopping and authentic Cornish spirit, it’s also the most well-appointed town in all of the South West.
Frankly, you could walk in pretty much any direction from Penzance and strike gold.
Here’s 10 things to do near Penzance. None of these experiences are more than an hour away. Most are FAR less.
Each write up below contains a link to a full guide.
1) Potter about the most beautiful tourist town in Cornwall: St Ives
St Ives is famous around the world for its narrow, cobbled streets, world-leading modernist art and golden beaches and an unmistakable sense that it is the place to be seen in summer. Is it super-busy? Yes. Is that an issue? No, because you’re visiting for the day and returning to home-base in Penzance by evening. Boom! Read 10 Best Things to Do in St Ives.
2) Behold a legendary castle in the sea at Marazion
Marazion is one of those destinations that really lives up to the name ‘picture perfect’. It is among the oldest chartered towns in the UK and you’ll really get a feel for times gone by in its narrow, cobbly streets. And something you may notice as you approach the town is… there’s a huge castle in the sea! People stop and gawp. It never gets old – even for locals rate it as one of the best things to do near Penzance. Read 10 Things to Do in Marazion.
3) Experience a picture-perfect fishing village at Mousehole
Shut your eyes and imagine a perfect, dream-like Cornish fishing village. The cottages teetering over a curve of harbour. Boats bobbing at the sparkling water’s edge. The sound of spade tapping bucket. This imagined place becomes real in a short bus, bike or car ride – or medium walk – from Penzance. Read 10 Things to Do in Mousehole.
4) Walk, swim and play on three miles of golden sands at Hayle
Once a powerhouse of the industrial revolution, Hayle is now a beautiful mix of old and new with a sense of space, wild beauty and romance quite unlike anywhere else in our county. And, oh boy, is that three miles of golden beach a truly epic sight. There’s also plenty of surfing, rock pooling and history to while away the hours. Read 10 Things to Do in Hayle.
5) Surf in the sapphire waters of Sennen
For adventure lovers seeking things to do near Penzance, Sennen’s world-class surfing opportunities provide the perfect adrenaline rush. Just a mere headland away from Land’s End, Sennen is the final beach in the west and it’s worth the trip. Turquoise waters and an elegant curve of brilliant white sand make this a picture-perfect spot for beach days for families, too. Read 10 Things to Do in Sennen Cove.
6) Get your beach and culture fix at Porthcurno
Why choose between Instagrammable beaches and world-famous cultural venues when you can have it all? This precious spot not only offers an unforgettable beach experience, but also the internationally renowned Minack Theatre. Add its fascinating history as the centre of global telecommunications – explored in the fascinating PK Porthcurno museum – and you’ve discovered the little bit of Cornwall that keeps on giving. Read 10 Things to Do in Porthcurno.
7) Join the uber hip and arty crowd at Falmouth
Welcome to ‘Falifornia’. Yes, you read that right. Falmouth has appeared high on the list of many a Best Places to Live awards in recent years. And a laidback beachy vibe that is part Cornwall, part sun-kissed California is a huge part of the appeal. Watch the boats – and the art students – drift by. Discover a rich maritime history. Amble cobbled streets winding their way to the River Fal. Bury your toes in the sand on one of several town beaches. Blisssss… 10 Things to Do in Falmouth.
8) Go wild – Cornish style – in St Just
St Just has an edge-of-the-world charm like no other spot in the South West. In truth, even locals from nearby Penzance find it far off and exotic! Nestled on the edge of the moors on one side and the wild and crazy Atlantic on the other, this charming, up-and-coming town is at the heart of west Cornwall’s tin mining country. It’s also a stone’s throw from some of the most dramatic and romantic countryside you’ll ever see. 10 Things to Do in St Just.
9) Have a broodingly romantic day out at The Lizard Peninsula
If you’re seeking quieter things to do near Penzance, the Lizard Peninsula offers a break from the crowds while delivering breathtaking natural beauty.
This is brooding, romantic Cornwall – ever so good-looking and a little wild around the edges. Visit Kynance Cove, internationally famous beachy hotspot. Get the best ice cream in the county at Roskilly’s. Explore gorgeous little coastal villages. This really is a spellbinding and less frenetic spot for a big day out. 10 Things to Do on the Lizard Peninsula.
10) Visit Porthleven, for the real fishing town experience
Visit Porthleven and you’ll discover the real deal – a proper working Cornish fishing village that just happens to be ever-so easy on the eye. This unspoilt vibe has made this most-southerly working fishing port in the UK a destination of choice for those who like to discover their Cornwall with an authentic flavour. Talking of flavour, food lovers exploring things to do near Penzance shouldn’t miss its exceptional dining scene, where fresh-caught seafood is the star. Read 10 Things to Do in Porthleven.
Stay in Penzance: The Perfect Base for Exploring Cornwall
If you’re planning a trip to some of these destinations on your Cornwall holiday, why not base yourself at Penzance? This picturesque port town offers lovely places to stay, some of the best dining in the west and a lively shopping and pub scene. It’s also a great spot to come home to after day trips to all of these hot spots – they are all less than 45 minutes away! Need more convincing? Read our blog post 15 Things To Do in Penzance.
Looking for more things to do near Penzance? Visit the Love Penzance website for detailed itineraries, accommodation recommendations and seasonal events.