10 Best Things To Do In Penzance, England - Updated 2024

1. Trengwainton Garden

Exhausted from all the touring? Cool off at Trengwainton Garden. Under the protection of the National Trust, this garden also contains some of the most exotic shrubs. Revel in several acres of land by taking a stroll, having a picnic or getting started on a book from the secondhand bookshop. Afterward, cap off the afternoon by having a meal at the tea-room where the staff serves some of its home-grown vegetation.

Trengwainton Garden

Address: Madron, TR20 8RZ Penzance, UK

Website: Trengwainton Garden

2. Minack Theatre

1/3 Minack Theatre

2/3 Minack Theatre

3/3 Minack Theatre

On a clifftop in Porthcurno facing out into the Atlantic Ocean is an 80-year-old open-air amphitheater called the Minack Theater. Since its very first performance in 1932, this theater has been alive and bustling with tons of performances from Shakespeare to contemporary and even amateur works. Aside from the theater, they also have an exhibition center, garden and a cafe and gift shop. Truly, the Minack theater is the way to start your journey through the town’s history and culture. You may check their site for a list of shows and varying opening hours.

Minack Theater

Address: Porthcurno, TR19 6JU Penzance, United Kingdom

Website: Minack Theater

3. Penlee House Gallery and Museum

Dating back as early as 1865, the Penlee House was built to house the affluent Branwell family and was eventually sold to the Penzance Borough Council in 1946. It used to be a memorial for those who perished in World War II but was later on turned into the town museum. Currently, it mostly displays the works of students from the Newlyn School of Art as well as some archeological artifacts. from the Penzance Natural History and Antiquarian Society collection.

Penlee House Gallery and Museum

Address: Morrab Rd, TR18 4HE Penzance, UK

Website: Penlee House Gallery and Museum

4. The Exchange

Its modern facade is definitely not hard to miss. The Exchange features plenty of contemporary artworks and is changed every couple of months or so. If you have a bit of extra time, you could also visit The Exchange’s affiliate, the Newlyn Art Gallery. Admission to both galleries for a whole week only costs 2.80 USD.

The Exchange

Address: Princes St, TR18 2NL Penzance, UK

Opening Hours: Mondays - Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Website: The Exchange

5. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

As you may have noticed, art is generally found outdoors in Penzance. Take a drive into the woods and visit the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, a haven for rare species of plants and modern art installations. From here, you could also gain a wonderful view of the bay while enjoying a meal in their kitchen. Admission costs 10.18 USD for adults, 5.73 USD for children aged 11 to 15 and free for those aged 11 and below.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Address: Nr Gulval, TR20 8YL Penzance, UK

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Website: Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

6. St Michael's Mount

1/3 St Michael's Mount

2/3 St Michael's Mount

3/3 St Michael's Mount

Perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in the area, St Michael’s Mount sits on an island off the coast. This glorious piece of architecture has been around since the 1600s and belonged to the St Aubyn family. The castle may be accessed by causeway or by boat. However, the everyday difference in the time of high and low tides affect the causeway’s opening hours. You may instead refer to their website, which contains all the details necessary for your holiday planning.

St Michael's Mount

Address: Marazion, TR17 OHS Cornwall

Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Website: St Michael’s Mount

7. Penlee Park Open Theater

There is never a dull moment in Penzance. Events are there left and right, if only you know where to look. Although also a venue for theatrical performances, Penlee Park Open Theater also hosts outdoor cinemas, concerts, and even silent discos. So come on down and join the festivities!

Penlee Park Open Theater

Address: Morrab Rd, TR18 4EX Penzance, UK

Website: Penlee Park Open Theater

8. Chapel Street

Chapel Street is the oldest existing street in Penzance. Located here are some of the most notable establishments in the area like the elegantly designed Egyptian House, the Grade II listed Richmond Wesleyan Chapel, and of course, the oldest pub in town, Turks Head. Along this street thrive a number of other shops and businesses that might also catch your eye.

Chapel Street

Address: Chapel St, TR18 4AQ Penzance, UK

Website: Chapel Street

9. Jubilee Pool

1/2 Jubilee Pool

2/2 Jubilee Pool

Drop by for a swim in this art deco inspired community pool. Jubilee Pool recently reopened its doors to guests and have prepared even more activities for families to delight in. For an affordable price of 6.36 USD for adults and 4.45 USD for children, this might just be the freshwater paradise you were looking for.

Jubilee Pool

Address: Battery Rd, TR18 4FF Penzance, UK

Website: Jubilee Pool

10. Marine Discovery

Once you’ve explored all of the land, why don’t you head on to the sea? Marine Discovery has three boat tours to choose from that gives you the chance to witness the best of Cornwall’s aquatic wildlife. Trips are only available from March to November. Be sure to check their website regarding scheduling and pricing.

Marine Discovery

Address: Shed 5, Penzance Harbour, TR18 2LL Penzance, UK

Website: Marine Discovery Boat Tour

Ready, set, adventure!

With so much to see, experiencing Penzance will now be the least of your worries. Tick off a few or all of the attractions on this list and you’re already guaranteed a holiday you would never forget.