Penzance is situated on the shores of beautiful, scenic Mounts Bay. The bay is dominated by St Michaels Mount a historic off-shore island. The area has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. Signs of pre-historic habitation can be found all around Penzance,  there are the remnants from the Bronze Age. and also Iron Age hill forts, the greatest of these being Lescudjack Castle which is incidentally the largest hill fort in Cornwall. There are also many ancient Celtic crosses an indication of Penzances Celtic history, and there  are numerous, mysterious standing stones dotted around the area. The name Pezance derives from Pen San's in the old and ancient Cornish language and translates as Holy Headland. This name derives from the fact that there was an religious site situated there. It is said to be the very ancient Chapel, of, St Anthon. on St Micheals Mount. A local legend however has it that the mount was built by a giant called Cormoran, who had a habit of stealing livestock, and taking them back to the Island. The locals offered a reward to eliminate Cormoran, a brave, or foolhardy young man called Jack crossed at night to the mount, and dug a vast hole. The following morning Jack blew hard on his horn to awaken the giant who still half-asleep fell into the hole: Jack then promptly fills the hole in, end of one naughty giant, Jack is rightly feted as a hero. A great legend, I believe.

So what of Penzance today? Well it has the best of both worlds. For Penzance is situated on the beautiful Cornish coast, and is encompassed by countryside of stunning natural beauty. It is also surrounded by ancient picturesque fishing villages, beautiful cliff-top walks, which are combined with stupendous views, an abundance of wildlife, sub-tropical vegetation, and a wealth of maritime heritage. All which are aligned with early Christian history, and Celtic legend. This tends to make Penzance a fascinating area to visit, and a must on the itinerary of the holiday-maker. Penzance has the distinction of being is Cornwalls most westerly borough. And like Newlyn, and St Ives, Penzance, has also has drawn artists captivated by its awe inspiring location, and natural beauty.

You can sail from Penzance, to the beautiful Isles of Scilly, the voyage takes one along the South Cornish coastline, and as you cruise to the islands, you will see a awe inspiring coastline of coves, caves, and pretty little fishing villages sheltering, as they have done for centuries in the cliff face, then suddenly dramatic Land's End the most southerly point in the British Isles slips quietly by. This incredible voyage although short in duration will live a very long time in your memories.

The Penzance area, has been foe centuries associated with legends, and nautical folk law, including a fascinating history of smugglers, and wreckers. Penance's long tradition of Cornish music and song has not gone un-noticed, for was this not the town, with its music and song alongside the maritime tradition, that inspired Gilbert and Sullivan to name one of the most famous of their "operas," "The Pirates of Penzance". The undoubted jewel though in Penzance's crown, is the Castle of St Michaels Mount, which has stood for centuries on the island. And the views across the bay to St Michaels Mount are wonderful.

Yes the jewel is certainly Mounts Bay and the island castle of St Michaels Mount, however if you travel further afield around the coast, you will find the wonderful  Minack Theater set dramatically in the cliffs above the sea. In addition there is a great variety of attractions open to the visitor including the afore-mentioned Lands End Experience as well as the Tate Gallery in St Ives, a beautiful bird sanctuary named Paradise Park in Hayle, and others just a little further afield such as Flambards Theme Park at Helston, and the Seal Sanctuary at Gweek. Added to numerous museums, galleries, and other attractions in and around, Penzance, plus the best traditional Cornish food, including the famous Cornish pastie. There are also many old inns, to enjoy a drink and while away a pleasant evening, plus plenty of restaurants, and cafés to replenish ones-self after a busy days sight-seeing, many places also offer live entertainment and there is great range of night-clubs. Yes you will never be bored in Penance as there is certainly a myriad of "things to do".

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