Why Penzance Will Give You Something to Sing About. Cornwall is an excellent holiday destination whether you are travelling solo, taking the kids for a break at the seaside, or catching up with friends or family for a cycling or walking tour through the countryside or around the coast. The Cornish town of Penzance was immortalised in the eternally popular comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance. However, visitors need not fear being robbed (or even caught up in a rousing song), as the friendly community is more than welcoming to those who come to enjoy its gorgeous views, excellent amenities and a broad selection of comfortable cottages to rent. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider a cottage holiday in Penzance. Read more
Escape to Mousehole, one of Cornwall's most unspoiled and picturesque harbour villages, in our beautifully restored fisherman’s cottage. Subject a year long renovation in 2025, and blending character with comfort, stylish interiors and high quality furnishings, 1 Wellington Place is perfect for couples or families seeking a memorable Cornish getaway.
You can enjoy the best of the Cornish coast and countryside at Bramble Cottage. This gorgeous self-catering holiday home is just over a mile from St Ives Harbour and Beach and within a short drive of beaches like Porthgwidden and Porthmeor. The cottage is spacious enough to easily sleep up to six people in three bedrooms, but its cosy charm also makes it feel welcoming for couples. The garden is enclosed and has distant sea views and is very dog-friendly; and with fantastic footpaths along the lane from the cottage, it's a great choice for guests who don't want to spend their entire holiday stuck in the car.
Tremerth Cottage is a dreamy Cornish escape. The one-bedroom holiday rental is on Castallack Farm with 24-acres of smallholding. It's only a mile from Lamorna Cove and a mile and a half from Mousehole, putting guests within an easy walk or cycle of beaches, cafes, restaurants and a pub. Land's End, St Ives and Penzance are all close, as is the Cornish Mining landscape and the South West Coast Path. The cottage is perfect for couples or individuals who want to enjoy the best bits of south Cornwall without the crowds.
Trevean Cottage is a lovely holiday home in a beautiful location. The two-bedroom cottage sleeps four people, with a private garden and fantastic walks from the door. It is only a mile from Lamorna Cove and less than two miles from picturesque Mousehole, with easy access to Lands End, St Ives, Penzance and other favourite places around Cornwall. Guests have a wide choice of beaches as well as miles of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes to help them enjoy this gorgeous landscape. Trevean is on the owner's 24-acre smallholding and is incredibly peaceful. It's ideal for couples or families.
Coastguard Row Cottage in West Cornwall is a former coastguard cottage transformed into a charming holiday home with stunning sea views and easy beach access. This cherished family holiday cottage in Mousehole has been welcoming visitors for 40 years, offering a tranquil retreat next to Mousehole Harbour, The Ship Inn, and popular eateries like the Old Coastguard Hotel. It sleeps four in two bedrooms, with an optional studio increasing capacity to six. Mousehole, a picturesque fishing village, has winding lanes, quaint cafes, and vibrant local culture. Enjoy coastal walks to Penzance, hire an e-bike to explore, or engage in water sports and wildlife tours. The area is also famous for the Mousehole Lights, a festive display that illuminates the village each December.
Experience Salty Smiles Cottage, a delightful holiday cottage set within the historic grounds of Kenegie Manor, just one mile from Penzance. Perfect for couples and families, this cozy retreat can accommodate four guests in two comfortable bedrooms and features a lovely private garden. Take advantage of excellent on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, sauna, and tennis courts. Explore the vibrant seaside town of Penzance, which offers a scenic promenade, independent shops, and local eateries. Enjoy stunning coastal walks, visit attractions like the Minack Theatre, and discover nearby sites such as St Michael's Mount.
"The Wink, Cape Cornwall" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. The nearest town to Land's End is St Just, which is around eight miles west of Penzance. The town is an ancient settlement with a long mining history, with various monuments and prehistoric artefacts to see, notably the Bronze Age colony near...
"Keigwin Cottage, Mousehole" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Entrance to this property is via one step up over the thresholdLiving RoomWith slate floors and exposed original stone, this room features two contemporary sofas, a coffee table, wood burner and Smart TV with Freeview.Logs...
"Sun Rise" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. St Buryan is a charming village situated in the heart of the West Penwith peninsula in Cornwall, close to Land's End and a number of the enchanting coves and beaches for which this part of Cornwall is renowned. The 14th-century, Grade I-listed...
