Wharfside PZ
Wharf Road, Penzance
TR18 2GB
Nestled along Southwest Cornwall’s breathtaking coastline, Penzance offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. From delicious local food and drink, vibrant art galleries and independent shopping, to stately gardens and even a geothermal open-air Lido, here are five ideas on what to do in Penzance. While we’ve covered the whole of the town, we’ve also highlighted many of the activities available in our own Wharfside Shopping Centre.
Taste the best of Cornish produce and drink
Penzance boasts a foodie scene that punches well above its weight for a town of its size. So, there’s a good reason why food and drink come top of the list of what to do in Penzance. Start your culinary adventure at one of the local delis where you can sample artisanal Cornish cheeses, freshly baked bread and locally sourced preserves.
No visit would be complete without trying an authentic Cornish pasty – the perfect handheld meal with centuries of history behind it. Meanwhile, if it’s fine dining you’re after, Penzance doesn’t disappoint. The town offers an impressive array of restaurants serving everything from Asian fusion to Italian classics, with many emphasising the incredible seafood caught daily in nearby waters. Don’t miss the traditional Cornish restaurants where time-honoured recipes showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage, often featuring freshly caught fish, local meats and the finest local produce.
As far as tipples go, there’s a truly diverse scene with local bars and distilleries producing some exciting spirits including gin, spiced rum and Cornish vodka. For a more traditional pub experience, be sure to visit historic Chapel Street which boasts the pub and hotel where Nelson’s death at Trafalgar was first announced. On the same street, you’ll also find pubs going back to the 13th century and some that have been entirely decorated with the contents of numerous shipwrecks.
At the Wharfside: classic Cornish pasties at Warrens; sustainable seafood at Cork and Fork; scrumptious cream teas and deli staples at Helly’s Bistro; fresh, homemade ice cream and frozen yogurts at Willy Wallers Ice Cream Factory; pizza and local brews at Fred’s Pizzeria and Brewbar; zesty Thai flavours at Thai Moon and traditional sweets and confectionary at Freddies Proper Sweets.
Discover Penzance’s indie shopping scene
Shopping in Penzance is a delightful mix of quirky independent shops and familiar high street brands. Wander through the town’s historic streets and discover vintage boutiques – where mid-century fashion pieces are waiting to be snapped up – as well as local, contemporary clothing brands that draw inspiration from the Cornish landscape and heritage.
The far southwest is also a hub for independent jewellers and craftspeople. You’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces in Cornish tin and silver as well as stained glass and found objects. The town’s main shopping areas include Chapel Street, with its eclectic mix of antique shops and galleries, and Market Jew Street, where well-known brands sit alongside local favourites.
At the Wharfside: Handmade Celtic jewellery at St Justin; Cornish gifts and souvenirs at Mermaid Too; and surf and skate gear at Sessions Surf & Skate Shop.
Get out and explore Penzance’s great outdoors
Active visitors can hire e-bikes to explore the stunning coastal paths that stretch in both directions from the town, with the breathtaking route to Marazion particularly recommended.
To really appreciate Penzance’s seaside location, head to the Promenade, a beautiful Victorian walkway that’s recently been refurbished. It stretches alongside the sea between The Jubilee Pool and neighbouring Newlyn and is a great place to ride, skate, walk or simply take in the views over St Michael’s Mount.
Gym bunnies will find a fair share of facilities with day passes on offer to keep their fitness up away from home. For walkers, the Penzance town trail is a great way to discover the town’s history and landmarks. In the summer, a visit to the iconic open-air lido Jubilee Pool for an exhilarating dip into the Cornish water is not to be missed.
If being in nature is more your thing, the stunning subtropical Morrab Gardens and Penlee Park with their collection of exotic plants will not disappoint.
At the Wharfside: enjoy one of the best views of the celebrated tidal island St Michael’s Mount and the surrounding Mount’s Bay right from the first floor of our very own Wharfside; or catch up on your fitness at family-run gym HS Functional Fitness.
Discover Cornish wellness treatments
Whether you’re looking to boost your energy or slow down and relax, Penzance caters to all paces of life. For those seeking relaxation, the town’s professional spas provide a range of treatments designed to soothe and rejuvenate. From hot stone massages using locally sourced Cornish stones to seaweed wraps that harness the healing properties of the nearby ocean, these wellness sanctuaries offer the perfect antidote to busy modern life.
The high street has professional salons that provide everything from quick beauty touch-ups to comprehensive pampering sessions.
At the Wharfside: hair and beauty at Hunter & Walsh; tanning, nail and other beauty treatments at Beautique beauty salon.
Immerse yourself in Cornwall’s artistic heart
Penzance has long been a magnet for artists drawn by its unique quality of light, dramatic landscapes and creative community.
The town hosts nationally recognised art galleries featuring works by the famous Newlyn School painters alongside contemporary Cornish artists. The Exchange Gallery and Newlyn Art Gallery showcase cutting-edge exhibitions that connect Cornwall to the broader art world. Penlee House Gallery and Museum is the perfect place to learn about the region’s cultural heritage and see some well-known treasures.
Beyond these established venues, Penzance is dotted with independent art studios where you can often meet artists at work and purchase directly from the creators. The town regularly hosts art events and festivals that celebrate its creative spirit and offer visitors insights into the artistic process.
Even a casual stroll through Penzance reveals art in unexpected places, from street sculptures to creative shop displays.
At the Wharfside: a contemporary exhibition space showcasing local artists and makers at the Wharfside Arts Hub.
We hope this blog has given you plenty of inspiration for what to do in Penzance. Visit the Wharfside website for more details of the businesses mentioned in this post.
