Our guidebook
Food Scene
Lovely restaurant on harbour front. selection of fish and steak meals.
https://oldlifeboathousebistro.com
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The Old Lifeboat House Bistro
Wharf RoadLovely restaurant on harbour front. selection of fish and steak meals.
https://oldlifeboathousebistro.com
Locally caught seafood menu, nice outside area on the harbourside with outdoor lighting at night.
https://www.boatshedpz.co.uk/
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The Boatshed
Wharf RoadLocally caught seafood menu, nice outside area on the harbourside with outdoor lighting at night.
https://www.boatshedpz.co.uk/
Really worth a visit, historic gastropub with quirky decor.
https://www.thebenbow.com
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Admiral Benbow
46 Chapel StReally worth a visit, historic gastropub with quirky decor.
https://www.thebenbow.com
Thai restaurant and take away in Penzance. Lovely set menu. Bring your own beer/wines.
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Sukothai
47 Queen StThai restaurant and take away in Penzance. Lovely set menu. Bring your own beer/wines.
Little India
52 Market Jew StIndian takeaway and restaurant. Bring your own beers/wines.
Artisan coffees and homemade cakes. Homemade food in heart of Penzance.
https://thehoneypotpz.com
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The Honey Pot
5 Parade StArtisan coffees and homemade cakes. Homemade food in heart of Penzance.
https://thehoneypotpz.com
Family friendly restaurant, pirate themed dining by candlelight. Watch out for the mead wines!
There is also a meadry close by in Newlyn.
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Waterside Meadery
Wharf RoadFamily friendly restaurant, pirate themed dining by candlelight. Watch out for the mead wines!
There is also a meadry close by in Newlyn.
Trip advisor #1 rated in Penzance serving international cuisine/street food. Lovely cocktail menu.
45 New St, Penzance TR18 2LZ
01736 448982
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Mermaid Alley
45 New StTrip advisor #1 rated in Penzance serving international cuisine/street food. Lovely cocktail menu.
45 New St, Penzance TR18 2LZ
01736 448982
Bars and pubs
Busy seafront pub in the summer, nice to sit outside with a drink and watch the world go by.
Live sports on outside tvs.
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The Lugger Inn
Marine TerraceBusy seafront pub in the summer, nice to sit outside with a drink and watch the world go by.
Live sports on outside tvs.
The Crown
1 Victoria SquareClosest local pub, seating outside with a nice atmosphere.
Nicely decorated pub around the corner, great selection of craft beers and rums.
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The Lamp & Whistle
12 Leskinnick PlNicely decorated pub around the corner, great selection of craft beers and rums.
Beautiful beaches
Huge sandy beach in Mounts Bay. This is a lovely child friendly beach with a park car parking and public toilets. Marazion has shops restaurants cafes pubs etc.
Access on foot (tide dependent) across to St Michael's Mount. if you are planning a visit its recommending booking ahead.
https://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-days-times
Tide Times
https://magicseaweed.com/Marazion-Surf-Report/4971/Tide/
Life guard cover with watersports available including SUP (paddleboard hire) ad kite surfing via Ocean High hire and lessons A wonderful friendly company offering this at Marazion.
the mega SUP is great fun for up to 8 people.
https://www.oceanhigh.co.uk/
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Marazion Beach
South West Coast PathHuge sandy beach in Mounts Bay. This is a lovely child friendly beach with a park car parking and public toilets. Marazion has shops restaurants cafes pubs etc.
Access on foot (tide dependent) across to St Michael's Mount. if you are planning a visit its recommending booking ahead.
https://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-days-times
Tide Times
https://magicseaweed.com/Marazion-Surf-Report/4971/Tide/
Life guard cover with watersports available including SUP (paddleboard hire) ad kite surfing via Ocean High hire and lessons A wonderful friendly company offering this at Marazion.
the mega SUP is great fun for up to 8 people.
https://www.oceanhigh.co.uk/
Kynance is a stunning cove and the views as you walk towards it from the cliff top are unbeatable. It is a steep descent but we'll worth the walk. national trust carpark. It get extremely busy there in the summer. Most of the beach area disappears at high tide.
