Sustainable Stays

West Cornwall

Discover an eco-friendly adventure in Penzance and Marazion. Travelling outside of the busy summer season is one way you can help the local area to enjoy a more sustainable economy, but there are also ways you can make a positive impact while you’re enjoying your holiday. These activities are all about maximising your sense of adventure, while minimising your carbon footprint.

A holiday in West Cornwall doesn’t need to cost the earth

You can mix and match from the suggested activities to create a great day out during your stay. If you were to do all the activities on this itinerary, it would take around two-three days.

Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.

Some of the activities in this itinerary require a good level of mobility and fitness. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to find out more.

You’ll find an array of vintage and antique shops in Penzance, including We Have What You Need and Black Jacket Vintage. You’ll also find retailers selling natural skincare products and homewares, such as Pure Nuff Stuff and No 56. If you’re searching for deli or picnic items that are sustainable and local, there’s plenty in Penzance and Newlyn to fill your basket. Also check out this map, courtesy of Refill Penzance, to find out which shops are taking part in the scheme to reduce plastic waste.

Conscious shopper

Land’s End, Sennen & Porthcurno

EBike Cornwall

This 29mile / 48km route is perfect for experienced cyclists. You’ll start in Penzance, before exploring the quaint fishing village of Mousehole and heading off to see some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in Cornwall. You’ll even pull in at the Minack Theatre at the half-way mark. Good fitness is required but hiring an ebike does make it easier. This experience is suitable for an advanced level of fitness. EBike Cornwall have planned a route with plenty of delicious pitstops.

Six lessons in walking a tightrope

Walk with us app

Technology meets captivating storytelling in this self-guided walk along the Penzance promenade. The Walk With Us app combines augmented reality with narratives about coastal erosion and climate change to create a whole new way of seeing the landscape. You’ll walk along the ‘tightrope’ listening to the narrator, pausing at specific moments to look at the images through your phone. Find out more here.

Scenic railway

Take the train to St Ives

The beaches, art galleries and restaurants of St Ives are just a short train journey from Penzance. Board at Penzance station, sit back and relax as the spectacular St Michael’s Mount rolls past your window. At St Erth, join the St Ives Bay Line for a scenic journey along the coast, through Carbis Bay to St Ives. Find out more about the journey here.

Cosy Pub Supper

Gurnard’s Head

Travel deep into West Cornwall to the magical little village of Zennor and you will find a big yellow pub that is a destination in its own right. The Gurnard’s Head is an old coaching inn known for its warm welcome, excellent food and use of seasonal Cornish ingredients. Enjoy a walk along the coastal path before cosying up by the log fire for a gastronomic feast or their popular Sunday lunch.

Places to eat

Essential Information

Places to stay

Retreat to a cosy self-catering cottage or book a stylish hotel in the heart of town. Discover the perfect seaside stay for your winter in Cornwall.

More inspiration?

Visit out of season and step into an adventure. Explore our entire collection of inspiring itineraries and plan a great day out.

Accessibility

Many of the activities in our itineraries are accessible, however some will be difficult to access with limited mobility. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to confirm. You can also find information about accessible venues through Access Cornwall.