Penzance, Cornwall: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of the Countryman's Paradise!
Penzance, Cornwall: More Than Just a Pretty Postcard - A Messy, Wonderful Experience!
Alright, folks, let's be real for a second. Travel brochures? They lie. They paint a picture of perfect sunshine and flawless experiences. Well, I'm here to tell you about Penzance, Cornwall, and it's… well, it's real. And mostly, that means wonderful.
This isn't a slick, polished review. This is me, back from a trip, still smelling faintly of sea salt and probably a bit of leftover pasty (more on those later). I’m going to spill the tea, the Cornish cream tea, and everything else. Let's dive in.
First Impressions: Accessibility - Yay! (Mostly!)
Right off the bat, I'm going to say, getting to Penzance is pretty straightforward. Train is a good choice, and the scenery, well, let’s just say you'll be glued to the window. It's a long journey… but it's worth it.
Accessibility within Penzance itself is… improving. Look, it's Cornwall. It’s coastal. Some streets are steep. Some pavements are narrow. But I did see facilities for disabled guests popping up in multiple hotels and restaurants. Elevators are present in some places, which is a huge win. Wheelchair accessibility varies, so it pays to check specific establishments beforehand. Honestly, it's not the most seamless experience, but the effort is definitely there.
The Hotel: Unpacking the Penzance Experience (and my luggage…)
Now, the real heart of the matter: the hotel. Let's talk about what matters to me.
Rooms & Amenities: A Home Away From Home or an Airbnb?
Okay, here we go… I had a room with air conditioning (bliss, especially after a day in the sun, even if that sun is hiding behind some clouds!), plus good Internet access – wireless (essential for posting those envy-inducing travel photos!). Wi-Fi [free]? Absolutely, and it worked well enough. Complimentary tea and coffee maker were in the room to help me wake up and feel like I was still at home.
I needed the room to be big enough to move around in. This place has a desk, which let me make notes after each day. I liked having a refrigerator to keep the Cornish cider cold! The bathroom? Clean, with a good shower, which is more important than a fancy tub. Don't get me wrong, bathrobes are a nice touch.
They had non-smoking rooms, which is always a plus. Room sanitization opt-out available. They had a high floor. Okay, fine, let's face it, I'm a sucker for a view! I found the extra long bed very useful and it's good to have a reading light. The place had interconnecting room(s) available. Not sure why, but maybe my kids would like that.
The Food Scene: Pasties, and So Much More (Maybe Too Much…)
Alright, food, people! The lifeblood of any good trip!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Honestly, the buffet was decent, Asian breakfast isn't my thing, but the Western breakfast was perfect.
- Restaurants: There were restaurants, featuring international cuisine and the all-important salad in restaurant.
- Snacks & Drinks: Gotta have a bar for that evening cider, and maybe catch Happy hour.
- I'm not sure I've ever used the phrase "Poolside bar" but maybe I should!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Just Sunbathing (Though That's Nice)
Penzance is more than just a beach town, although, trust me, the beaches are stunning. Trust me, they have a fantastic swimming pool [outdoor].
- The Spa Experience (or My Attempt at Zen): There was a Spa/sauna, but I'm more of a "pop in and pop out" kind of guy, I went to the steamroom. They had a fitness center, but I was on holiday. I was tired.
- Relaxing: You could get a massage.
Cleanliness & Safety: Keeping the Germs at Bay (and My Sanity)
Let's be real, we're all a bit germ-paranoid these days. So, did the hotel do its part? Yes! They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products being used. Definitely felt safe.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Convenience store: Good to grab chocolate bars or whatever!
- Laundry service: Definitely useful after a week of walking around, even if they don't have a cashless payment service.
- Luggage storage and doorman: Essential for a smooth arrival and departure, especially with all the luggage and Cornish souvenirs I inevitably accumulate.
Things to Do:
I could write a whole book chapter on the things to do, but here's the super-condensed version:
- St Michael's Mount: You absolutely have to go. It's iconic. The tide schedule is a thing, so plan accordingly.
