Discover an eco-friendly adventure in Penzance and Marazion. Travelling outside of the busy summer season is one way you can help the local area to enjoy a more sustainable economy, but there are also ways you can make a positive impact while you’re enjoying your holiday. These activities are all about maximising your sense of adventure, while minimising your carbon footprint.
You can mix and match from the suggested activities to create a great day out during your stay. If you were to do all the activities on this itinerary, the estimated duration is given above.
Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.
Click on each individual experience and find out more about its accessibility and public transport connections, along with an eco tip.
If you would like to build your own itinerary, head to the Experience page. You can add your favourite experiences to a bespoke itinerary, which can be downloaded or sent to your email address. Please note: This is for inspiration purposes only and does not create a booking. You will need to contact the venue or provider directly to book.
You’ll find an array of vintage and antique shops in Penzance, including We Have What You Need and Black Jacket Vintage. You’ll also find retailers selling natural skincare products and homewares, such as Pure Nuff Stuff and No 56. If you’re searching for deli or picnic items that are sustainable and local, there’s plenty in Penzance and Newlyn to fill your basket. Also check out this map, courtesy of Refill Penzance, to find out which shops are taking part in the scheme to reduce plastic waste.
This 29mile / 48km route is perfect for experienced cyclists. You’ll start in Penzance, before exploring the quaint fishing village of Mousehole and heading off to see some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in Cornwall. You’ll even pull in at the Minack Theatre at the half-way mark. Good fitness is required but hiring an ebike does make it easier. This experience is suitable for an advanced level of fitness. EBike Cornwall have planned a route with plenty of delicious pitstops.
Technology meets captivating storytelling in this self-guided walk along the Penzance promenade. The Walk With Us app combines augmented reality with narratives about coastal erosion and climate change to create a whole new way of seeing the landscape. You’ll walk along the ‘tightrope’ listening to the narrator, pausing at specific moments to look at the images through your phone. Find out more here.
The beaches, art galleries and restaurants of St Ives are just a short train journey from Penzance. Board at Penzance station, sit back and relax as the spectacular St Michael’s Mount rolls past your window. At St Erth, join the St Ives Bay Line for a scenic journey along the coast, through Carbis Bay to St Ives. Find out more about the journey here.
Experience the beauty of West Penwith with a bus journey that takes you from Penzance station to Zennor, Sennen Cove, Land’s End and Porthcurno. It’s the ideal route if you’re keen to check off Geevor Tin Mine and PK Porthcurno (the Telegraph Museum). See the Land’s End bus route (LAND) and more here.
Sustainable Penzance is a community group that encourages the use of public transport and promotes sustainability initiatives in the local area. They organise beach cleans, workshops for businesses and events in Penzance. Visit their Facebook page to find out about upcoming events and see if they are doing a talk during your visit.
Do something good, feel even better. Explore the coast while taking part in a beach clean and help us to create a safer and more sustainable environment for our wildlife – all while enjoying the great outdoors and getting to meet some lovely people. Check the Sustainable Penzance Facebook page to see when they’re hosting the next beach clean at Longrock and keep an eye out for the silent disco events from Plastic Free Penzance.
Travel deep into West Cornwall to the magical little village of Zennor and you will find a big yellow pub that is a destination in its own right. The Gurnard’s Head is an old coaching inn known for its warm welcome, excellent food and use of seasonal Cornish ingredients. Enjoy a walk along the coastal path before cosying up by the log fire for a gastronomic feast or their popular Sunday lunch.
Retreat to a cosy self-catering cottage or book a stylish hotel in the heart of town. Discover the perfect seaside stay for your winter in Cornwall.
Visit out of season and step into an adventure. Explore our entire collection of inspiring itineraries and plan a great day out.
Many of the activities in our itineraries are accessible. Click on each individual experience to find out more about its accessibility. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to confirm. You can also find information about accessible venues through Access Cornwall.
Enjoy updates from local experts and find information about upcoming events.
Discover the many ways you can get out there and explore without relying on your car.
We’re hoping to make every stay as sustainable as possible. Find out more here.
This listing has been curated by the EXPERIENCE West Cornwall team and was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We advise that you contact the venue or provider directly to confirm any seasonal opening details and to book the experience.