Check the tides to plan your trip on https://www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk/helston-lizard-falmouth/kynance-cove-weather.htm
if you are there at high tide and the steps are cut off, walk up the hill beside the cafe to walk via the cliff top to the car park.
NB There is no lifeguard cover on this beach.
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Kynance Cove
Kynance is a stunning cove and the views as you walk towards it from the cliff top are unbeatable. It is a steep descent but we'll worth the walk. national trust carpark. It get extremely busy there in the summer. Most of the beach area disappears at high tide.
Check the tides to plan your trip on https://www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk/helston-lizard-falmouth/kynance-cove-weather.htm
if you are there at high tide and the steps are cut off, walk up the hill beside the cafe to walk via the cliff top to the car park.
NB There is no lifeguard cover on this beach.
Another gorgeous, sandy, child friendly beach with life guard cover in season.
Car parking available and there are a couple of shops on the beach. Public toilets available.
Tide Times
https://magicseaweed.com/Praa-Sands-Surf-Report/8/Tide/
The sandbar at Praa Sands is a lovely chilled beach vibe bar and restaurant. there are some outdoor picnic benches and a variety of seating options inside.
https://sandbarpraasands.co.uk/
Sunday Roasts there are lovely, it's advisable to book here if you are planning to eat in peak months. there are also take away options.
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Praa Sands Beach
South West Coast PathAnother gorgeous, sandy, child friendly beach with life guard cover in season.
Car parking available and there are a couple of shops on the beach. Public toilets available.
Tide Times
https://magicseaweed.com/Praa-Sands-Surf-Report/8/Tide/
The sandbar at Praa Sands is a lovely chilled beach vibe bar and restaurant. there are some outdoor picnic benches and a variety of seating options inside.
https://sandbarpraasands.co.uk/
Sunday Roasts there are lovely, it's advisable to book here if you are planning to eat in peak months. there are also take away options.
Popular and stunningly beautiful beach with turquoise sea.
Lifeguarded beach- seasonal
Tide times
https://magicseaweed.com/Porthcurno-Surf-Report/8027/Tide/
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Porthcurno Strand
Popular and stunningly beautiful beach with turquoise sea.
Lifeguarded beach- seasonal
Tide times
https://magicseaweed.com/Porthcurno-Surf-Report/8027/Tide/
Sennen Cove beach is another expanse ofgolden sand. Its England's most westerly beach. perfect for families and surf.
There is a surf school at this beach and its a lifeguarded beach.
Tide times
https://magicseaweed.com/Sennen-Surf-Report/4/
http://www.smartsurfschool.com/
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Sennen Cove
Sennen Cove beach is another expanse ofgolden sand. Its England's most westerly beach. perfect for families and surf.
There is a surf school at this beach and its a lifeguarded beach.
Tide times
https://magicseaweed.com/Sennen-Surf-Report/4/
http://www.smartsurfschool.com/
Porthminster beach is just stunning, beautiful golden sand, child friendly with lifeguard cover. Views across to surrounding North Coast beaches along Hayle are amazing.
Public toilets and places to eat/take out.
Beware - watch out for the seagulls in the streets of St Ives and the beaches there, they will swoop down, pinch your food, kids icecreams etc. They will even lift your towels off your bags on the beach to get to any food!
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Porthminster Beach
WarrenPorthminster beach is just stunning, beautiful golden sand, child friendly with lifeguard cover. Views across to surrounding North Coast beaches along Hayle are amazing.
Public toilets and places to eat/take out.
Beware - watch out for the seagulls in the streets of St Ives and the beaches there, they will swoop down, pinch your food, kids icecreams etc. They will even lift your towels off your bags on the beach to get to any food!
Porthmeor is another of St Ives beautiful beaches. Surf school and board hire. Lifeguarded beach.
You need to walk through town for Porthmeor whereas Portminster is accessed literally stepping off the train.
https://www.stivessurfschool.co.uk/
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Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor HillPorthmeor is another of St Ives beautiful beaches. Surf school and board hire. Lifeguarded beach.
