16 totally brilliant things to do in Penzance

Plot a course down mid-eighteenth century Chapel Street, exploring independent antiques and art shops as you go. Make sure to stop in at clothing and crafts shop No.56 to rifle through its locally-sourced homewares. As you head down towards the seafront, admire the pleasingly flamboyant Grade-I listed Egyptian House, a rare example of Egyptian Revival architecture from the 1830s which sticks out like an ornate sore thumb amid the brickwork. Arrive at art deco stunner Jubilee Lido (open from late July) which sits beside the surf. This is the largest seawater pool in the UK, and was opened in 1935, the year of King George V’s Silver Jubilee. Community-run and community-owned since 2017, it boasts a vast but chilly main pool, a learners’ pool, and a thermally heated smaller pool. Perhaps you have time for a dip?

Next, set out to explore the exotic Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, where sub-tropical plants meet contemporary art in an unforgettable setting. You’ll find both lush greenery and outdoor sculptures from an impressive portfolio of artists in this sheltered spot overlooking St Michael’s Mount. Grab a map and navigate through otherworldly gardens past enormous perspex pinwheels and a brick sofa, as well as organic artworks that incorporate bamboo and stone. Don’t miss James Turrell’s peaceful, temple-like ‘Skyspace’, where you can watch clouds scudding across the blue overhead, as well as Billy Wynter’s Camera Obscura which offers an ethereal 360-degree view of the greenery.

Make the most of Penzance’s coastal location and order fish that has just arrived into port at Fraser’s Fish & Chips. Whichever fish you choose to pair with your chips, buttered bread, mushy peas and unlimited tea, you can be sure that it’s super-fresh and responsibly sourced. There’s a reason this chippy’s been open for more than two decades. Still searching for seafood, but maybe somewhere a little more upscale? It’s not open until the evening, but don’t skip a meal at The Shore. This bookings-only seafood restaurant has a set menu that changes daily depending on what chef and owner Bruce Rennie sources at nearby Newlyn market. Everything is made on-site by Bruce who creates menus that never forsake quality or sustainability.

As well as being a great place to visit in its own right, Penzance also acts as a brilliant base to do more exploring across Cornwall. If you’d like to do some village-hopping, we’d recommend first heading a couple of miles out of town to wander the narrow streets of Mousehole, an achingly pretty and well-preserved fishing village; then skip around the Merry Maidens, a perfect neolithic stone circle in a sloping field where myth and magic run free; next stop to wonder at the wild and rugged Cornish coastline at the paradise beach at Porthcurno; and then see a play with the ocean as its backdrop at the uniquely dramatic Minack Theatre. Don’t stay away from Penzance too long, though – we don’t want you missing out on the nightlife.

Settle in for a nice nautical evening at historic boozer The Admiral Benbow, which you might have passed earlier in the day. This seventeenth-century pub – name-dropped in ‘Treasure Island’, no less – has character by the barrel-load. Swig a local ale among masts, figureheads and other maritime artefacts salvaged from shipwrecks, or swing by on a traditional Corish music night for a super-buoyant atmosphere. After being suitably steeped in history (and beer), set sail up the street to sample Cornish gin at The Turks Head. Said to date from 1233, this pub has an underground smugglers’ tunnel that leads down to the harbour.

Head out along the watery causeway to picturesque St Michael’s Mount, a tiny island topped with a medieval church and castle. But keep an eye on the time – it’s only accessible during low tide. We’d recommend taking a tour with a history book in hand – ever since 495AD there have been been tales of pilgrims and pirates on these shores. Don’t miss a rove through the fairytale gardens, or gaze at the tides as they ebb and flow. Peckish? You don’t have to miss out on your clotted cream tea or Cornish pasty, as there’s a restaurant, café and various pop-up food outlets to choose from. Don’t forget to take pictures to show off to your friends at home – this mini-paradise is beyond scenic, especially when the sun shines.

Penzance hotel Artist Residence is a quirky home away from home that you can even bring your dog along to. This Georgian townhouse on artistic Chapel Street has a buzzy bar, summertime seafood shack and rooms decorated with bold art and tasteful flea-market treasures. For a really luxury treat, book The Lookout suite on the top floor, where you can curl up in a well-worn leather armchair beside the log burner and enjoy a soak in a free-standing bath. Alternatively, on fair weather days, you’ll be able to admire views of the bay from your very own private roof terrace. From £85 a night.