Penzance Cornwall

Penzance the most westerly major town in Cornwall is on the south westerly tip of England in the heart of Mounts Bay and is the capital of Penwith and West Cornwall. The first written record of the town was in 1322 in the manorial records.

From Penzance you can travel to the the beautiful Isles of Scilly
By Ferry - Isles of Scilly Steamship Co. Travel Centre, Quay Street, Penzance
Scillonian III ferry sails through the summer months from Monday - Saturday (occasional Sunday sailings) leaving Penzance at 9.15am and arriving in Scilly around 12 noon. The journey is approx. 2hrs 40 minutes.

Helicopter - The Heliport, Eastern Green, Penzance
British International Helicopters operate 2 routes to The Isles of Scilly from Penzance to St. Mary's and Penzance to Tresco. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

In Penzance:
Penlee House and Park - http://www.penleehouse.org.uk/
This was a private estate until 1946 when it was purchased by Penzance Borough Council. Penlee Park dates from 1865 and covers approx. 15 acres.
Penlee House Gallery & Museum houses collections including important Newlyn School and Lamorna Group paintings, local photographs, archaeological and local history. Outside there is, football field, children's play area, woodland walk, a garden of remembrance and a small open air theatre.

Morrab House & Gardens
The house was built in 1841, the property and grounds were purchased by the local council, the house now houses the town's library and the grounds are a municipal park and gardens with a War Memorial, bandstand and fountain.

Jubilee Open Air Bathing Pool – http://www.jubileepool.co.uk/
Opened in May 1935, by 1992 the pool was so dilapidated that its future operation was in doubt. John Clarke a local retired architect, was alarmed at the proposal to build a copper coloured pyramid structure over the pool, the Jubilee Pool Association was formed thanks to his direct input and the pool was listed. Restoration over two phases commenced and in 1994 the pool reopened.

Sir Humphry Davy Statue
The statue is at the top of Market Jew Street, which is where he was born. He invented the Davy Safety Lamp, created for use in coal mining.

St Mary’s Church
Completed in 1836

The Harbour
Construction of the harbour began in 1512, the southern arm was added in 1766, and extended in 1785. The main pier was extended in 1812. Albert Pier was completed in 1858, the lighthouse in 1855, Ross swing bridge was built in 1881, a large Dry Dock in 1880 and the floating harbour and loch gates in 1884.

Beaches:
Marazion/Long Rock beach
Looks out to St. Michaels Mount

Mousehole Beach
Is West of Penzance, small beach near harbour.

Festivals
The Golowan Festival (Cornish for midsummer) - http://golowan.org/
10 day festival of St. John held in Penzance in late June each year, ending with the Mazey Eve, Mazey Day and Quay Day.

Montol Festival (Winter Solstice)
Yearly celebration held in December by Penzance and the surrounding towns and villages. People wear masks and fancy dress, the festival ends at the weekend on Montol Eve with a lantern parade through the streets and a beacon at the Leskudjack Castle.

Places to visit:
Geevor Tin Mine – http://www.geevor.com/
The last working tin mine in West Penwith closed in 1990. Situated on cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, the mine workings stretched out under the sea. Now the largest mining history site in the UK. Visitors can follow the history of tin mining and processing. The museum has a unique collection of mining artifacts, mineral displays and photographs. The surface buildings house the magnificent winders and compressors. Exploration of the underground mines is via guided tours on the hour year round. Open to the public.

Villages near Penzance:
Madron
Village in west Cornwall approx. 2 miles from Penzance.

Madron Well
Cornish celtic sacred site. A tradition still upheld today that pieces of rag (clouties) are tied to the nearby bushes as a symbol of appeasement to the spirits within the well site, also regarded for its healing properties. Until the 18th century it was the only source of water for Madron and Penzance.

Madron Baptistry
Close by is the ruined well-chapel dating back to the 6th century or earlier. The building has no roof and measures approx. 7 metres by 5 metres Spring water from the original well flows into a stone basin in the south-western corner. Against the eastern wall is a stone alter, and stone seats around the walls.

Madron Church
Work began on the church during the time of the Templars but not completed until 1500, it was consecrated in July 1336. It has a chancel, nave, north and south aisle. The tower has 5 bells which were refurbished and hung in 2005.

Ancient sites on the Penwith Peninsula-http://www.cornishancientsites.com/topsites.htm
Men-an-Tol
Merry Maidens Stones
Chun Quoit & Castle
Lanyon Quoit – National Trust
Boscawen-un Circle
Carn Euny Settlement
Tregesal Circle
Chapel Carn Brea
Sancreed Well
Chysauster Settlement – English Heritage
Zennor Quoit

Penzance Tourist Information Office - http://www.purelypenzance.co.uk/index.html
Cornwall Tourist Information Office - http://www.visitcornwall.com/