- The Minack Theatre: Cliffside theatre? Stunning. Book tickets well in advance.
- Jubilee Pool: Sea-water swimming pool. Perfect for a dip on a sunny day (or a brave one on a cloudy day!).
Verdict: This is Penzance, warts and all.
Look, this isn’t a perfect place. Things get a little messy. The weather can be fickle. But that's part of the charm! Penzance is a place where you can truly relax, explore, and just be. And the hotel? Well, it provided a solid base camp for all my Cornish adventures, with enough comfort and convenience to keep me sane in the process.
My Quirky Observation: They had a CCTV outside property. I wonder if they actually watch it. And who the crazy people are watching it at 3 AM!
Strong Emotional Response: The smell of the sea, the warmth of the people, the crunch of sand between my toes… yeah, I loved it. Absolutely loved it. I'm already planning my return trip!
My Recommendation for the Hotel?
I give it a solid 8 out of 10. It's not the Ritz, but it’s clean, comfortable, well-located, and provides a solid base to explore Penzance.
My Crazy Offer: Book Now and Get a Free Pasty Kit (Plus a Discount!)
Right, here’s the deal: Book your stay at this amazing Cornwall place within the next month and get a 10% discount on your stay and a FREE Pasty Kit to make your own Cornish deliciousness! (Because let's face it, you'll need one!).
This is where it gets real. You're not just booking a hotel. You're booking an experience. You're booking a chance to lose yourself in the beauty of Cornwall. You’re booking a slice of pure joy. This offer won't last forever, so book now! And maybe, just maybe, I'll see you there. I'll be the one munching on a pasty, with sand in my shoes, and a huge grin on my face.
Click here to book your Cornish adventure and claim your FREE Pasty Kit!
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Qiandao Lake's InterContinental Resort
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're plunging headfirst into the glorious, windswept chaos that is a trip to Penzance, Cornwall, England, and trust me, things are never quite as perfect as they seem in those glossy travel brochures. Prepare for a bumpy ride – both in the metaphorical and potentially literal sense, considering Cornish roads.
The Countryman Penzance: My Unfiltered Cornish Romp (and Probable Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, I Forgot My… Everything!" Moment
Morning (or what passes for morning after a flight and a train): Arrive into Penzance Station. First impressions? Delightful. Cobblestone streets, a whiff of salt and fish and chips, and a general feeling of "yes, I made a good decision." Then, the panic sets in. Where's the hotel? Did I book the right one? (Spoiler alert: probably not, I'm terrible at bookings.)
- Anecdote: Found the hotel! The Countryman. Looks charming even with a slightly grumpy-looking chap at the reception. Turns out, I’d booked the wrong dates. “Oh, love, you’re a day early,” he drawled in that perfect Cornish accent, making me feel like a complete, idiot. Luckily, they had a room… smaller than a shoebox, but hey, it's a roof and four walls. Plus, on top of that I was too disorganized to pack the correct weather gear or my camera. Now I'm really screwed!
Afternoon: Wander around Penzance. The town is a delicious mess of art galleries, quirky shops (souvenir shopping, here I come!). The harbour? Stunning. The seagulls? Arrogant, thieving little devils. I see a man get his pasty stolen right out of his hands. Bloody seagulls man!
Evening: Dinner at a pub recommended by the grumpy hotel guy (who, surprisingly, softened after I offered him a packet of biscuits). Fish and chips, a pint of something local, and the blissful feeling of being somewhere else. The chatter of locals, the clinking of glasses, and the general sense of being welcome… it’s pure magic.
Day 2: Mount's Bay Madness and the Epic Pasty Quest
- Morning: The plan was St Michael's Mount, that iconic tidal island. Weather? Miserable. Grey, drizzly, and generally trying to ruin my day. But, I'm not letting it. Boots on, rain jacket zipped tight, and off to Marazion by bus.
- Opinion: St Michael's Mount is gorgeous… even in the rain. The history is incredible, the views (when the clouds momentarily parted) are breathtaking. It's a MUST-SEE. Seriously, go. Just maybe bring a poncho. Or a boat.
