Hotels in Penzance

If you want to discover Cornish traditions and picturesque fishing villages, enjoy a holiday in this historic market town is an ideal option. The destination is located on the southern coast of Cornwall and faces the English Channel. The town has a picturesque harbour and beautiful architecture from the Georgian and Regency eras. Look out for the Branwell House, number 25 on Market Street. It was once the home of two sisters who later became the mother and aunt of Charlotte Bronte and her siblings. You can also admire sweeping panoramic views of Mount's Bay and its rugged hills that shelter the town from westerly winds. The hills and bay provide the village with a specialised micro-climate that is exceptionally mild, allowing sub-tropical plants to grow outdoors all year round. As you discover more about this fascinating coastal town, you're sure to fall for its charm, just like so many visitors before.

There is an assortment of large, luxury hotels along the promenade, all offering fine views of sea views. Many small boutiques and friendly guesthouses sit within the centre of town, too. You could even stay in a quaint, nineteenth-century cottage along the outskirts of town during your holiday.

Neighbourhoods in Penzance

• Regent Square: This central district is full of beautiful old townhouses of architectural interest. Nearby is Chapel Street, where you'll also find the unique Egyptian House, established in 1823.
• Mousehole: This village is in the southern part of the town's parish, roughly three kilometres from the centre. It's famous for fishing boats, picturesque cottages and once admired by poet Dylan Thomas.
• Newlyn: This quaint harbour sits along the town's outskirts of town and is where the local fishermen land their catch.

What to see and do in Penzance

You'll be amazed by how much this lovely old town has to offer when it comes to things to see and do. Sailing is one of the favourite pastimes for residents and tourists alike. You can book pleasurable family trips and sail around the bay. At the end of the pier, you'll find a nineteenth-century lighthouse, where you can enjoy an incredible view of the coast from a unique perspective. When you're back on dry land, why not take a lovely coastal walk between the city's picturesque harbours? Along the way, stop and relax at the Morrab Gardens, where you'll find plenty of lush, tropical plants, including a banana tree. The stately homes of Trereife and Trengwainton have stunningly well-maintained gardens and fascinating indoor exhibitions. At low tide, don't forget to walk along the causeway to visit the castle on St. Michael's Mount.

What to eat in Penzance

• Roast turbot: Fish is always on the menu in this coastal town. Often served with Hollandaise sauce, turbot is a highly prized, locally caught flatfish with a delicious yet mild flavour.
• Fish stew: Mount's Bay's wide-ranging seafood variety reflects in this local dish. It often contains cockles, mussels, whelks and white fish, such as hake, along with a mix of locally grown seasonal vegetables.
• Ice Cream: Home-made ice cream is a speciality in this village. You're sure to enjoy the classic vanilla flavour, as it perfectly complements the rich Cornish cream.

Typical events and festivals in Penzance

• Golowan Festival: If you can visit during the last two weeks of June, you'll be able to enjoy this ten-day extravaganza. It's a traditional festival that celebrates the 1991 revival of mid-summer, after an absence of several decades.
• Newlyn Fish Festival: The last Monday of August sees the local harbours full of vintage fishing boats and sailing ships. You can board many of them before exploring the market stalls on the quayside.
• Montol Festival: You can take advantage of the mild-winter weather and join in on the free fun during the one-week Winter Solstice event. It hosts many local Christmas traditions, and you'll surely appreciate the Cornish Carols that adds to its unique atmosphere.

How to move around in Penzance

Moving around in Penzance is relatively in this small town. Most people walk on foot between the many different restaurants and attractions. Still, there is a local bus service that operates throughout the city. Alternatively, you can hire a car for extra convenience.

The climate in Penzance

The climate is relatively average in Penzance for this part of the region. The town rarely experiences extreme temperatures between the different seasons. The average temp during the summer is around 18° C (64.4° F). Most visitors stay between May and September. July is usually the driest month of the year. Winters are generally void of frost, with average temperatures hovering around 10° C (50° F).