I’ve called Penzance Cornwall home for the past 10 years, and I can honestly say there’s nowhere quite like it. Penzance is the most charming seaside town on the far South Westerly Cornish coast. The friendly local vibe instantly makes you feel welcome. With its mix of history (and gorgeous Georgian architecture), coastal walks and great food it’s the perfect spot for a weekend break.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, ticking off a bucket list destination, or craving the energising pull of being by the sea, I’ve put together the perfect 48-hour itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Let me show you around!
I’ve put together a handy printout of the 48-hour itinerary. Click here to print your copy!
Penzance, Cornwall – where to stay
I have to give a little plug for our lovely Airbnb which sleeps three (plus a four-legged friend!) and is on a quiet private road in the centre of Penzance. The Georgian Flat is the lower ground floor apartment of a lovely Georgian house. Have a look here for more information and how to book.
arriving by train
If you are travelling from London or the South East I would urge you to arrive on the Night Riviera Sleeper Train from Paddington – it is the most romantic way to arrive in Penzance! Book a sleeping compartment and they bring you breakfast in bed in the morning! You can also have a shower in the Sleeper Train Lounge at Penzance before you explore.
getting around
public transport + taxis
Unlike some Cornish destinations, Penzance has great public transport links. The bus station is next to the train station by the harbour with regular buses to St Ives, Mousehole, Porthcurno (The Minack Theatre) and Lands End. There is also a regular train service to St Ives (via St Erth).
There are several taxi companies, and taxis also wait at the taxi rank at the train station at most times of the day (I would book ahead to be sure of a ride!).
You don’t need a car for a holiday in Penzance Cornwall. It would be more of a hindrance if you are planning on using Penzance as a base to visit places like Mousehole or St Ives, particularly in the peak season when parking is expensive and difficult to find. Even if you do bring your car, I would still recommend using public transport to visit these places in the Summer months.
e-bike scheme
Penzance has an emission-free E-bike scheme called Beryl Bikes with their bike bays throughout the town and as far as Mousehole in one direction and Marazion in the other. They are a fab way to get about and I especially love the traffic-free cycle path next to the beach between Penzance and Marazion. Cycling beside the sea is one of my favourite things to do in Cornwall. All the details are here.
walking distances
Penzance is very walkable if a little hilly in the town itself. The walk along the coastal path starting at the train station to Marazion and St Michael’s Mount is easy and flat, about 3.5 miles and very scenic. (There are even a couple of cafes at the halfway point!)
Newlyn is about a half hour’s walk (a mile and a half) from Penzance along the Prom where you will find Newlyn Art Gallery and several great places to eat.
book ahead!
Penzance is popular and events get sold out quickly. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead so you have the best time possible! Check the opening times especially out of season. Booking in advance is essential for the following:
The Jubilee Pool + Geothermal Pool + Saunas
Saint Michaels Mount Cornwall Castle and Boat
All the restaurants I recommend except for Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar which doesn’t take bookings.
I’ve put together a handy printout of the 48-hour itinerary. Click here to print your copy!
the perfect forty-eight hour itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Best of Penzance, Cornwall
Morning: get your bearings + see the sea!
Take an often bracing walk along Penzance Promenade, one of the best things to do in Cornwall, with stunning views of Mount’s Bay.
Book a swim at the Jubilee Pool, the UK’s largest seawater lido or try the much warmer Geothermal Pool. There is also a sauna you can book to warm up in afterwards!
Have a lovely coffee and breakfast in the Jubilee Pool Cafe.
If swimming isn’t your thing, book a Wildlife Boat Trip which leaves from the Quay round the corner from the Jubilee Pool. A two-hour trip will take you either easterly towards St Michael’s Mount or westerly to Porthcurno to see the amazing Minack Theatre from the sea.
afternoon: a fishy lunch and some culture!
From Jubilee Pool, walk to Newlyn Cornwall along the Prom (about 20 minutes) for a delicious lunch at Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar (there will be a queue of people waiting as you can’t book but it will be worth it!)
Treat yourself to Cornish ice cream from Jelberts in Newlyn (famous for its simple but delicious vanilla ice cream).
After lunch, wander back to Penzance and visit Penlee House Gallery & Museum in Penlee Park and admire their Art Collections from the Newlyn School.
You could also squeeze in a cake and a cup of tea at the adjoining Orangery Cafe, which is a peaceful place to sit on a dry day.
Wander into Penzance town via Morrab Place (with its gorgeous Georgian houses) and walk down Chapel Street. This is Penzance’s most historic street and has some lovely independent shops, antiques, and landmarks like The Egyptian House.
Stop for a drink at The Admiral Benbow, a historic pub full of maritime artifacts and pirate history.
EVENING: DRINKS AND FINE DINING
As you’ve done quite a lot of walking around this afternoon, eat in Penzance tonight!
Early evening drinks are fun at 45 Queen St or walk a little further down Chapel Street to the Artist’s Residence Hotel. You can drink at the bar here or head outside to their outside patio for cocktails.
For fine dining eat at The Shore or for something equally delicious but a little less formal go to Mermaid Alley.
Day 2: Adventure & a Fairy Tale Castle
Morning: eat well and stretch your legs!
Have an early breakfast at the lovely Honey Pot Cafe in the centre of town.
Walk down Market Jew Street towards the Train Station and pick up a Cornish Pasty from the Mounts Bay Pasty Company to have on the beach later on!
Hire a Beryl E-Bike, walk or take a taxi along the South West Coast path to St Michael’s Mount in Marazion.
I would recommend the first two options! The Coastal path starts just in front of the Railway Station and runs parallel to the sea and beach to Marazion.
About two thirds of the way along, at Longrock, have a break at either the Hoxton Special on the beach or Jordans Cafe a little further along in the carpark.
The beach here is one of the nicest Cornwall beaches for a sea swim if the tide and conditions allow.
afternoon: island magic and a cornish cream tea
Continue to Marazion where you can walk across to St Michael’s Mount at low tide across the cobbled causeway. At other times, it is a 5 minute boat trip which you can book here.
Explore the historic castle, gardens and medieval village and enjoy your Cornish Pasty!
You can have a Cornish Cream tea at the Island Cafe on the island itself, or go to the Godolphin hotel opposite the Mount, in Marazion.
Before returning to Penzance, nip in to Roly’s Fudge Pantry to buy some Cornish Fudge to take home with you.
There is a regular bus service back to Penzance which takes about 15 minutes.
EVENING: a peaceful waterfront restaurant
After your active day, take a taxi to the lovely Argoe Restaurant in Newlyn. Depending on the time of year, try to book the outside terrace!
Enjoy one last moonlit walk on the Prom on your way home!
In just 48 hours, you’ll find that Penzance offers the perfect mix of seaside relaxation, rich history, vibrant culture, and amazing local food.
If you’re planning a Cornwall England getaway, this charming town is a must-add to your United Kingdom travel itinerary. I’d love to hear your thoughts—have I missed any must-see spots? Let me know in the comments! Would you like to see more posts on the Isles of Scilly and West Cornwall Travel?
I’ve put together a handy printout of the 48-hour itinerary. Click here to print your copy!
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