Penzance is one of the larger towns in Cornwall… but I found it rather lifeless. If you are down at the sea front make sure to look across to St Michael’s Mount.
To Do
The Exchange Art Gallery. When I was there, this modern art space was showing John Akomfrah’s Vertigo Sea, a 3 screen, 48 minute meditation on our relationship with the sea including whaling, slavery, migration and conflict. It totally had me enthralled. Entry is £3, open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm, also open Monday during summer. There is also a shop and café.
Penlee House Gallery and Museum. A period Victorian home that now houses permanent art galleries and temporary exhibitions. Plenty of history of west Cornwall but the art did not excite me much. Gardens were uninspiring. Open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, £6 entry fee.
Morrab Gardens. A subtropical oasis in the city.
Jubilee Pool. 1930s Art Deco seawater lido that has recently been renovated. Open in season, entry is ~£5.
St Michael’s Mount. A castle and gardens on an island close to the coast that I didn’t get to visit this time. It is possible to walk there at low tide but there is also a ferry service. 35 islanders still live here today. First check out the new welcome centre in the Barge House.
Galleries: PZ Gallery; Alverton Art Gallery; Cornwall Contemporary; Lighthouse Gallery.
Getting Around: Penzance is quite large although the main sites are close together. Large parking lot on the waterside behind the Wharfside Shopping Centre.
Stay: There is a hostel, easyPZ Backpackers, but why stay in Penzance when you can use St Ives as a base?
Best Restaurants: Mackerel Sky Café, The Terrace, The Honey Pot, Boatshed, Harbourside Café.
Exploring Cornwall: Penzance Penzance is one of the larger towns in Cornwall... but I found it rather lifeless. If you are down at the sea front make sure to look across to St Michael’s Mount.