Monday, October 3, 2011

The Perfect Base For Exploring West Cornwall Is Penzance

By Ian Knight


At the far end of Cornwall is Penzance, the closest town there is to Lands End.

'Pen Sans' as Penzance was originally named in traditional Cornish language, meant Holy Headland due to the original chapel close to its harbour. Many years ago Penzance and the surrounding area were widely known as a favourite haunt for pirates. Penzance retains lots of historical evidence going back centuriesand this is still visible today. The town has managed to retain its unique character by implementing rigid planning regulations.

The town was granted its initial Royal Charter in 1512 and over many years has grown into a artistic and vivacious area with a wonderful atmosphere. Originally a significant fishing town with the fishing industry as its key generator of wealth, it now caters for the tourist industry and boasts a firm increase in tourism each year due to its huge popularity.

Despite being tucked away in the furthest corner of the UK, access is straightforward by road. Coach and train connections to the town are also straightforward.

Penzance is a great base for exploring Cornwall. This part of the country has one of the warmest climates in the United Kingdom thanks to the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream which gives it a comfortable, temperate climate all year and encourages spring flowers to bloom early.

When Queen Victoria was in reign in the late 1800's a large number of exotic seeds and plants were brought to this region. Due to the vast amount of sub-tropical plants, you may feel as if you are in the Mediterranean.

In June there is the hugely popular Golowan Festival, when thousands of people arrive in Penzance making accommodation hard to come by. Marking the arrival of Midsummer, this Festival is an ancient tradition. At this fantastic event you can see live music, art and a variety of parades and be thoroughly entertained. If all that is not enough there is also a traditional fair with rides, huge fires and firework displays to entertain you. With colour everywhere you look from brightly coloured banners to fresh flowers, Penzance comes to life.

One other very popular event in the local area is the Newlyn Fish Festival , held yearly on the final Monday of August. The Newlyn Fish Festival celebrates the most traditional ingredient of Cornish life; fishing, which is fishing. During the festival the whole entire harbour is filled with many different kind of boatsand in the market a range of locally caught fish are displayed. There are many stalls and entertainment available.

Penzance caters extremely well for individuals and families who will find numerous choices of food outlets and shopping facilities. If you find history interesting, you may want to visit one of the surviving ancient monuments in the area.

For art lovers Penzance is a great area to be in as it has the largest of artists in found in Britain outside of London. At Penlee Park, you will find an art gallery which has been open for over 100 years. It houses works by the famous artist Stanhope Forbes. The nearby town of St Ives additionally offers world class galleries such as the Tateand the Barbara Hepworth Museum.




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