Penzance - Lands End  

Penzance is at the far end of the A30, the main route into Cornwall for thousands of visitors each year. It is also the end of the line for the railway from London and it is very near to Land's End - which aptly describes the situation as the Cornish peninsular narrows rapidly to disappear into the foaming Atlantic ocean.

For details of Penzance Hotels and Holidays, Guest Houses, Cottages  and Attractions.  Go to Penzance Hotels Guest Houses and Cottages

Penzance is well known as a seaside resort and is popular with thousands of visitors who return year after year. It has a laid-back feel about and is an ideal place to relax and forget the rat-race. Although it has not always been peaceful. In 1565 it was on the front line in the war with Spain when it was attacked and mostly burnt down. 

Charles II granted Penzance the right to make coins in 1663 and this boosted the mining activity in the area. After this the town continued to prosper as a market town and its port became increasingly important for trade with Europe. 

Recent years have seen the town become a popular location for artists and develop into a very popular tourist resort. The town overlooks Mounts Bay and on the far side of the bay can be seen St Michael's Mount. This priory was built by the same order of monks which built Mont St Michel off of the Normandy coast during the 11th century. The priory which is now owned by the St Aubyn family but open to the public is cut off by the sea at high tide but can be reached on foot at other times. A small ferry operates at high tide.

Land's End

Land's End is one of England's most recognised land marks. The name is very apt - standing on the rocks watching the Atlantic rollers crashing on to the rocky shore below, it feels as if you are miles out to sea already. 

This headland has been a site of pilgrimage since early times and is a part of our Celtic heritage. Standing at 200 feet the granite cliffs of Land's End protect Britain from the storms that sweep across the Atlantic. Looking out to sea across the foaming ocean it is easy to imagine the lost land of Lyonesse which legend says was lost to the ocean in times past. Just off of the coast is the Longships Light

What to see in Penzance

St Michael's Mount - access by foot or boat depending on the tides. 

Geevor Museum and Heritage Centre - Tin mining history with visitor centre, shop and cafe. Phone: 01736 788662

Lands End - visitor attraction with cafes, pub and accommodation. Ticket Hotline - 0870 458 0099

Nearby 

Helston, Sennen Cove and Mousehole which are all worth a visit.

            Penzance Dock with the visiting Barque Endeavour                            Lands End Visitor Attraction

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