Penzance UK Guide: A Perfect Base for Exploring Cornwall, Penzance, England

Set on the far western edge of Cornwall, Penzance is a seaside market town that sits on Mounts Bay, with views to St. Michael’s Mount. This relaxed, character-filled, and slightly gritty town blends salty sea air, lovely gardens, coastal paths, and excellent access to many of Cornwall’s top sights. We have family connections in Penzance and wanted to really get to know the town - not just pass through. Often used as a gateway to Land’s End, the Lizard Peninsula, and the Isles of Scilly, Penzance is far more than a stopover. The scenic promenade, historic harbor, creative food scene, galleries, and direct rail connections from London help make this an up and coming destination. From coastal walks to wild swims and subtropical gardens, our guide will help you plan a visit to Penzance UK, a laid-back base for exploring West Cornwall.

Penzance is located in western Cornwall, just a few miles west of Marazion and directly across the bay from St Michael’s Mount. Its location makes Penzance an excellent base for:

We’d argue that Cornwall is worth visiting, despite being a longer trip from London than areas such as the Cotswolds.

By Train - Take direct trains from London Paddington to Penzance (5-5.5 hours). This makes it one of the easiest towns in Cornwall to reach without a car. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).