Emma's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Just 20 minutes from the house, this National Trust treasure is bookable to visit it's magnificent gardens and castle. Best to book to avoid disappointment. Great walk along the beach to get there.
690 locals recommend
Saint Michael's Mount
Just 20 minutes from the house, this National Trust treasure is bookable to visit it's magnificent gardens and castle. Best to book to avoid disappointment. Great walk along the beach to get there.
Land's End - if you haven't been - you just have to go. Eat donuts by the sign, grab an ice cream, a play area for the kids - or for a less touristy place to visit - head next door to Sennen beach.
249 locals recommend
Land's End Landmark Attraction
Land's EndLand's End - if you haven't been - you just have to go. Eat donuts by the sign, grab an ice cream, a play area for the kids - or for a less touristy place to visit - head next door to Sennen beach.
Godolphin Cross
A National Trust place - great for the kids or a nice for a walk.
Lots to see in Falmouth - the Castle is a day out in it's self. With the old war memorials and historic tours. Note this is English Heritage.
303 locals recommend
Falmouth
Lots to see in Falmouth - the Castle is a day out in it's self. With the old war memorials and historic tours. Note this is English Heritage.
Very close by - great half day out with great views and cafe. Book Tremenheere Kitchen early to avoid disappointment.
(Not a great assessable place for buggies/wheelchairs)
215 locals recommend
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Very close by - great half day out with great views and cafe. Book Tremenheere Kitchen early to avoid disappointment.
(Not a great assessable place for buggies/wheelchairs)
A must - regardless or the weather - amazing views. Book early and pack for all weathers!
545 locals recommend
The Minack Theatre
A must - regardless or the weather - amazing views. Book early and pack for all weathers!
Amazing beach for surfers - 20 mins away. Good for a picnic and beach day.
246 locals recommend
Sennen Cove
Amazing beach for surfers - 20 mins away. Good for a picnic and beach day.
Evening walk - at sunset - you can’t beat it. Tricky to find and park - but head for the national trust car park. You can see Hayle beach and Penzance from the top.
17 locals recommend
Trencrom Hill
Evening walk - at sunset - you can’t beat it. Tricky to find and park - but head for the national trust car park. You can see Hayle beach and Penzance from the top.
Thermal heated, on the promenade - very central with a great cafe.
165 locals recommend
Jubilee Pool Penzance
Battery RoadThermal heated, on the promenade - very central with a great cafe.
Great place to explore with dogs and the kids. Right be the North Cliffs if you fancy a bigger challenge.
110 locals recommend
Tehidy Woods
Great place to explore with dogs and the kids. Right be the North Cliffs if you fancy a bigger challenge.
Porthleven Harbour
1 Harbour Rd
Mousehole
Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.
Just over an hour’s drive from Penzance is the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan with a super romantic history. A great day to spend the day with the kids exploring the structured kitchen and walled gardens; or uncover the wilder gardens with massive gunnera and ferns, reminiscent of prehistoric times and which are constantly being re-discovered. Great gift shop and café or take a picnic and sit in the gardens, marvelling at the huge agapanthus. Dogs with well behaved owners are welcome.
594 locals recommend
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
B3273Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.
Just over an hour’s drive from Penzance is the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan with a super romantic history. A great day to spend the day with the kids exploring the structured kitchen and walled gardens; or uncover the wilder gardens with massive gunnera and ferns, reminiscent of prehistoric times and which are constantly being re-discovered. Great gift shop and café or take a picnic and sit in the gardens, marvelling at the huge agapanthus. Dogs with well behaved owners are welcome.
Don’t be caught out by the locals, this quaint little village is a must for visitors. Pronounced Mowzal, this is a chocolate box village that is the epitome of a Cornish village. Some wonderful boutique shops and all a stones throw from the traditional working village of Newlyn, where fresh catches are still the sustenance of the towns lifeblood.
Don’t want to explore on your own, then take a guided walking tour
Delve deeper into the history and culture of the charming fishing village of Mousehole on a private walking tour that helps you get your bearings with ease. Wander at a pace that’s suited to you, and enjoy the undivided attention of your private guide as you visit the seafront, the Fitzroy barometer, and a local pub.
84 locals recommend
Mousehole Harbour
21 Commercial RoadDon’t be caught out by the locals, this quaint little village is a must for visitors. Pronounced Mowzal, this is a chocolate box village that is the epitome of a Cornish village. Some wonderful boutique shops and all a stones throw from the traditional working village of Newlyn, where fresh catches are still the sustenance of the towns lifeblood.
Don’t want to explore on your own, then take a guided walking tour
Delve deeper into the history and culture of the charming fishing village of Mousehole on a private walking tour that helps you get your bearings with ease. Wander at a pace that’s suited to you, and enjoy the undivided attention of your private guide as you visit the seafront, the Fitzroy barometer, and a local pub.
Explore this inland moor and all the steeped history of the area, whether you are an avid walker or a gentle stroller. Best guidebook to the tors is in the link above, a mixture of trails from strenuous hikes to relaxed woodland walks, so whether you want a long or short walk, you should find something to suit.