"Sea View" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. St Buryan is a charming settlement on Cornwall's West Penwith peninsula, near to Lands End and the numerous stunning coves and beaches for which this magical area of the country is well-known. The 14th century grade one listed church, which...
"The Piggery" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. In southwest Cornwall, Long Rock is a village situated between Penzance and Marazion, stretching around Mount's Bay. It's name comes from the long rock, usually surrounded by sea beyond the beach of Long Rock. The village offers a shop, post...
"The Stables" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. St Just is the nearest town to Land’s End and is situated approximately eight miles west of Penzance. The town itself is an ancient settlement that has a strong mining history and there are several monuments and prehistoric antiquities to visit...
"Sea Sands" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. The village of Praa Sands rests between Helston and Marazion on the south coast of Cornwall, known for its mile-long sandy beach and excellent surfing conditions. There is a beachfront bar/restaurant boasting wonderful views, making it the...
"1 Bed Cottage in Lamorna" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - Please note: To reach the property, there is a 0.6-mile unmade stone track. It is not suitable for wide vehicles or those with low suspension. - 1 bedroom - king-size bed - 1...
"Meadowside" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Lamorna is a village, valley and cove in west Cornwall. It is on the stunning Penwith peninsula approximately 4 miles South of Penzance and lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The South West Coast Path passes through...
"Sunrise, Mousehole" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. A ground floor apartment in a traditional stone period buildingLiving RoomThe open plan lounge features a large sofa and a traditional farmhouse style armchair with additional seating on the painted monk’s bench. A sideboard with...
"1 Bed Cottage in Penzance" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 bedroom - super-king-size zip-and-link (which can be made up as twins on request) - 1 en-suite shower room with rainfall shower and WC - Electric oven and hob, pod coffee...
"Green Fields" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. St Buryan is a charming settlement in Cornwall's West Penwith peninsula, near to Lands' End and the many stunning coves and beaches for which this magical part of the country is well-known. The 14th century grade one listed church, which serves...
"Ramblers Rest" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. The town of St Just, which is located around eight miles to the west of Penzance, is the one closest to Land's End. There are several monuments and prehistoric antiquities to view in the town itself, which is an ancient colony with a long...
"The Little Net Loft" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. The picture-perfect fishing village of Mousehole can be found nestled peacefully on the south west coast of Cornwall. Home to an idyllic seaside store selling all of the essentials and a vibrant local pub, this village offers a fabulous base of...
"Sullivans Loft, Newlyn" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Living roomSituated on the ground floor and open plan with the kitchen and dining areaSpacious and bright featuring large sash windows and a Juliet balcony with glass balustradeSofa, armchair, upholstered footstool, Smart...
"Kenegie Gold Apartment" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. If you need that little bit more space then the Gold Apartments are the ideal choice. All apartments now come with free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected! The Gold and Platinum Apartments are all located on the 1st floor and are accessed by...
"Lloyd" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Nestled next to Penzance, and although still a quaint town in its own right, Newlyn is actually the third largest fishing port in England, and an important Port of Refuge for all seafaring craft. This Cornish town is clustered around the...
"Salt Loft, Mousehole" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. This property has a main entrance that is up a flight of stairs leading into the first floor living room. There is secondary ground floor access into the kitchen.A traditional 19th Century fisherman's cottage, the property has typically...
"The Shippen" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. Located inland between Penzance and Praa Sands, Rosudgeon is a small, semirural village set close to the coast of this charming corner of Cornwall. Situated one mile from the popular South West Coast Path, Rosudgeon is an ideal base for...
"Mount View" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. The seaside harbour town of Penzance is situated in one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday areas. The town offers the National Trust owned St Michael’s Mount, as well as winding streets, shops, clubs and restaurants, and there are a wealth of...
"Mariners Cottage, Mousehole" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Living RoomGround floorAccessed through front stable doorOpen plan with kitchen and dining areaLarge two-seater sofa and two upholstered armchairsFlat screen smart TVWoodburner (guests will need to...
"3 Bed Cottage in Mousehole" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 double, 1 twin - 1 bathroom with shower over the bath and WC - Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, washer/dryer -...