You need to walk through town for Porthmeor whereas Portminster is accessed literally stepping off the train.
https://www.stivessurfschool.co.uk/
3 miles of golden sand, gorgeous stretch of beaches including Mexico beach, Godrevy, Upton Towans, Towan beach.
Swim in the lifeguard designated areas, as there are areas with dangerous and strong currents
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Hayle Beach
3 miles of golden sand, gorgeous stretch of beaches including Mexico beach, Godrevy, Upton Towans, Towan beach.
Swim in the lifeguard designated areas, as there are areas with dangerous and strong currents
Historic and scenic
Geevor mine is one of the largest preserved mine sites in the country and a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site located at Pendeen.
https://geevor.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g528863-d188514-Reviews-Geevor_Tin_Mine-Pendeen_Cornwall_England.html
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Geevor Zinnerzmine
Geevor mine is one of the largest preserved mine sites in the country and a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site located at Pendeen.
https://geevor.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g528863-d188514-Reviews-Geevor_Tin_Mine-Pendeen_Cornwall_England.html
The Lanyon Quoit dates back to Neolithic times (predating the pyramids in Eygpt).
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Lanyon Quoit
The Lanyon Quoit dates back to Neolithic times (predating the pyramids in Eygpt).
The Merry Maidens stone circle lies adjacent to the B3315 Newlyn to Treen road, and access is from a lay-by at the western corner of the field.
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The Merry Maidens Stone Circle
B3315The Merry Maidens stone circle lies adjacent to the B3315 Newlyn to Treen road, and access is from a lay-by at the western corner of the field.
A visit to lands End is a must, if we are honest, the attraction/ park element to it isn't.
The area is an area of outstanding natural beauty, there is a charge for pictures by the famous lands end signpost but there are times later in the day when the attraction element of it closes that you can just go to the sign and take your own photos.
If you are lucky enough to catch a sunset there, you will not be disappointed.
The attraction park however does hold fireworks displays in July/Aug.
https://landsend-landmark.co.uk/plan-your-visit/
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Land's End Wahrzeichen-Attraktion
Land's EndA visit to lands End is a must, if we are honest, the attraction/ park element to it isn't.
The area is an area of outstanding natural beauty, there is a charge for pictures by the famous lands end signpost but there are times later in the day when the attraction element of it closes that you can just go to the sign and take your own photos.
If you are lucky enough to catch a sunset there, you will not be disappointed.
The attraction park however does hold fireworks displays in July/Aug.
https://landsend-landmark.co.uk/plan-your-visit/
UNESCO world heritage site, stunning scenery. The Crown mines against the backdrop of the sea is a beautiful sight and are two of Conwall's most iconic engine houses.
This is a National Trust site, parking is at a charge unless a member of the NT.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/levant-mine-and-beam-engine/features/the-history-of-botallack
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Crown Mines
UNESCO world heritage site, stunning scenery. The Crown mines against the backdrop of the sea is a beautiful sight and are two of Conwall's most iconic engine houses.
This is a National Trust site, parking is at a charge unless a member of the NT.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/levant-mine-and-beam-engine/features/the-history-of-botallack
Sub-tropical public gardens in Penzance, lovely little garden in town
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Morrab Gardens
Morrab RoadSub-tropical public gardens in Penzance, lovely little garden in town
Days out and activities
Heartlands celebrates cornish mining and culture and is at the the heart of the Camborne Redruth mining district. Its a free day out for families with free entrance to the exhibition area, gardens and huge play area. There is a parking charge which I believe is redeemable in the cafe with purchases.
Heartlands does host events that have a charge.
NB the parkplay area is a large park and although its walled it has entry points at either end and midway that children could exit via.
https://www.heartlandscornwall.com/
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Herzlande
Dudnance LaneHeartlands celebrates cornish mining and culture and is at the the heart of the Camborne Redruth mining district. Its a free day out for families with free entrance to the exhibition area, gardens and huge play area. There is a parking charge which I believe is redeemable in the cafe with purchases.
Heartlands does host events that have a charge.
NB the parkplay area is a large park and although its walled it has entry points at either end and midway that children could exit via.
https://www.heartlandscornwall.com/
When staying in Cornwall, a visit to St Ives is a must, in peak times and school holidays it will be super busy.