150 locals recommend
Bodmin Moor
Explore this inland moor and all the steeped history of the area, whether you are an avid walker or a gentle stroller. Best guidebook to the tors is in the link above, a mixture of trails from strenuous hikes to relaxed woodland walks, so whether you want a long or short walk, you should find something to suit.
City/town information
A quaint little town - with winding streets, shops and 3 lovely bays. Busy at tourist times so recommended early or late.
610 locals recommend
St Ives
A quaint little town - with winding streets, shops and 3 lovely bays. Busy at tourist times so recommended early or late.
Main hub for restaurants - try the Artist's Residence, The Bake House - or Helly's and an amazing Sunday lunch - eat in or take-out.
161 locals recommend
Penzance
Main hub for restaurants - try the Artist's Residence, The Bake House - or Helly's and an amazing Sunday lunch - eat in or take-out.
Padstow - but less busy. Great walks, lovely harbour. Nice restaurants and cafes. Locals favourite. Great surfing.
204 locals recommend
Porthleven
Padstow - but less busy. Great walks, lovely harbour. Nice restaurants and cafes. Locals favourite. Great surfing.
Food scene
Sainsburys is the closest supermarket - just as you drive into Penzance or accessible by the number 16 bus - which stops outside our house.
121 locals recommend
Sainsbury's
Eastern GreenSainsburys is the closest supermarket - just as you drive into Penzance or accessible by the number 16 bus - which stops outside our house.
Great place for drinks and dinner - you must book though to avoid disappointment - it's a busy place. You can dine outside in the courtyard or inside.
69 locals recommend
Artist Residence Clubhouse
20 Chapel StGreat place for drinks and dinner - you must book though to avoid disappointment - it's a busy place. You can dine outside in the courtyard or inside.
Amazing food 9.30-3.30 - every day. Book for a Sunday lunch or phone for a take out.
Hellys Deli Bar Cafe
Unit 15 Wharf RdAmazing food 9.30-3.30 - every day. Book for a Sunday lunch or phone for a take out.
Great good, indoor and outdoor choices - great for families and couples.
43 locals recommend
The Old Forge Lelant
Great good, indoor and outdoor choices - great for families and couples.
Wood fired pizzas, great burgers and beer. Short walk from the house.
44 locals recommend
The Mexico Inn
4 RiversideWood fired pizzas, great burgers and beer. Short walk from the house.
Amazing breakfast and lunch. You must book online early. Lots of local catches available for lunch.
34 locals recommend
Tremenheere Kitchen
Amazing breakfast and lunch. You must book online early. Lots of local catches available for lunch.
Amazing sea food bar - no bookings taken - just turn up and eat 12-9pm daily.
Great crab, scallops, mussels etc! Yummy!
154 locals recommend
Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar
New RoadAmazing sea food bar - no bookings taken - just turn up and eat 12-9pm daily.
Great crab, scallops, mussels etc! Yummy!
Lovely family restaurant with a terrace with heaters. Excellent Pizza and 'to die for' cheesy dough balls. Great burgers, risotto. Caters for vegan/veggie. Open breakfast lunch and dinner. Booking recommended online through Open Table.
43 locals recommend
The Old Forge Lelant
Lovely family restaurant with a terrace with heaters. Excellent Pizza and 'to die for' cheesy dough balls. Great burgers, risotto. Caters for vegan/veggie. Open breakfast lunch and dinner. Booking recommended online through Open Table.
Amazing place for breakfast and lunch. Great views of the estuary and casual but yummy food.
53 locals recommend
Birdies Bistro
Amazing place for breakfast and lunch. Great views of the estuary and casual but yummy food.
Jordans is great for a coffee by the Mount - love walk from Long Rock. Roasts available on a Sunday to take out. Everyone takes out and eats on the beach.
7 locals recommend
Jordan's Cafe
Jordans is great for a coffee by the Mount - love walk from Long Rock. Roasts available on a Sunday to take out. Everyone takes out and eats on the beach.
Lovely little cafe on the cliff right by the beach car park. Covers for the drizzly weather. Hot chocolates and surfing combined.
14 locals recommend
The Cabin
Lovely little cafe on the cliff right by the beach car park. Covers for the drizzly weather. Hot chocolates and surfing combined.
Casual eat in or take out on the front at St. Ives.
Amazing Lobster or Fish and Chips.
Great options for the kids.
Good selection of wines and beers.
No dogs allowed unfortunately.
54 locals recommend
Sanders Fish And Chips
Foundry SquareCasual eat in or take out on the front at St. Ives.
Amazing Lobster or Fish and Chips.
Great options for the kids.
Good selection of wines and beers.
No dogs allowed unfortunately.
Family and pet friendly - lush roasts - and pizzas/burgers…
Closed on Mondays
Parking available
Near the unforgettable Gwithian / Godrevy beaches.
37 locals recommend
The Rockpool
1 Godrevy TowansFamily and pet friendly - lush roasts - and pizzas/burgers…
Closed on Mondays
Parking available
Near the unforgettable Gwithian / Godrevy beaches.