"Audrey" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Nestled next to Penzance, and although still a quaint town in its own right, Newlyn is actually the third largest fishing port in England, and an important Port of Refuge for all seafaring craft. This Cornish town is clustered around the...
"Scenic Bay" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Nestled in a peaceful meadow near Penzance, this stunning pod sleeps up to four and is perfect for a tranquil Cornish escape.. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living space. Living area:...
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
AlbastonBodminBodmin MoorBoscastleBudeCallingtonCamelfordCarbis BayCharlestownCommon MoorCoverackCrackington HavencrantockDaymer BayDelaboleEast LooeFalmouthFoweyGorran HavenGunnislakeHayleHelfordHelstonHolywell BayKingsandLamornaLands EndLanhydrockLauncestonLiskeardLizard peninsulaLooeLostwithielLuxulyanMarazionMawgan PorthMevagisseyMouseholeMullionMylorNewlynNewquayNr TregonyPadstowPenzancePerranporthPlymouthPolperroPolruanPolzeathPort IsaacPorthcothan BayPorthlevenPorthtowanPortreathPortscathoPrussia CoveRedruthRockRoseland PeninsulaSaint AgnesSaint AustellSaint Columb MajorSaltashSennenSt AgnesSt AustellSt IvesSt JustSt MabynSt MawesSt MawganSt MinverTavistockTintagelTorpointTregonyTrevoneTruroWadebridgeWinnards PerchSome local suggestions:
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How Beautifully Blue the Sky - In Act 1 of the musical, Gilbert & Sullivan’s chorus girls sang about the beauty of Penzance when the sun shines, and they were not wrong. The town’s coastal location on the Land’s End Peninsula means it benefits from the mild Gulf Stream air, with locals and visitors benefiting from warmer-than-average temperatures than other parts of Cornwall. Spring arrives earlier, summer stays later, and winters are more fresh than hardy. Surrounding fields and farmland aren’t only pretty to look at; they are full of tasty produce which, when coupled with the fresh fish that arrives into the harbour daily, means that you can always eat well. Shops such as Mousehole Fish sells the catch of the day either fresh and filleted for you to cook at home, or battered and fried with a steaming pile of salted, vinegary chips to eat from the wrapper on the harbour wall.
Make the Most of Fleeting Leisure - You don’t have to be a pirate on shore-leave to want to make the most of your holiday. Penzance is packed with sights and activities that will keep everyone happily occupied. Not surprisingly, given its coastal location, many of these are focused around the water and include surfing, paddle-boarding, fishing, sailing and coasteering. Businesses like Smart Surf School and Global Boarders Surf Co offer lessons and equipment hire, and you can book a sightseeing or fishing boat trip through Marine Discovery.
Promenade Beach is a mile-long stretch of coastline that is mainly shingle and accessible at low tide and within walking distance of central Penzance. Other beaches within a mile of the town centre include Battery Rocks, Eastern Green, Wherrytown and Newlyn, while Sennen Cove, Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel") and Longrock beaches are not much further.
Attractions in Penzance and the surrounding area include the outdoor Minack Theatre (check for performances and tickets in advance of your arrival), Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, and Penlee House Gallery & Museum. Land’s End is about a 20-minute drive away, and there are extensive footpaths and cycling routes that include the breathtaking South West Coast Path and trails that take in parts of the area used as a filming location for the popular BBC series Poldark.
Threading Long and Leafy Mazes Dotted with Unnumbered Daisies - Penzance is beautiful in every season with miles of footpaths and cycling routes winding their way around the coast and through towns and countryside. In addition to the South West Coast Path, favourite walking routes include the Penzance Town Trail, which is an excellent way for new visitors to orientate themselves and learn about the town’s fascinating past. Walk, cycle or drive to nearby Marazion and walk along the causeway to reach St Michael’s Mount or, in winter, walk through the marshland to spot birds taking shelter in winter. Cycling routes are also plentiful and keep road cyclists and mountain bikers happily occupied.
Penzance is perfect for a holiday as it offers something to everyone. The town is lively, with a great mix of amenities that include friendly cafes, restaurants and pubs, appealing to those who like to socialise and be around people. However, a mile or two out of town is sprawling countryside with plenty of peace and quiet for those who want it. Penzance deserves to take centre stage with charms that are far from fleeting.
