Aerial view of a coastal town with a marina filled with boats, a triangular outdoor pool near the rocky shoreline, and turquoise ocean waters surrounding the area.

Why Penzance is perfect for coastal breaks in 2025

If you’re planning a staycation in 2025, Cornwall’s wildest and most beautiful peninsula should definitely be on your radar. A haven for families, outdoor lovers and more, Penzance coastal breaks promise charming fishing villages, majestic cliffs, dramatic coastlines, golden sandy beaches and quaint country lanes, all just waiting to be explored.

Below, we share some of the reasons of why we think Penzance is perfect for coastal breaks:

A scenic coastal view of a sandy beach, turquoise water, rocky shoreline, and a small village nestled along green cliffs under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

1. Top Class Beaches

To the north of Penzance harbour, you’ll find Eastern Green, a sandy beach stretching to nearby Marazion at low tide. It’s perfect for impromptu picnics on the beach or a paddle in the sea. But if it’s a dip you’re after, Penzance’s Jubilee Pool, one of the UK’s most celebrated saltwater lidos, is the place to head. It even has a geothermal pool for those looking for a more relaxing sea bathing experience.

There are also plenty of other beaches, all within half an hour of Penzance, perfect for all kinds of beach lovers. Sennen Beach, Cornwall’s most westerly surf hotspot, is less than a 20-minute drive from Penzance and is the perfect place to catch a wave or two.

Porthcurno Beach is ideal for families with soft white sand and a stream running into the sea, making it perfect for little paddlers keen to explore.

But if it’s coves and rock pools you’re hoping to explore, we recommend heading to Nanjizal Beach, where the rocky landscape offers a more adventurous day at the beach.

A stunning open-air theater carved into a rocky cliffside overlooking the ocean, with tiered seating, a stone stage, and visitors enjoying the scenic coastal view.

2. Cultural Delights

You may be looking to escape the city, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your passion for culture behind. With Penzance coastal breaks, it’s possible to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Home to countless artists and the Newlyn School of Art, you’ll find art galleries galore in Penzance and discover everything from contemporary artworks to traditional paintings to browse or buy.

Other must-visit cultural gems include the famous Minack Theatre, which is just a short 20-minute drive from Penzance. With a packed 2025 season planned, covering Shakespearean classics, such as Twelfth Night as well as family-friendly performances like The Wind in the Willows, this unique outdoor theatre is not to be missed.

A fishmonger in a blue jacket holding a fresh salmon fillet above a display of seafood, including tuna and other fish, arranged on crushed ice at a market.

3. A Gourmet’s Paradise

Known as one of West Cornwall’s biggest foodie hotspots, there is plenty to tempt those seeking culinary delights in Penzance. As well as quirky gastropubs, refined restaurants and a growing street food scene, you’ll discover some of the best and freshest seafood in the UK.

A tranquil coastal scene at sunset, with colorful clouds reflecting on calm water, rocky tidal pools in the foreground, and a small village along the shoreline in the distance.

4. Unique Cornish Festivities

If you’re keen to experience traditional Penzance coastal breaks, we recommend visiting during one of the area’s unique festivals. Two of our favourites include the Mays Horns Festival and the Golowan Festival.

May Horns occurs on the first Sunday of every year and is a truly Cornish way to mark the end of winter and the beginning of summer. Taking place at the boundary between Penzance and Newlyn, as the sun begins to drop expect people to start blowing horns and traditional May whistles and banging drums to ‘drive out the devil of winter’. The ‘Mayers’ (those taking part in the procession) then walk into Penzance town centre joined by Old Ned, a giant crow with a huge crown on his head. The evening ends with a big celebration of food, music and Cornish dancing.

Golowan is a 10-day festival of arts, performances, culture and parades in Penzance in June. Based on traditional midsummer festivals, expect traditional ‘serpent dances’, an array of craft workshops, Cornish dancing, children’s activities and much more.

A majestic castle atop a wooded hill on a tidal island, reflected in a tide pool, with historic buildings and golden sunlight illuminating the scene during a serene sunset.

5. Even More to See and Do

Other must-see and do attractions in Penzance include:

St Michael’s Mount – this rocky island crowned by a medieval church and castle has intrigued tourists for centuries. Easily reachable on foot (at low tide) or by boat, discover all this unique treasure island has to offer.
Penzance Town Trail – Immerse yourself in the town, uncover its history and discover interesting landmarks on this 1.3-mile walking trail.
Penzance Promenade – Dating back to the 1800s, the promenade offers breathtaking views of Mounts Bay and Newlyn. Stroll, skate or simply sit down and enjoy the views.
Chapel Street – Dating back to the mid-18th Century, Chapel Street is rich in history and offers an eclectic mix of buildings. Highlights include the extravagant Egyptian House, built in 1835 to celebrate the British Empire. But far just offering quirky architecture, the street is a shopper’s paradise with independent shops in abundance.

Plan your Penzance Coastal Break

For the best Penzance coastal breaks stay at The Beach Club. Nestled in the heart of the promenade and just ten minutes from the town centre, our beautifully designed rooms offer the ultimate in relaxed living so you can kick back and relax on your getaway.

Book your coastal break today.