Family fun activities
Family fun for crazy golf, football golf and pitch and putt. Ice creams and a nice play area.
9 locals recommend
Penwith Pitch and Putt
Chenhalls RoadFamily fun for crazy golf, football golf and pitch and putt. Ice creams and a nice play area.
Coffees, lunch and hire services for Kitesurf & Paddleboard. Lovely little place - just a short walk down the beach.
20 locals recommend
The Hoxton Special - Kitesurf, Paddleboard, Yoga and Coffee
Beach RoadCoffees, lunch and hire services for Kitesurf & Paddleboard. Lovely little place - just a short walk down the beach.
Family fun theme park - available Feb to October. When you buy tickets you get 7 days free entry - so plan a few days together for good value. Dogs welcome on a lead.
207 locals recommend
Flambards Theme Park
Clodgey LaneFamily fun theme park - available Feb to October. When you buy tickets you get 7 days free entry - so plan a few days together for good value. Dogs welcome on a lead.
25 mins away, family fun at the Seal Sanctuary.
Great for a wet or dry day.
Takes a good 2-3 hours to look around.
Cafe and kids play area plus the animals.
Penguins are a riot.
187 locals recommend
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
25 mins away, family fun at the Seal Sanctuary.
Great for a wet or dry day.
Takes a good 2-3 hours to look around.
Cafe and kids play area plus the animals.
Penguins are a riot.
Great fun for the family. Crazy golf, pitch and putt, football golf - there is also a play area and great ice creams.
9 locals recommend
Penwith Pitch and Putt
Chenhalls RoadGreat fun for the family. Crazy golf, pitch and putt, football golf - there is also a play area and great ice creams.
Just over an hour’s drive from Penzance is the Eden Project, once a barren land of an disused former clay mine, now this huge area is now a conservation playfield, with a whole days activities easily at your fingertips. If its wet then the Mediterranean or Tropical biome will keep you dry whilst you explore native plants, mingled with sculpture and art and interactive things for the kids to do. Outside is a vast planted 30 acre landscape that is accessible friendly with multiple places to eat and explore. The site is Dog Friendly but dogs are not allowed in the Biomes.
1111 locals recommend
Eden Project
Just over an hour’s drive from Penzance is the Eden Project, once a barren land of an disused former clay mine, now this huge area is now a conservation playfield, with a whole days activities easily at your fingertips. If its wet then the Mediterranean or Tropical biome will keep you dry whilst you explore native plants, mingled with sculpture and art and interactive things for the kids to do. Outside is a vast planted 30 acre landscape that is accessible friendly with multiple places to eat and explore. The site is Dog Friendly but dogs are not allowed in the Biomes.
Family fun in the quarry - lifejackets provided - wetsuits needed
21 locals recommend
Kernow Adventure Park
HalvassoFamily fun in the quarry - lifejackets provided - wetsuits needed
With a strap line of ‘throwing people off cliffs since 2009’ what’s not to like here! Located near Liskeard and Looe.
The water season opens at Easter and runs until October, where you can dive into the flooded quarry and use the giant inflatable park to have infinite fun on, booking essential in peak season.
The rest of the time there is Karting, a giant swing, zip wires and of course axe throwing, what’s not to like
144 locals recommend
Adrenalin Quarry
Lower Clicker RoadWith a strap line of ‘throwing people off cliffs since 2009’ what’s not to like here! Located near Liskeard and Looe.
The water season opens at Easter and runs until October, where you can dive into the flooded quarry and use the giant inflatable park to have infinite fun on, booking essential in peak season.
The rest of the time there is Karting, a giant swing, zip wires and of course axe throwing, what’s not to like
Beach
Amazing beach near Godrevy. Lush sands.
Rockpool restaurant a family and pet favourite.
They often have a coffe horse box on the beach too
A locals favourite for surfing. Rockpool restaurant is nearby for great food for everyone. Nice Sunday Roast.
Parking available at Godrevy National Trust parking or at Rockpool restaurant.
142 locals recommend
Gwithian Beach
A locals favourite for surfing. Rockpool restaurant is nearby for great food for everyone. Nice Sunday Roast.
Parking available at Godrevy National Trust parking or at Rockpool restaurant.
Amazing beach at Gwithian - Hayle beach stretches all the way down past Gwithian to Godrevy. All amazing walks and great surfing beaches.
52 locals recommend
Gwithian
Amazing beach at Gwithian - Hayle beach stretches all the way down past Gwithian to Godrevy. All amazing walks and great surfing beaches.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Staying Inn Only - Bus Route Penzance to St. Ives
If you are at the Staying Inn a Tolver....Not applicable for Long Barn or Tolroy properties
The Number 16 bus stops outside Tolver - this bus takes you to Sainsburys and Penzance one way and St. Ives through the villages the other way.
Be sure to get 16 and not 16a.
Customs and culture
Dogs on Beaches
July and August dogs are only allowed on most beaches before 8am and after 6pm. Port Kidney & Long Rock beaches are dog beaches all day. https://g.co/kgs/njCsSX