Top Day Trips from Hotel Penzance

We love welcoming guests to Hotel Penzance from all over the UK and beyond. Many people choose to stay here to enjoy all of the wonderful attractions that Cornwall offers, and there is plenty to see and do during your stay in Penzance. Here are some of the best day trips we recommend to our guests.

Visit the Scilly Isles

One of the must-do trips during your time in Penzance is to take a boat trip to the Scilly Isles. This is easy to arrange from Penzance because boats like the Scillonian III ferry leave from here regularly between March and November.

The boat trip takes just under three hours, so you can get an early boat and return on the same day in time for dinner.

The islands are absolutely gorgeous and there is so much you can do when you arrive. You might want to spend some time on one of the stunning beaches, visit an attraction like Tresco Abbey Garden or simply enjoy the tranquility and beautiful scenery.

St Ives

St Ives is located right on the south-west tip of Cornwall, and it is a beautiful little town to visit on a day trip. It’s only 8 miles from Penzance, so it’s easy to reach, and there is lots to do on your day out.

Whether you visit Tate St Ives, see the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, stroll through the Down-a-long or explore the harbour, there’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Land’s End

Just 10 miles away from Penzance is Land’s End, the most westerly location in the British Isles. It’s not only one of the most famous landmarks in the UK, it’s also a place where you will find beautiful wild scenery where the dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Look out for wildlife including seals and seabirds, and enjoy the spectacular views.

Minack Theatre

Minack Theatre is a unique open-air theatre that you can visit throughout the year. It’s just 10 miles away from Penzance, making it a convenient option for a day trip.

The theatre is located right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, and there cannot be many more dramatic locations to watch a performance. The theatre puts on opera, musicals, drama, comedy and more throughout the summer months, so find out what’s on while you’re in Cornwall.

St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is an island that is separated by the tide. So when the tide is low, you can walk across to the island by foot, and when the tide is high, you can go across in a boat.

It used to be an important destination for pilgrims, and it’s the perfect family day out. Because it’s only four miles away, you can drive there in 10 minutes.

What's more, entrance to St Michael's Mount and Gardens is free for National Trust members.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a charity that rescues grey seal pups and rehabilitates them. It started back in 1958, and it now rehabilitates over 70 pups a year.

The sanctuary is located in Gweek Village, which is easy to reach and takes about half an hour by car. You can visit on a day trip and learn all about the seals and the conservation work that goes on at the sanctuary.

The Eden Project

One of Cornwall’s (and the UK’s) biggest attractions, The Eden Project is just over an hour away by car (about 50 miles), so it’s an easy day trip from Penzance. You’ve probably seen the famous white domes before, but nothing prepares you for what it’s like on the inside.

Sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, it is a global garden where you can explore tropical plants and trees that you would normally have to travel to the other side of the world to see.

Walking through a rainforest is an incredible experience, but The Eden Project is also a place to learn about the natural world and our important relationship with plants. There are also regular workshops, music concerts and more, making it a fantastic visitor attraction for all the family.

See the Best of Beautiful Cornwall

These are some of the best day trips you can enjoy when you stay in Penzance. But this is really just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to see and do, starting with the fabulous beaches! You could visit one of the pristine beaches nearby or travel to a beach slightly further along the coast for a day out. Here’s a guide to some of the best in Cornwall.

You could also walk parts of the stunning South West Coast Path to see the best of Cornwall on foot, or you could enjoy countless other fun and interesting day trips. Just ask us when you book your stay or during your time with us, and we’ll help you to plan some wonderful days out to discover all that Cornwall has to offer.