There are so many beautiful places to visit in Cornwall, but Penzance is definitely one of my favourite towns that I’ve been to. It’s so picturesque with its cobbled streets and sea views, but there is also plenty to see and do. I also love the fact that there is free all day parking all along the promenade (town parking is one of my pet peeves)
Below is how I spent my day in Penzance, followed by a selection of other things to do and see that have come highly recommended from others.
The Jubilee Pool
This was my second trip to the Jubilee pool after kindly being asked back my the team to try out the geothermal pool. My first time was for the rude health Summer Soaker event that my friend and I stumbled across online. This was a swim and breakfast session run for two days in August and was such a great event, I’d highly recommend looking out for tickets if they run it again next summer.
This time around we had a session in the geothermal pool, which is a 30-35 degree salt water pool, heated by their own geothermal well. We were also able to use the regular salt water pool (16-20 degrees) which was originally opened in 1935. The pool is run as a social enterprise, for the community, by the community. All profits from tickets and the onsite cafe go back into the running of the pool.
It’s such a beautiful spot and a really relaxing way to spend a morning. It made a nice change from my usual sea dips and I loved being able to have coffee sat in the sun and then get in and out of the pool as we felt like it. There were also some inflatables up in the main pool for the summer holidays, I’m not going to lie, they looked like great fun and I would 100% have been having a go if it wasn’t for my knee not being fully recovered yet!
You can book tickets via their website, but make sure you don’t leave it too late as they are filling up fast over the summer.
*My second trip to the Jubilee pool was kindly gifted.
The Honey Pot Cafe
Before heading into Penzance, I’d put a message out on Instagram asking for recommendations for a vegan friendly brunch spot. Several people got back to me, and this was the only place that people suggested. It also had great reviews on trip advisor, so we thought we would definitely check it out.
There was a great selection of meat, veggie and vegan options and I found it very difficult to decide what to have. I ended up going for the brunch ciabatta with a side of their potato wedges and it was absolutely delicious (though the girls had to help with the potatoes as I was so full). There was also a wide range of both hot and cold drinks available, as well as I delicious looking selection of cakes.
You can’t book through the summer for tables smaller than 6, but we had no issue getting one and no one seemed to have to wait long. I’d definitely recommend popping in if you’re in the area. You can check out their menu here.
Morrab Gardens
We happened to just stumble across the gardens on our walk back through the town and had a lovely stroll through in the sunshine, passing families enjoying the gardens and the bandstand.
Spread across 3 acres, these sub-tropical gardens are a big part of the towns identity. We only wandered through a very small section, but it’s a beautiful space to explore, read a book or stop for a picnic.
The gardens were bought by the council in 1888 and are full of history. They are free to enter and are open all year round. You can find out more information and the history of the gardens on their website.
Other things to do and see:
- The Exchange Gallery – One of two sites (the other being Newlyn Art Gallery), the exchange offers a varied exhibition programme, including contemporary work in all media. They host many workshops and events which can all be found on their website.
- Polgoon Vineyard and Orchard – Polgoon is a family run vineyard and orchard which produces a range of artisan Cornish wines, ciders and juices. Tours and tasting are available throughout the year and there is a shop on site.
- Trengwainton Gardens – Just outside of Penzance is Trengwainton Gardens, which is owned by the National Trust. In between the moors and the sea, Trengwainton has walled gardens, wooded paths, open spaces and sea views. There is a cafe and second hand bookshop onsite (one of my favourite things at National Trust sites).
- Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens – If you fancy a step up from the Morrab Gardens, you could check out the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. There is a mix of woods, streams and dramatic vistas which are home to a large range of exotic and sub-tropical plant. Throughout the gardens you will find contemporary artwork from internationally renowned artists.
- Kernow Coasteering – If you fancy getting in the water but want a bit more adrenaline, why not check out one of the local watersports and activity centers. Though I’ve not personally used this company, I love coasteering and they have great reviews!
Happy adventuring x
Lisa Outdoors 
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