This busy seaside town and port lies in Mount’s Bay on the south coast of Cornwall and enjoys one of the mildest climates in the UK – confirmed by the lush palm trees that sway in the sea breeze.  It may have become famous for its (singing) pirates, but there’s much more to this vibrant town than meets the eye.

There are lots to see and do here, from the lovely St Michael’s Mount to the great swathes of sandy beaches – and you can even catch a ferry to the Isles of Scilly for a great day out. The town itself is full of old and interesting streets and shops and some of the buildings are stunning (look out for the beautifully decorated Egyptian House). There are great places to eat within Penzance and just outside it too, and there are some pretty ancient (and famous) inns to explore.

The last town before Land’s End, this is a place not to be overlooked – it’s rich in history and character and we have some fine luxury cottages in Penzance.

If you’re after a light lunch make sure to check out Archie Browns, a fab veggie cafe which sits above a health food store in Bread Street, or try one of the many little cafes that are dotted throughout the town. Alternatively, grab a pasty or a deli picnic and head down to Praa Sands.

For an evening feast, check out the Bakehouse Restaurant in Chapel Street or if you’re feeling a bit traditional grab a hot wrapper of fish and chips and go for a meander along the seafront promenade. Alternatively head to Marazion and check out Ben’s Cornish Kitchen – delicious!

If you fancy cooking at your retreat, make sure you take a trip to Newlyn and buy some fresher-than-fresh fish straight off the boat or from one of the fishmonger’s that sit back just off of the working harbour. 

Being a port town, you can be rest assured there are lots of great watering holes to explore. The Turks Head is Penzance’s oldest pub and dates from 1233. Famed for its smugglers and pirates, it is riddled with tunnels and priest holes and has bags of character – the food is pretty tasty too.

The swashbuckling Admiral Benbow is worth checking out for its fantastic nautical paraphernalia and a proper pint of Cornish ale. Its claim to fame is for appearing in the first few pages of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Head to the Sand Bar at Praa Sands for a drink with a view – watching the sun set on this glorious beach is very special. The Godolphin Arms in Marazion is worth a visit, overlooking the stunning St Michael’s Mount.

Penzance has a little bit of everything making it a perfect place to explore. If you’re of an artistic bent, head to the Penlee House Museum with its beautiful selection of paintings by the Newlyn School of Artists. It has a great cafe and gardens too.

Take a walk along Chapel Street which is full of 18^th century houses, ancient pubs and some great little shops.

If swimming or just sunbathing is more your thing, make time to check out the lovely Jubilee Lido, a stunning art deco pool jutting out to sea. There are plenty of beaches nearby too such as Perranuthnoe, Lamorna Cove, Kenneggy Sands and Praa Sands.

The South West Coast Path passes through Penzance so you can head out in either direction for some fantastic views. St. Michael’s Mount is a must – either walk out along the causeway when the tide is out or hop on a boat to get across. If you fancy something a little further afield, sail over to the gorgeous Isles of Scilly by ferry.