- Afternoon: The Pasty Pilgrimage and the 'Almost' Disaster.
- Rambling: Alright, this needs its own section. The pasty. The Cornish pasty. It’s more than a food, it's a religion. I was on a quest. A quest for the perfect pasty. I went to three different bakeries. Each was… good. Decent. But the perfect one, the one that would transport me to a higher plane of carb-induced bliss? Nowhere to be found! Then…
- Anecdote: I finally found the one. A tiny, family-run bakery tucked away on a side street, serving pasties still warm from the oven. I took that first bite and almost cried. It was… perfect. Crispy, flaky pastry, the perfect blend of meat, vegetables, and a hint of pepper. A culinary orgasm in every bite. But…as I was getting out of the shop with a mouth full of pasty, I lost control of the food. I dropped my pasty! The sheer devastation was almost unbearable. Luckily the baker offered a fresh one, bless him.
- Evening: Back in Penzance. A stroll along the promenade, watching the waves crash against the sea wall. The sound of the sea is so therapeutic, makes all the bad memories to disappear, and all I could think about was the next pasty.
Day 3: Land's End and the "Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?" Moment
- Morning: Land's End! The very edge of England. It's a bit touristy, but… you gotta go, right? So I get on a bus (another experience of 'will this thing even make it up the hill?').
- Emotional reaction: The views are spectacular; the sheer drama of the cliffs, the crashing waves. It's raw, and bracing, and makes you feel incredibly small.
- Afternoon: The obligatory photo in front of the signpost. (Yes, I fell for it. Tourist, through and through). Then, a long walk of the coastal path. The wind is howling (almost blew me into the sea), the rain is lashing, but the scenery is stunning.
- Quirky Observation: The sheep. Everywhere. They are judging me. I swear.
- Evening: Back in Penzance and after a proper meal, I have decided to have another pasty, this time a vegetarian one!
Day 4: Art, Gardens, and the Reluctant Goodbye
- Morning: A visit to the Penlee House Gallery & Museum. The Newlyn School paintings are beautiful and capture the light and the life of Cornwall perfectly. It's a much-needed dose of culture.
- Afternoon: A walk through the Trewidden Garden– a tropical paradise. A riot of colour, lush greenery, and the feeling of being miles away from everywhere.
- Evening: A final pint, a final pasty (yes, another one), and a slow walk along the harbour, soaking it all in. This trip was pure magic. The town, the food, the people. I am going to miss this place and everyone.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: A last look at the ocean, promising myself I'll be back. Back to the train and then back to London.
- Emotional reaction: Leaving Cornwall sucks. It’s a feeling of 'leaving a piece of my soul behind'. I already miss the grumpy hotel chap, the pasties, and the sheer, untamed beauty of this place. Until next time, Penzance! Don't change too much.
Possible Imperfections and Things That Will Probably Go Wrong:
- I'll misplace my phone. Probably multiple times.
- I'll get lost. Definitely.
- I'll spend way too much money on pasties. Worth it.
- The weather will probably turn on me at some point.
- I'll probably forget to pack something essential. (See Day 1).
But hey, that's the beauty of travel, right? The messy, the unpredictable, the utterly human. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Lafayette's BEST Kept Secret: Smart Stay Inn Awaits!
Penzance: Questionable Paradise? Let's Unpack This...
Okay, Penzance. Everyone says it's "charming." Is it *actually* charming, or just… old?
Charming. Ugh. That word. Look, Penzance *has* charm, alright? But it's the kind of charm that comes with a slightly peeling facade and a healthy dose of dampness. You know? Like a well-loved dog.
It’s not all postcard perfect, mind you. I remember one time, trying to navigate the Market Jew Street (yes, really, it’s ‘Jew’ and not in an offensive way, it's named after an old market) and nearly tripping over a rogue seagull having a philosophical debate with a discarded pasty wrapper. Charming? Maybe not. Penzance-y? Absolutely. But I’d say "quirky" is a better descriptor. Think faded grandeur, a dash of "been there, done that," and a sprinkle of "bless their cotton socks, they're *trying*."
