Pictures of Penzance

About Penzance

Romanticised in a lively 19th-century Operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan which was first performed in Paignton, Devon in 1879, Penzance, was once a West Country port of considerable merit. These days, the picturesque harbour is still here, and the resort in its 'jewel-like' setting in beautiful Mount's Bay, is a tourist destination of immense charm and olde-worlde character.

Special features of the town are discovered on a walk around the busy town centre. In Market Jew Street you can see the handsome Market House with its classical Ionic columns, completed almost 167 years ago. Olde-world Chapel Street, shows the fanciful Egyptian House built in the 1820's, the house is now owned by the National trust. The 14th-century Turks Head Inn is of interest, so to is the awe-inspiring tower above the beautiful church of St.Mary the Virgin. Amidst these historic buildings is a feast of attractive shops, inns and tempting sea-food restaurants. It is a jolly town with a year round holiday atmosphere, where everyone is made to feel welcome.

Between the town and the sea front lie the peaceful Penlee memorial Gardens and the wildly beautiful Morab Gardens. Both are full of interest with magical displays of vivid flowers and exotic, sub-tropical plants at every season of the year. In these fragrant gardens, you really can enjoy a quiet after dinner stroll, breathing deep of delicious, fresh sea air.

A forest of tall masts fill the busy harbour and bay during the heady days of summer. The sands too, are full of families soaking up the sun, swimming or, simply relaxing watching the world go by. Other attractions in the town include a lovely open air pool in a romantic art-deco design and Penlee House Art Gallery and Museum. Cornwall is famous for wildlife and apart from wild seabirds, in the countryside around Penzance there are hedgerows of delicate wild plants and an abundance of fauna and flora.

With excellent accommodation to suit all tastes, Penzance makes a memorable resort for a family holiday or that 'special' weekend away from it all.

Places to visit include: Tregwainton Gardens NT, St.Michaels Mount NT, The Merry Maidens, The Aquarium, or take a boat around the bay to see fabulous coastal scenery and seabirds or enjoy a deep sea fishing trip.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Penzance

Chapel Street in Penzance is home to many tales of the past including the first announcement of Nelson's victory at Trafalgar from the minstrel's gallery in the Union Hotel. Local fishermen had learnt of the fact from the ship hurrying to Falmouth to bring the news officially to Britain. The house at no. 25 Chapel Street was home to Maria Branwell before she moved to Yorkshire , married the Reverend Patrick Bronte and became mother to the famous Bronte family. She never lost her love of Cornwall, as she lay on her death bed she had the maid prop her up so she could watch the maid clear and prepare the grate as she did it the same way as it was done all those years ago, the Cornish way.

Penzance facts | Cornwall facts