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.

A holiday in Penzance will be easily filled with things to see and do, from trips to the enchanting St Michael’s Mount to days spent luxuriating on the beach. You can even catch a ferry to the Isles of Scilly for a great day out. Drift through the town and take in the interesting shops and buildings, keeping your eyes peeled for the unique Egyptian House.

When your tum begins to growl, there are great places to eat and there are some pretty ancient (and famous) inns to explore too. The last town before Land’s End, fill your days with as much exploring, eating and relaxing as you please before returning to put your feet up in your luxury self-catering cottage in Penzance, toasting to another day well spent. 

If you’re after a light lunch make sure to check out Archie Browns, a fab veggie café which sits above a health food store in Bread Street, or try one of the many little cafes that are dotted throughout the town, including the excellent Mermaid Alley. For an evening feast, check out the Bakehouse Restaurant, the Shore or the Bay for an award-winning experience, or for Cornish grub with a fun twist, try either the Cornish Barn or the Mexico Inn.

If you’re feeling a bit traditional, grab a piping hot pasty or wrapper of fish and chips and go for a meander along the seafront promenade, watching swimmers glide through the water in Jubilee Pool. Alternatively, if you fancy cooking at your self-catering 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 fishmongers that sit back just off the working harbour.

A thriving hub, there are plenty of places in Penzance to whet your whistle. Whether you are after an indulgent hot chocolate to warm you up after a bracing winter walk or are ready to see out another balmy summer’s day with cocktail hour, you will have more than enough choice. 

One thing Penzance is certainly not short of is atmospheric pubs. Some foodie, some quirky and some completely up the wall, these history-rich haunts offer a truly unique setting for a pint or a glass of wine. To dive straight in, the Admiral Benbow and the Turk’s Head are absolute musts. 

For wine and nibbles, make way to the Alverne Lounge, or for something to take back to your private accommodation, pay Polgoon Vineyard a visit. Dedicated to producing a range of artisan (and certified vegan) Cornish wines, ciders and juices, this family-run vineyard and orchard in Penzance is open year-round.

A coastal town as it is, donning your swimming costume is a must at some point, whether you are going for a full-body dunk or dainty toe paddle. If you are not so confident in the open water, Penzance’s Jubilee Pool is a great middle-ground. An Art Deco Lido, the Jubilee Pool was designed in the 1930’s and holds an impressive 5 million litres of seawater refreshed every day by the tides. Of course, you can always enjoy the sea views from the South West Coast Path or along the prom; the walk from Penzance to Mousehole is particularly nice.

If you are planning your holiday in Penzance for the end of June, make sure attending the Golowen Festival celebrations is top of your list. Midsummer celebrations, the festival sees live music, parades, performers and floats throughout the town in an explosion of colour and sound. Somewhere to escape the crowds, both Tremenhere Sculpture Gardens and Trewidden Gardens offer peace and tranquillity in abundance, while Chysauster Ancient Village, near Penzance (a 2000-year-old Romano-British settlement) invites visitors to tread the footsteps of time.