Nature and history collide in the south of Cornwall around Penzance. I hope that you enjoy the following things I did when exploring the attractions of Southern Cornwall.
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If you are travelling around the United Kingdom, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Attractions of Southern Cornwall
The following attractions of Southern Cornwall are how I spent a weekend at Penzance. There is so much to enjoy in this area it deserves more time to be spent here.
Land’s End
About a 20-minute drive from Penzance is the most south-westerly point of Britain, Land’s End. It’s one of the most famous attractions of Southern Cornwall and a great place to explore the Cornish coastline.
You pay the attendants on arrival for parking so remember to bring cash. You then head through the entrance, where there are shops and entertainment for the whole family.
This is one of the best family attractions of Southern Cornwall as it has so much to offer everyone.
I did the 4-D movie, which takes you into the world of Jurassic World movies. It’s family-friendly, and you can get a pass which covers all the entertainment here.
Check out their website here for what attractions are on, times and prices.
Behind the shops, a track leads to the bottom of Britain. You can see as far as the horizon, across the England Channel and up and down the coastline.
You can walk along the cliffs to the cove and the Village of Sennen.
A National Trust office is at the top of the headland before Sennen, where they can answer all your questions about the area and the flora and fauna that it holds.
You might be lucky enough to see dolphins, seals, Basking sharks or even whales swimming past.
You have two other historical points on this walk, the wreck of the RMS Mulheim and Pass Maen Castle, an Iron Age cliff castle about 2,000 years old.
You can eat at Land’s End or in Sennen Village in the restaurants, cafes or pubs, bringing an end to a beautiful day seeing these attractions of Southern Cornwall.
St. Michael’s Mount
St. Michael’s Mount is one of the best historical attractions of Southern Cornwall, with thousands of visitors a year.
You can park your car all day in Marazion, where attendants will take the fee, so make sure you have cash.
You walk along the causeway first, which can be slippery in parts. Once in, you then walk up to the castle, which is steep and very uneven.
With great views back to Penzance, Marazion and out to sea from the top, all you have to do is be careful as the ground is still uneven and rocky up here.
Inside the castle, the rooms are beautiful. This iconic building has been a priory, fort, castle and family home before being passed into the National Trusts’ hands.
The chapel dates back to the 12th Century and is still in use today.
The gardens are between the coast and the cliff and are strategically built into the cliff face.
The causeway is tide-dependent, so know the tide times to make sure you have plenty of time here.
When the tide and in, a ferry is available to transport you.
The town of Marazion is also worth the visit, with pubs, restaurants and cafes to refuel you after your day of exploring St. Michael’s Mount.
Hours
Spring: 01 April – 30 April
During spring, you can access the harbour, village, shops, cafes and gallery are free. The castle is open to ticket holders only, the garden is closed. Assistance dogs are welcome during this time.
Summer: 01 May – 30 September
During summer, you can access the harbour, village, shops, cafes and gallery are free. The castle is open to ticket holders only, the garden is closed. Assistance dogs are welcome during this time.
Autumn: 01 October – 31 October
During autumn, you can access the harbour, village, shops, cafes and gallery are free. The castle is open to ticket holders only, the garden is closed. All dogs are welcome during this time.
Winter: 01 November – 31 March
During winter, you can access the harbour, village, shops, cafes and gallery are free. The castle is open to ticket holders only, the garden is closed. All dogs are welcome during this time.
| VILLAGE | CASTLE (OPEN 24 MARCH) | GARDEN (OPEN 1 MAY – 30 AUGUST) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY | 09:45 – 17:00 | 09:45 – 15:45 | 09:45 – 15:45 |
| TUESDAY | 09:45 – 17:00 | 09:45 – 15:45 | 09:45 – 15:45 |
| WEDNESDAY | 09:45 – 17:00 | 09:45 – 15:45 | 09:45 – 15:45 |
| THURSDAY | 09:45 – 17:00 | 09:45 – 15:45 | 09:45 – 15:45 |
| FRIDAY | 09:45 – 17:00 | 09:45 – 15:45 | 09:45 – 15:45 |
| SATURDAY | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| SUNDAY | 09:45 – 17:00 | 09:45 – 15:45 | CLOSED |
Please note: the island opens at 09:15 during May half term and throughout July and August.
Prices
Plan what you want to visit by looking at the prices at their site here.
Seal Sanctuary
The Seal Sanctuary is a rescue and convalescence place for local seals and one of the most surprising attractions of Southern Cornwall.
It’s fun for the whole family or anyone interested in the seals of the area.
Otters, penguins, Californian and Patagonian Seals also call this place home. Underwater viewing areas give you an insight into how these animals glide through the water.
It is a steep driveway from the entrance to the seal pools, but there is a shuttle that can transport you.
When I was walking back, there are paths through the woods that I crisscrossed, where you might be lucky enough to see some of the birds that fly around here (I didn’t).
Ponies, Goats and Sheep also call this place home, living out their retirement in a safe place.
Hours
10 am – 5 pm daily with the last entry at 4 pm.
Prices
Pre-booking your ticket is advised. Your tickets are valid for 12 months free entry so please make sure to keep your receipt as proof of entry for future visits.
For prices and booking, click here.
Where I Stayed
The YHA Penzance Hostel is located in the town of Penzance, at the bottom of Cornwall. It’s a great place to stay when you are exploring the south of Cornwall, especially Land’s End and St. Michael’s Mount.
It’s less than a 30-minute into the shops, cafes and restaurants of Penzance, but you feel away from everything amongst the trees that surround the property.
Facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Ambulant accessible
- BBQ area
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Extra-large garden/grounds
- Free parking on the premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Licensed bar
- Luggage store
- Near bus stop/Train station/ferry port
- Outdoor seating
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared lounge/TV
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
How to Get Here
The YHA Penzance is on Castle Horneck Road in Penzance.
How To Book
If you would like to stay at the YHA Penzance Hostel, click on the link and get ready to start your adventure in the south of Cornwall.
Conclusion
I hope you get a chance to see this part of the world and enjoy exploring the attractions of Southern Cornwall as much as I did. It’s a great weekend getaway for the family as well as solo travellers and after seeing these attractions of Southern Cornwall, maybe you’ll explore more of this county.
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