Penzance
Cornwall's Penzance has been inhabited since pre-historic times and is one of the West Country's most famous towns. Today it is an extremely popular tourist destination with a pretty harbour and several conservation areas.
Historic Attractions
Penzance and its surrounding areas have an ancient history that has left many interesting historic sites that you can explore today.
One of the oldest sites is Chysauster Ancient Village, which dates back 2,000-years. The site is of particular interest because it contains 'courtyard houses', a style of home construction that has only been found in this area. You can walk through the ruins, which contain a main 'street' and central courtyard. Its location on a hill provides you with amazing countryside views. Entry is £3.70 for adults and £2.20 for children. There is parking at the site, which opens from 10am to 5pm daily.
The moorlands outside of Penzance have an abundance of ancient sites, some as old as 5000-years. It arguably has more of these type of remains than any other area in the UK. Highlights include the Neolithic Lanyon Quoit burial site, and Chun Castle hill fort and Gunard's Head cliff castle, both from the Iron Age.
One of the more modern streets that has retained some of its 17th and 18th century architecture is Chapel Street, a Penzance area that often gets overlooked. At one end of the street is St. Marys Church. The church you see today was built in 1834 but the site dates back to the name of Penzance itself. It is on this site that the holy well was located that gave Penzance its name. The first chapel is thought to have been built here in the 13th century. The street is also home to one of the town's oldest buildings, The Regent, which has a 400-year-old history. There is also a literary link with the street. Branwell house was the childhood home of the Bronte sisters mother Maria.
Gardens
Penzance has its fair share of beautiful gardens that welcome visitors. One of the most historic and famous is located at Godolphin House and Estate. The garden was laid in the 16th century and looks much the same as it did all those years ago. The house was once the seat of the Duke of Leeds with the current structures dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. In addition to the gardens is a pretty woodland.
Trenwainton Garden has an amazing mix of exotic plants, including a walled garden featuring plants not found anywhere else in England. Its location also provides visitors with fantastic views of Mounts Bay and the surrounding areas. Entry costs £6.50 for adults and £3.30 for children. There is parking and a café on site.
Another garden featuring exotic plants is Hardy Exotics, a small nursery garden with palms and other beautiful plants you won't find in most places. There are more than 1,500 different plant species on display. Entry is free with the nursery opening daily at 10am.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is one of the most recent attractions to open in the Penzance area. Plants include exotics and sub-tropical varieties mixed with wonderful sculptures created by world famous artists. The atmosphere here is peaceful and contemplative.
Beaches
Penzance has some amazing beaches that are both picturesque and clean. Perranuthnoe Beach is long and flat, but not accessible at high tide. It has great views of St. Michael's Mount and attracts surfers.
Hidden below steep cliffs and only accessible at low tide Kenneggy Sands Beach is a secret gem for those in search of adventure and quiet. To get to the beach, you will have to navigate a steep, rough path down the cliffs and finally climb down a chain ladder, thus it's not suitable for children. Make sure to go back up when the tide starts coming in.
Praa Sands Beach is a fantastic family beach with nearly white sand that is prefect for sand castle building. It has some shallow areas safe for swimming and car parking facilities, toilets, and a café. Lifeguards are on duty here from May until September.
Another excellent beach is Long Rock, the easiest to reach from Penzance town. It is a flat stretch of sand with shallow, safe swimming. For lifeguard cover stay at the beach's eastern end, where cover is provided during the summer. This is also an excellent windsurfing spot.
Penzance's wide variety of outdoor activities make it a wonderful holiday destination. The rugged coastline offers fantastic scenic drives, while the history of the area is interesting. There is plenty to keep those of all ages entertained.
Want to know more? Have a look at the video guide below to reallly get a feel for Penzance and why it might be your next destination to visit!