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Penzance

In Brief

Name: PENZANCE
Classification: Town
Twinned with: Bendigo in Australia; Concarneau in Brittany, France; Cuxhaven in Germany; and Nevada City in California, USA
Population: 21,200 in 2011
Notable former residents: Actress Thandiwe Newton and inventor Sir Humphry Davy
Films shot in town: ‘Straw Dogs’ (1971) and ‘Ladies in Lavender’ (2004)
Interesting factoid: The first time tobacco was ever smoked in England is thought to have happened at Penzance’s Dolphin Tavern. It was smoked by Sir Walter Raleigh

IT’S THE END OF THE LAND AS WE KNOW IT

Penzance is not Land’s End. But it’s the closest town to the most westerly end of the country so it’s always going to be associated with it and will always act as a gateway to the area. Penzance has much more going on than just being close to Land’s End, though. It’s a historic market town and port with some wonderful granite buildings and parks scattered throughout, not to mention the ace pubs and restaurants in town, plus the famous St Michael’s Mount right out there in the bay. Penzance is also a great base if you’re heading out around the most westerly edge of the county for its coastal walks, historic and fun attractions, scenery, tin heritage and beaches. And, of course, this is pirate country. Bring a few pieces of eight and enjoy a town that has so much more to offer than you may expect.