The truth is, it's a little bit rough around the edges. But that's what makes it real. It's not pretending to be something it isn't.
The Jubilee Pool – it's famous. Is it worth the hype? (And is the sea actually cold?)
The Jubilee Pool is... iconic. It's a *thing*. A big, lovely, iconic *thing*! And YES, it's worth the hype. But let me back up -- the sea water *is* bloody freezing, let's be clear. Even in July, you'll feel the icy grip of the Atlantic on your toes.
But the Jubilee Pool is different. It's an open-air lido, right on the sea front, and they've got a geothermal pool now, so if you're faint of heart, head there (and watch me roll my eyes – kidding! Mostly). The feeling of swimming in that seawater, looking out at the Mount, knowing the waves are crashing just beyond the wall... it's genuinely special. I remember my first dip; it was a blustery day, and the spray from the waves was just kissing my face while I tried to not shiver myself to smithereens. I *was* miserable for the first 5 minutes, but by the time I got out, I felt like I could conquer the world… or at least, the next Cornish pasty. And that geothermal pool? Bloody genius.
Just pack a thick towel. And maybe a flask of something warm. You'll thank me later.
What about the food? Are there any good restaurants in Penzance?
Oh, the food! Right, so, Penzance has a bit of everything, from proper traditional Cornish fare (think pasties – you’ll be bombarded with them, so embrace it! - and cream teas) to some seriously fancy stuff.
For a good, solid meal, try The Shore. It’s *expensive* but the food is incredible, and the atmosphere is a lovely sort of understated poshness. Or if you want something simpler (and cheaper!), then try The Mexico Inn, I just love it there, the food is great and it feels like a real pub!
I've had some truly *memorable* pasties (good and, admittedly, some truly terrible ones as well – soggy bottom, anyone?). My advice? Try a few and find your favourite. There are *strong* regional opinions on the perfect pasty. Don't be afraid to get involved in a debate.
Is Penzance a good base for exploring the rest of Cornwall?
Absolutely! Penzance is a brilliant base. It's right on the coast, so you're perfectly positioned to hop on the train (the scenic line to St Ives is a must-do) or get in the car and explore.
St Michael's Mount is a short drive away (and absolutely breathtaking, especially on a sunny day - good luck with that!), and the Lizard Peninsula is within easy reach. You can even catch a ferry to the Scilly Isles from Penzance harbour. I have never done that, as I am a cheapskate, but I hear it is fantastic. Just be warned, Cornish roads are narrow and winding, so factor extra time for getting places.
I would say: the best way to see Penzance and beyond is to find a decent map of the area and wing-it.
What's the weather like in Penzance? Be honest, please.
Right. The weather. Let's just say, it's… unpredictable. You can experience four seasons in a single day. Sunshine, then rain, then wind that'll blow your hat (and possibly your dignity) off, then maybe a bit more sunshine.
I remember one trip, we were promised sunshine all week. We packed suncream, dresses, the works. Then we got there, and it basically *rained* sideways for five days solid. Not a drop of sunshine! But you know what? It's still beautiful. Just pack layers, waterproofs, and embrace the drama. And don't be surprised if you *do* get sunburned, even on a cloudy day. The Cornish weather is a fickle mistress, but she keeps things interesting.
Are there any hidden gems in Penzance? Secret places only locals know about?
Oh, the hidden gems. This is where it gets tricky. Because the moment you tell everyone, they're not so hidden, are they?
Okay, shhh... there's this tiny little cafe on Chapel Street called The Honey Pot – the coffee is brilliant, and the cakes are dangerous (in the best possible way). The place is all vintage and cosy, ideal for a break. A little walk that, if you find it, has this beautiful view over the bay - I am being vague to protect it! But honestly, explore the side streets off Market Jew Street, and you'll discover little shops, cafes, and galleries. They’re worth it. Just… don't tell *everyone* about them, yeah?
Is it easy to get around Penzance without a car?
Pretty much, yes! The town itself is very walkable. Most of the main attractions (harbour, the shops, the Jubilee Pool) are within easy reachMy Hotel Reviewst
