Great beaches, places to eat or take in some culture
Things to do in West Cornwall
Beaches
You have a great selection in West Penwith:
Sennen – golden sands and surf. There is a local surf school here. Boasts both a beach cafe and lovely restaurant.
Gwithian – near Hayle – miles of golden sands. Some of the surf clubs will run classes from here.
Marazion – safe beach which has a car park and is accessible for families with lots of gear.
Porthcurno – the sea is always blue here, beautiful.
Praa Sands – huge beach with cafe.
Perranuthnoe – big at low tide but small and risky at high tide. Good cafe and local craft shops.
Eating & drinking
Restaurants
The Shore, Penzance – acclaimed seafood restaurant with an ethos of fresh, locally sourced produce.
Mackerel Sky, Newlyn – great seafood cafe.
2 Fore Street, Mousehole – bistro style specialising in locally sourced produce.
The Kitchen at Tremehere, Ludgvan – Lovely, tasty small menu, eat inside or out with spectacular views of St Michael’s Mount. Situated at Tremenhere Sculpture Gardens.
The Tolcarne Inn – with Chef Ben Tunnicliffe who holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for this restaurant. Mainly fish.
Cafes
Duke Street Cafe, Newlyn – lovely cafe near the harbour. Also serves evening meals on some days.
Eat House – Cafe Bar at Newlyn Filmhouse, lovely light bites. You do not need to be going to see a film to eat here.
The Orangery, Penlee Gardens, Penzance – cafe with light lunches set in local park.
The Honey Pot, Penzance – lovely lunches and great coffee. Good for vegetarians.
Archie Browns, Penzance – above the health food shop. Great vegetarian and vegan cafe.
The Rock Pool, Mousehole – set right on the rocks, fabulous views.
Fast Food
Pizza
Totti’s, Penzance – great proper Italian pizzas.
Fish and Chips
There are local fish and chip shops in Heamoor and Newlyn.
Pasties
Everyone has their favourites – we love Philp’s at Marazion or Hayle.
Pubs
Gurnard’s Head – local gastropub. Lovely log fires in winter and great food all year round. Enclosed garden which is great for the children but take extra jumpers as it is quite exposed.
The Tinners at Zennor – good food, log fires, great atmosphere.
The Mexico Inn, Longrock – lovely pub with themed nights for food. Often has local bands playing.
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole – Gastropub in the same family as The Gurnard’s Head.
Culture
Newlyn Art Gallery
Newlyn Filmhouse – local independent cinema showing a mix of arthouse and mainstream films – a lovely cinema experience.
Penlee Art Gallery
Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Gallery.
St Michael’s Mount
The Minack – open air theatre on the cliffs at Porthcurno – a fabulous experience – take plenty of food and clothes!
Shopping
Thornes – Grocers in Penzance and Longrock industrial estate
Harvey’s – good old fashioned butcher – you will always get a cheerful welcome and great meat.
The Cornish Hen – delicatessen in Penzance. Lovely selection of cheeses and hot made produce.
Baker Tom’s, Penzance – local artisan bakery.
Make Industries Penzance – hand made high quality local goods from chocolate to textiles.
Supermarkets
There are Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s – you will pass them on the way into Penzance.
Lidl’s and Co-op – are located on the seafront between Penzance and Newlyn.
Be active
Cycle Hire – Land’s End Cycle Hire – Longrock. The website also gives route suggestions.
Penzance Leisure Centre – 50m pool plus learner pool, gym and Les Mills classes
Jubilee Pool – recently refurbished famous lido right on the promenade. A sea water filled huge swimming pool with a smaller pool for little ones and a new geothermal pool. The high walls mean you can find shelter even on the windiest days. Cafe on site.
Walks – Cobblestone Cottage is well placed for many walks and there are route books available in the cottage.
Surfing and SUP – there are many local companies that provide all the gear you need to have lessons.
Children
one2eleven – indoor play area next to Flambard’s theme park in Helston
Escape Rooms – solve the clues to find your way out of the room. Fun for all the family
Tanglewood Gardens – a magical garden with something different around every corner.
Paradise Park at Hayle – Birds of paradise, goats, snakes etc. Also has a soft play area – The Jungle Barn.
Maritime Museum – Falmouth. Really interesting day out and good for the whole family.
Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen – experience an old tin mine as you go underground with guides.
Savoy Cinema, Penzance – recently refurbished local cinema.