Penzance is a town in west Cornwall and, although not quite England’s most Western point, when the cross-country train pulls into the railway station and travellers are faced with the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean beyond, there is nonetheless the sense of having reached the end of something. But fear not, as those coming to serviced apartments in Penzance will actually discover a gateway to much more, an interesting town with a rich history and a wealth of interesting places nearby

Its location facing south at the north end of Mounts Bay, provides Penzance with a notably pleasant climate and has meant that for many years it was an important port for ships sheltering in the bay, or coming and going from the Mediterranean and many other destinations.  The modern town is a hub for West Cornwall, with the nearest similarly-sized towns being Redruth and Falmouth.  Its main shopping street, Market Jew Street, has most of the main shops that you would expect on a typical high street, but there is also a long promenade with eateries, inns and even an art deco lido, the Jubilee Pool, at its eastern end. Those enjoying a Penzance short stay during the summer should definitely try it out.

The promenade eventually leads out into Newlyn, technically a separate town, but so close to Penzance that it almost feels like another neighbourhood. This old fishing town has plenty of cute shops, as well as an excellent art gallery and is worth a walk around while visiting.  Penlee House Museum in the centre of Penzance also houses a collection of local art.

Perhaps the most well-known attraction close to Penzance is St Michael’s Mount.  This tidal island just off Marazion Beach, which is to the east of Penzance towards the other end of Mount’s Bay, contains a castle and chapel that rise majestically above visitors like something out of a fairy tale. Marazion Beach itself is popular with windsurfers and the cute Beach Box cafe in the car park can be a welcome shelter on a windy day.

Other places to check out nearby while staying in accommodation in Penzance include the village of Mousehole – pronounced ‘Mou-zle’ – a popular tourist haunt whose Christmas lights are legendary throughout the area. And, of course, it wouldn’t be right to come this far without traversing the last section of the A30 to stand at Land’s End.

Penzance holds an excellent position and its distance from the UK’s population centres are wonderfully off-set by a cross-country train service, major road access via the A30 and a busy airport up the road at Newquay. Situ can provide superb quality accommodation in and near Penzance, as well as city apartments throughout the southwest and the convenience of aparthotel living in many business destinations across the globe.