The bustling and friendly town of Penzance is the focus of the District of Penwith in West Cornwall, an area containing a unique blend of natural and man-made environments that is locally revered, nationally recognised and internationally acclaimed. It is a place of the most extraordinary individuality with a quality of life that is highly prized.

Penzance has a unique sense of place. Although a large town by Cornish standards it still retains the warmth, welcome and confidence of a community which is proud enough to hope, strong enough to succeed and whole-heartedly committed to quality of life.

Penzance is a lively market town and resort set in the shelter of Mount’s Bay. It has a parish population of some 20,000 which makes it one of the largest towns in Cornwall. It is large enough to absorb, and benefit from, the social, economic and physical changes planned economic development would bring about.

The town has an excellent range of specialist shops, pubs, restaurants and entertainment facilities. All major banks and building societies are represented as are the tax and social security offices. All the emergency services provide cover 24 hours a day.

Architecture

The town is noted for the quality of its Regency and Georgian architecture with many buildings listed for their historic and architectural importance. Extensive areas of the town are defined as a Conservation Area where efforts to enhance the character of the built environment are concentrated.

Landscape

The elegant town of Penzance is the gateway to the District’s unique physical character that ranges from the dramatic landscape of the north coast and moors to the softer agricultural landscape of the south and east.

The importance of much of the landscape surrounding Penzance is reflected by a myriad of statutory national and local designations including extensive Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. The district of Penwith has fifty miles of stunning coastline and attractive landscape, an abundance of cultural and industrial heritage, good quality beaches and all the ingredients for a relaxing lifestyle.

Gardens

The setting of Penzance on the sheltered southern coast affords special qualities through the mild maritime climate. It’s south facing aspect nestling in the folds of the landscape shelter it from exposure to the northerly winds, which can frustrate the successful establishment of the luxuriant gardens. All the truly great gardens of Cornwall lie along its southern coast and Penzance is no exception. Within the town the sub-tropical Morrab Gardens and Penlee Park abound with rare and exotic species, whilst Trengwainton and Trewidden Gardens overlooking the pollution free waters of Mounts Bay display rare rhododendron, magnolia and tender plant collections, and provide testament to the equable climate and long hours of sunshine.

Archaeology

The archaeological riches of the area are significant in a European context and the Penwith Moors was one of the first national Environmentally Sensitive Areas to be designated in order to conserve its ancient landscape.

Ecology

The ecological resources of the District are no less impressive with their riches and diversity reflected by the large number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. These designations represent prime sites within the national/international context in terms of their flora, fauna, geological or physiographic features. They also provide a wealth of research material.