Situated at the western end of Mount's Bay, just around the corner from cute Mousehole is Penzance. For some it's a bit grittier than many of Cornwall's other chi-chi ex-fishing villages, this is probably because it still has a working port (the ferries for the Scilly Isles depart from here). But don't let that put you off. Penzance is a buzzing town and one filled with great accommodation options. Our pick of the best places to stay in Penzance includes a couple of smart B&Bs and the cornish outpost (and original property) of the funky Artist Residence group.

Chapel Street stretches from the centre of town down to harbour and is the hub of the action. You'll find a plethora of independent shops and galleries just begging to be explored and no end of bars, cafes and restaurants where you can pick a perch and watch the world go by! Other highlights include the Victorian promenade, the Art Deco Jubilee Pool (the UK's largest seawater lido and geothermally heated pool), and Morrab Gardens, an exotic tropical oasis a couple of blocks back from the prom. Penzance famously was a centre for the Newlyn School of painters, and and it’s still quite an arty, quirky place, with a bohemian vibe. And how can we talk about a Cornwall destination without mentioning the beaches?! You don't have to go far to find one here. There's a fabulous stretch of golden sandy beach running from just east of the harbour all the way round to Marazion, not to mention all the others that you can discover if you hop in your car.

Anyone looking for a more active holiday will love the walking here. Penzance is right on the South West Coast Path (though the leg between St Ives and Penzance is pretty challenging) and there are numerous trails in the nearby countryside with varying lengths for all levels of fitness.

As with all popular destinations in this part of the world, the best places to stay in Penzance are incredibly busy during the peak summer months (and any school holiday period). So do your research and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Penzance

For Ocean Views

• Just one raised block back from the coast, the Georgian-built Chapel House is a peaceful pick, with eight light and airy rooms and suites decorated with plenty of white and colours inspired by the Cornish coast, and all with views of the sea. 
• Sophia's B&B is a four room B&B conversion right on the Promenade. The rooms are all light and airy, decorated in ice blues, whites and greys, the best has a wonderful sea view.

For Families

• The Artist Residence is a 19 room boutique hotel in central Penzance, just a short stroll from the beach. Each of the rooms are totally unique, sharing just a collection of vintage furniture and eclectic art. Each is cleverly laid out, and some are large enough to offer living space and free-standing tubs in the bathrooms. Our pick for families is The Cottage, which sleeps up to six. There’s no restaurant attached to the hotel, but there is a lounge and bar, which serves food and drinks all day — and there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby.

Best B&Bs

• A stylish, six room B&B just a short walk from the centre of town, Venton Vean has been beautifully converted from a spacious, double-fronted Victorian home, set in a lovely garden. The decor blends original features, like fireplaces and coving, with contemporary colours and furnishings, in a way that wouldn’t look out of place in an interiors magazine. The shared sitting room, courtyard and gardens are perfect for chilling out. Children over ten welcome, and guests can expect an impressive breakfast offering too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Penzance is Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about 50 minutes away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours away by public transport. Exeter Airport is closer than London’s, about two hours away by car or taxi, but still around three and a half hours away by public transport. London is a five hour direct train journey leaving from Paddington.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Penzance is busiest during the summer months, partly because Cornwall is glorious at this time of year, but also because this is the UK school holidays. If you’d prefer to avoid the peak season, our Gurus recommend September if you still want to go in the sea, otherwise there’s not really a bad time to visit, with Penzance’s temperatures remaining mild through most of the year. If you do visit out of season make sure you check to see what is and isn’t open, and whenever you visit it’s a good idea to pack your wet weather gear.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cornwall
• Expand your search just beyond Penzance, to include neighbours, like the best places to stay in Marazion, Mousehole or even St Ives
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for and consider the best hotels in Cornwall for families, Cornwall’s best pubs-with-rooms, the most romantic hotels in Cornwall or Cornwall’s best sea view hotels
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.