THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Beaches

There are some wonderful beaches (from sheltered coves to long open stretches of sand) within a short drive (or train ride) from Penzance. Our nearby favourites are:-

Best for Swimming

Marazion (3 miles); Perranuthnoe (5 miles); Porthminster, St Ives (8 miles); Gwithian/Godrevy, Hayle (11 miles); Porthcurno (8 miles)

For Surfing

Sennen Cove (8 miles); Gwenver (8 miles); Porthmeor, St Ives (8 miles)

Off the beaten track

Portheras (7 miles); Nanjizal (9 miles); Porth Chapel (8 miles); Pedn Vounder, Treen (7 miles); Kenneggy Sands (7 miles)

Although not a beach, mention must be made of the fabulous and recently refurbished Jubilee Pool on the seafront in Penzance. Jubilee Pool is the largest seawater lido in the UK and now boasts a separate geothermally heated outdoor pool which is open throughout the year.

Walking

The Land’s End Peninsula offers some of the best coastal walking in Britain. Even in high season, it is possible to walk along stretches of stunning coastline without seeing hardly anyone.

There are also some good circular walks, which take you inland to beautiful lush valleys, moorland and Neolithic sites.

A little further afield, there is also great walking on the Lizard Peninsula and Helford River.

We can lend ordnance survey maps and give you our views on the best walks.

Activities

At nearby Sennen, St Ives and Praa Sands and there are surf schools. There are also many cycle paths/routes around the Land’s End Peninsula and bikes can be hired in Penzance. Boat trips, fishing and marine wildlife excursions can also be arranged in Penzance and you can fly fish at the nearby 65 acres of Drift Reservoir.

Gardens

There are many beautiful gardens in Cornwall and some of the best lie within 5 – 10 miles of Penzance. First, there are the lovely sub-tropical Morrab Gardens in the centre of Penzance.

Our Favorites

Trewidden

(just outside Penzance: www.trewiddengarden.co.uk );

Tremenheere

(about 2 miles from Penzance) – wonderful new sculpture garden with a lovely cafe ( www.tremenheere.co.uk )

St Michael’s Mount

(National Trust)

Trengwainton

(National Trust)

Chygurno

(at Lamorna: www.gardensofcornwall.com/site/outdoor-kids/chygurno-p466183)

Goldolphin

(about 7 miles away: www.nationaltrust.org.uk )

Further afield (10 – 25 miles)

Bonython

( www.bonythonmanor.co.uk );

Glendurgan

(National Trust);

Trebah

( www.trebahgarden.co.uk ).

We have visited all of these and can provide further advice on opening times and the best times to visit.