Penzance Landmarks and Monuments

(Penzance, Cornwall, England, UK)

A number of famous and also rather unexpected landmarks are peppered around the Penzance area, of which St. Michael's Mount is perhaps the most well known. This magnificent landmark is home to a historic castle and connected by a narrow causeway, which is often hidden by the water when the tide comes in.

Many visitors to Penzance are lucky enough to time their stay when there is a summer performance at the awe-inspiring Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre quite literally perched on the side of a cliff.

St. Michael's Mount

Address: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0EF, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1736 710507
One of the most cherished and famous landmarks in the whole of Cornwall, St. Michael's Mount stands high on a nearby rocky granite 'island' and becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. Steeped in folklore and offering many tales, St. Michael's Mount features historic priory buildings and an ancient castle. Managed by the National Trust, the medieval castle at St. Michael's Mount dates back to the 12th century and is perched at the very top of the Mount, boasting Gothic-style architecture with roof terraces.

Located on the eastern side of Penzance and off the coastline of the town of Marazion, St. Michael's Mount is also home to a 14th-century church, subtropical gardens and stunning views of Land's End. It is possible to walk across the causeway at low tide, or alternatively, a ferry is available at high tide times.
Open hours: April to October, Sunday to Friday - 10:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge for castle, discounts for children, families and groups, National Trust members are free

Minack Theatre and Visitor Centre

Address: Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1736 810 181
A truly magical open-air theatre venue, perched high above the coastline and boasting truly incredible ocean views, the Minack Theatre is not to be missed and resembles a traditional Roman amphitheatre. Often referred to locally as the 'Theatre Under the Stars', the Minack Theatre is a prominent local landmark. The theatre offers a series of summer performances, with seating available and consisting of carved out steps, lined with neatly trimmed grass.

Constructed in the 1930s by local Rowena Cade, who lived nearby, the Minack Theatre has continued to flourish ever since. Apart from the summer shows, attractions here include a visitors centre, full of information about the theatre's developments and construction, views of Logan Rock, planted rockery areas, a cafe area and a steep cliff-side walk to the adjacent Porthcurno beach.
Open hours: April and May, daily - 09:30 to 17:30; June to mid-September, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 09:30 to 17:30 (closing at 12:30 on some Wednesdays and Fridays in June, due to matinee performances); mid-September to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00; November to March, daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors and children, children 12 years old and under are free

Promenade

A particularly important local landmark, the Penzance Promenade stretches for just over 1 km / 0.5 miles next to the waters around Mount's Bay and dates back to the 1840s. The perfect place for a traditional seaside stroll, the Promenade is an important part of the town and was historically used by fishermen landing their day's catch. Stretching between the port of Newlyn and also the Jubilee Pool, the Promenade offers many exceptional vantage points along the way and leads to the 'Bag of Rags' pirate ship.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free