Tucked away near Britain’s southwestern tip, Penzance is frequently overlooked in favour of picture-postcard Cornish towns like nearby St Ives. But those who dismiss do so at their own cost. Unlike some of the county’s more popular tourist traps, it bustles with activity all year round, with a fiercely independent and creative spirit that is quite unlike anywhere else.
Visitors who do venture to this distant part of Cornwall are seldom disappointed with its earthy old seaman’s pubs, exciting restaurant scene, museums, art galleries, stunning subtropical gardens and, of course, the Jubilee Pool, the largest saltwater lido in the UK.
What’s more, it’s the perfect base for exploring Cornwall’s wild west. Marazion and St Michael’s Mount are just three miles to the east; the honeypot fishing village of Mousehole three miles to the south. The pristine beaches of Porthcurno, Sennen and Praa are all within easy reach, as are the charming harbour towns of St Ives and Porthleven.
To help you plan your visit, here are the best places to stay in and around Penzance.
The best hotels in Penzance
At a glance
1. Artist Residence Penzance
If you’re looking to stay somewhere that captures the spirit of Penzance, you could hardly pick a better spot. Vibrant and creative, with more than a touch of eccentricity, the Artist Residence quickly became a firm favourite after taking over a pair of Georgian townhouses on historic Chapel Street back in 2010. Today, its convivial restaurant and bar are frequented by guests and locals, as is the courtyard garden, where live music, games and an outdoor bar draw in the punters at the weekends.
Upstairs, there are 22 rooms scattered throughout its winding corridors, each one quite different from the next, although all have an artfully worn-looking vintage industrial vibe, with sliding warehouse doors, exposed wooden beams, ‘distressed’ furnishings and retro artworks on the walls.
Address: 20 Chapel St, Penzance TR18 4AW
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2. Chapel House
This sleek and stylish boutique hotel…
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