There are a number of car parks but if I'm honest we avoid these at peak times and catch the train if heading to Carbis Bay or St Ives. From Penzance train station you catch a connecting train at St Erth or alternatively there is a park and ride at St Erth.
https://greatscenicrailways.co.uk/stations/st-erth-park-and-ride/
There are so many places to eat and drink in St Ives including pasty, fish and chip, crepe, pizza icecream takeaways along the harbour. Beware of the seagulls though they are ruthless
Our favourites if eating in St Ives, are Talay Thai, The Hub and The Mermaid. Its advisable to book restaurants in St Ives as we have wandered the streets of St ives on a bank holiday weekend trying to book somewhere with no luck. The Hub however are not taking bookings June to Sept 22 and ask you swing by and they will do their best to seat you.
https://www.hub-stives.co.uk/
If you book the Talay Thai ask for a window table for harbour views.
https://talaythai.kitchen/
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St Ives
When staying in Cornwall, a visit to St Ives is a must, in peak times and school holidays it will be super busy.
There are a number of car parks but if I'm honest we avoid these at peak times and catch the train if heading to Carbis Bay or St Ives. From Penzance train station you catch a connecting train at St Erth or alternatively there is a park and ride at St Erth.
https://greatscenicrailways.co.uk/stations/st-erth-park-and-ride/
There are so many places to eat and drink in St Ives including pasty, fish and chip, crepe, pizza icecream takeaways along the harbour. Beware of the seagulls though they are ruthless
Our favourites if eating in St Ives, are Talay Thai, The Hub and The Mermaid. Its advisable to book restaurants in St Ives as we have wandered the streets of St ives on a bank holiday weekend trying to book somewhere with no luck. The Hub however are not taking bookings June to Sept 22 and ask you swing by and they will do their best to seat you.
https://www.hub-stives.co.uk/
If you book the Talay Thai ask for a window table for harbour views.
https://talaythai.kitchen/
Jubilee pool is a beautiful art deco lido in Penzance. It's the largest of a few remaining lido's in the country. It is the only one in the UK to have a geothermal heated pool area where the temperature is up to 35°C.
Booking is essential. Unfortunately under 5s are not allowed in the geothermal pool.
https://jubileepool.co.uk/
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Jubilee Pool Penzance
Battery RoadJubilee pool is a beautiful art deco lido in Penzance. It's the largest of a few remaining lido's in the country. It is the only one in the UK to have a geothermal heated pool area where the temperature is up to 35°C.
Booking is essential. Unfortunately under 5s are not allowed in the geothermal pool.
https://jubileepool.co.uk/
The Minack Theatre is an outdoor theatre carved into the cliffs. It's backdrop is the sea and it's stunning. If you want to head to a show, booking is essential.
https://www.minack.com/minack-theatre
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Das Minack-Theater
The Minack Theatre is an outdoor theatre carved into the cliffs. It's backdrop is the sea and it's stunning. If you want to head to a show, booking is essential.
https://www.minack.com/minack-theatre
Beautiful wooded area, with a cafe and free parking. Multiple entry points.
I am including this as the woods are lovely but there are also shows/performances in the woods during the summer and key holidays held by the quirky Rogue Theatre. It's become a tradition, with a number of families, in Cornwall to book the Rogue shows in Summer and at Christmas time.
https://rogueotherworld.co.uk/
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Tehidy Woods, north cliff car park
Beautiful wooded area, with a cafe and free parking. Multiple entry points.
I am including this as the woods are lovely but there are also shows/performances in the woods during the summer and key holidays held by the quirky Rogue Theatre. It's become a tradition, with a number of families, in Cornwall to book the Rogue shows in Summer and at Christmas time.
https://rogueotherworld.co.uk/
Royal Cornwall Museum is in Truro, its free for Under 18's and £5 for adults. if you are staying for a few days and visit Truro, it's a reasonably price activity for families with children.
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Royal Cornwall Museum
25 River StRoyal Cornwall Museum is in Truro, its free for Under 18's and £5 for adults. if you are staying for a few days and visit Truro, it's a reasonably price activity for families with children.