Top 10 things to do in Penzance in 2025
What’s so special about Penzance? Let us show you. It’s not just the salty sea air or the way the light hits the coast just right.
It’s the feeling you get walking down a quiet cobbled street, past stone cottages and little shops that look like they’ve been there forever. It’s grabbing fish and chips wrapped in paper and eating it with your hands while watching the waves crash in.
Some come for the sea views. Others for the galleries, the old-world charm, or just to slow down and breathe a little easier. Whatever your reason, Penzance has a way of making you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something real—and rare. In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the best things to do in Penzance—so you can spend less time planning and more time soaking it all in.
St. Michael's Mount
Coming in at the top of our list of the best things to do is pay a visit to St Michael’s Mount, a must-see landmark. This iconic island castle has stunning views as well as allowing you to explore its historic past.
St Michael's Mount is a favourite for children and adults alike. Visitors love the boat ride which is available between 30th March and 31st October. Or walk across the causeway to explore the gardens and castle. Visit The Mount Shop to grab a souvenir, including their Toy Shop so that kids can take home a Cornish inspired playmate.
The Minack Theatre
This unforgettable open-air theatre on the cliffs is a must on any visitor's list of the things to do in Penzance. Founded by Rowena Crade, it’s known for its incredible performances and breathtaking views that overlook the Cornish coast, making it a top cultural day out in Penzance. Showings can get booked up incredibly fast so we’d recommend booking in advance. Check their website to see what’s coming up and book your visit.
Jubilee Pool
This historic, Art Deco outdoor swimming pool is a hit for families and anyone looking for something to do that allows them to relax by the sea. Jubilee’s salt water lido is the largest in the UK. As well as their main pool, they also have a geothermal pool and a sauna. So the grown ups can unwind and the kids can play in the refreshing waters.
Penlee House Gallery and Museum
If you’re a creative mind visiting the area, one of the top things to do in Penzance is visit the Penlee House Gallery and Museum. With interactive exhibits for children, this attraction benefits all kinds of visitors - families as well as couples. This is a popular spot for art lovers and those interested in local history. There’s plenty of things going on here too - often various workshops or craft experiences that you can find on their website to plan your visit in advance.
Penzance Harbour
Your trip to Penzance wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the harbour. The beautiful and welcoming harbour is perfect for a stroll, with plenty of boutique shops and cafes dotted throughout ready for you to explore. It’s also a great place to watch fishing boats or take a ferry to nearby destinations like the Isles of Scilly. There are also plenty of restaurants for you to choose from where you can experience some local, fresh seafood. A visit to the harbour comes is one of the best things to do for both locals and tourists alike.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
If you’re looking for more outdoorsy things to do in Penzance, the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens are a great opportunity. The immaculately kept gardens offer a forest of greenery overlooking the coastline below. The beauty doesn’t stop with the outdoors either, venture into the gallery to take in some local artwork too. A great day out in Penzance, with their on site restaurant and takeaway hut you can make a real day of it.
The Morrab Gardens
Another opportunity to spend time outdoors in Penzance is by visiting this tranquil spot in the heart of Penzance. The Morrab Garden is another of the popular places to see in Penzance - being the perfect spot for relaxing, picnicking, or enjoying a peaceful walk. Its lush landscapes are a hit for anyone looking to escape into nature.
Penzance’s Independent Shops and Cafés
We love to support local businesses and, one of the best ways you can do that during your visit is to explore the independent shops and quaint cafés in Penzance. This is a simple but a firm favourite way to spend an afternoon. Here you can buy unique gifts and souvenirs, local art, and delicious treats like the local cornish pasties.
Chysauster Ancient Village
If you’re someone who is interested in history, a visit to this well-preserved Iron Age Village comes top of the list of things to do in Penzance. Your visit here will be both fascinating as well as educational, where you can learn more about Cornwall’s past. Here you can see what remains of the “courtyard houses” that were first inhabited over 2,000 years ago.
Penzance Promenade
Lastly, rounding up our trip of things to do in Penzance is, of course, a scenic stroll along the seafront. This family-friendly promenade is perfect for taking in the coastal view that overlook Mounts Bay and Newlyn. There’s plenty of cafes and restaurants along the front as well as many opportunities to grab an ice cream on a sunny day. Stretching across two and a half miles, this promenade encapsulates everything that Penzance has to offer its visitors.
Complete Your Trip to Penzance by Staying at The Beach Club
Sat right on the Penzance Promenade is our very own townhouse hotel: The Beach Club. If you’re planning your trip, hoping for somewhere that allows you to see, do and experience all of the amazing things to do in Penzance, The Beach Club has all of the above to offer and more. With stunning, boutique rooms as well as our fully equipped apartment available for bookings, you can look forward to an elegant break away to one of Cornwall’s most loved towns.
However you spend your visit, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Penzance. So, book your stay with us and we will help make your visit to the Cornish coast one to remember.
