West Cornwall - St Ives, Hayle, Penzance and the Land's End Peninsula

Destination

West Cornwall enjoys the UK's most temperate climate and offers the contrast of wild and rugged coastline in the north and lush, semi-tropical vegetation in the south. St Ives has been home to an internationally renowned artistic community for over a century, and now houses the Tate Gallery. Marazion, reputed to be the UK's oldest village, overlooks the magical sea-bound castle of St Michael's Mount, while neighbouring Penzance is the gateway to the Isles of Scilly. The towns of Hayle and St Just are dramatic reminders of West Cornwall's industrial mining heritage.

What's on Offer

Beach & Amenities

At present, in West Cornwall alone, there are 3 Blue Flag status beaches, Carbis Bay, Porthmeor and Sennen, with high quality bathing-water, cafes, car parking, regular cleaning and public conveniences. Activities include kite surfing, landspeed sailing, water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, sea fishing and diving.
For more information please visit our website at www.visit-westcornwall.com/562_beaches.htm

Places to Visit

Tate Gallery, Barbara Hepworth Museum, Bernard Leach Pottery, Land's End Landmark, St Michael's Mount (NT), Paradise Park Bird Sanctuary, Newlyn Art Gallery (contemporary), The Exchange Gallery (contemporary), Penlee House Gallery and Museum (includes Newlyn School works), Geevor Tin Mine, Trengwainton Gardens (NT), art deco Jubilee Pool, Porthcurno Museum of Submarine Telegraphy and the Minack (open air) theatre. See www.visit-westcornwall.com.

Entertainment

World-famous Minack open-air Theatre on the cliffs at Porthcurno, Acorn Theatre, Kidz R Us (children's theatre); Penzance hosting regular contemporary music and drama, nightclubs and pubs with music, art exhibitions and local events calendar.

Shopping

Penzance, St Ives, Marazion and St Just offer a wealth of art, crafts and antiques shops as well as a range of other shopping.

Eating Out

A range of high-quality restaurants can be found throughout West Cornwall, along with bars and cafes. Most establishments serve fresh local seafood and produce.

Recreation & Sport

Golf, cycling, horse riding, swimming, water sports, fishing, tennis, indoor and outdoor bowls, clay-pigeon shooting, birdwatching, rock climbing, spectacular walks inland and along the coastal footpath.

Holiday & Activity Centres

For further information on beaches and activities in West Cornwall please visit www.visit-westcornwall.com/523_outdooractive.htm

Accommodation

For a comprehensive list of graded accommodation in the West Cornwall area please visit www.visit-westcornwall.com

Getting There

Road

M5 to Exeter and A30 into Cornwall. Regular coaches from UK centres including Mega Bus to Penzance bus terminal.

Rail

Railway stations at Penzance (terminus), St Erth and St Ives.

Air

Regular flights into Newquay airport connects to London, Manchester, Dublin, Malaga, Bristol and Plymouth.