With the arrival of Spring comes even more reason to get outside and enjoy the beautiful places on our doorstep. And there’s plenty right here in Penzance.
From woodland walks to our ancient footpaths in and around the town, there’s loads to see on foot. Plus, you can now make the most of them with our PZ Greenways routes (find them, here).
PZ Greenways was created to help people with more active travel, leaving the car at home where possible and discovering the green spaces hidden all around us.
And part of the project includes connecting us with the beautiful gardens we have right here in Penzance. Here are some you’ll find on your PZ Greenways adventures…
Morrab Gardens
You can find Morrab Gardens just off the Penzance town centre, a sub-tropical haven in the heart of the hustle and bustle.
The gardens themselves were created in 1841, and have been cared for by the council since they were bought in 1888 (for the sum of £3,120!). Today, you’ll find a space that’s stuffed with sub-tropical plants, shrubs, and trees, vibrant flowers and birdsong – perfect for those lunchtime picnics.
As well as ponds and fountains, Morrab Gardens also boasts a stunning old bandstand and the iconic Morrab Library, an independent library that houses more than 70,000 books.
Penlee Park
Nestled around Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penlee Park features a mixture of gardens, woodland trails, and open green areas. Sit for a minute, and you’ll quickly spot numerous bird species (plus lots of squirrels)
The park also hosts an open-air theatre, which brings performances ranging from Shakespeare to live music in the summer months. Dotted with benches and sculptures, as well as a cafe, it’s a great place to while the afternoon away, just steps from the centre of town.
St Anthony Gardens
Overlooking Penzance Promenade, St Anthony Gardens is packed with history – thought to have been built on the site of the 12th century St Anthony’s Chapel, the earliest Christian place of worship in Penzance. The gardens were originally created for and gifted to the people of the town in 1933.
Located near the Jubilee Pool, these gardens offer spectacular views across Mount’s Bay and provide a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Expect flower beds, palm trees, and a calming sea breeze when you incorporate this spot into your route.
Larrigan Gardens
If you wander the route between Penzance and Newlyn, don’t miss a stroll through Larriggan Gardens, a green space set back from the road and seafront.
The gardens include the Rotary Boating Pool, with two pools connected by the Larriggan River. First opened in 1955, today, you can watch as the ducks and swans swim by, or enjoy the fun of watching enthusiasts with their model boats.
Plan your Greenways
To take in these epic green spaces around our town, and find out how they fit into the PZ Greenways routes, download the map, here.
We also host a number of guided walks and workshops to help get you started – as well as helping you to create your own Greenways routes!
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