Forget London! This Coastal Town Offers Smaller Crowds & Medieval Charm

Coastal Village In Cornwall, England

London is a bucket checklist vacation spot for thousands and thousands of People, and pay attention, we completely get it: who does not wish to threat a cheeky selfie with a pink phone field, stroll alongside the Thames riverfront, or witness the change of the Royal Guard with Buckingham Palace for a backdrop?

The unhappy actuality is, there are two variations of London, one which exists within the minds of vacationers, and the fact on the bottom.

Sure, it’s a fascinating metropolis packed filled with iconic sights, however on the draw back, it is chaotic, fast-paced, more and more harmful, and as a rule, you not often really feel as for those who’re really in England.

We imply, good luck listening to some good previous cockney round, and even English in any respect in elements of North London. Now, for those who’re craving a few of that unspoiled English appeal, there’s this beautiful coastal city, some 5 hours away by prepare, yet to be spoiled by the masses:

Coastal Village In Cornwall, England

Welcome To Penzance, England’s Finest Saved Secret

Positioned near the southwestern-most tip of England, within the Celtic-influenced Cornwall, Penzance is a small port city with round 21,000 residents that solely English (or ought to we are saying Cornish?) locals appear to learn about.

Whereas St. Ives has grown in recognition in recent times, the equally fairly Penzance continues to be missed, regardless of its simple cultural provide and coastal views.

For starters, it sits on Mount’s Bay, overlooking St Michael’s Mount, a medieval fort perched on a tidal island (yep, very like the French St. Michael’s Mount, besides it is much less touristy).

Then there’s the truth that Penzance is the quintessential English harbor city, with a storybook cowl of an Outdated City, peppered with Georgian semi-detached homes, elegant Regency-era buildings, and boasting a scenic promenade.

Medieval Castle In Mont Saint Michel, Penzance, England

A Peaceable Fall Getaway

Penzance will not be practically as well-known as different coastal gems in England, like Brighton, Blackpool, or Bournemouth, however it is actually obtained quite a bit going for it.

In summer time, it turns into considered one of Cornwall’s liveliest seashore getaways, with Cornish households flocking to its shingle-covered Promenade Seaside, or the close by Wherrytown Seaside, a stretch of sandy, light slopes wedged between Penzance city itself and neighboring Newlyn.

Within the fall, it continues to get pleasure from a temperate local weather, with thermometers hitting as excessive as 67°F, and dipping to nighttime lows of round 54–57°F in September.

It is not precisely the Mediterranean, but it surely’s as heat because it will get in England within the low season. It is a surprise that subtropical vegetation thrive right here, notably on the Morrab Gardens, a Victorian verdant escape traversed with winding pathways by way of landscaped plantings.

Town Center In Penzance, Cornwall, England

Medieval Appeal With out The Crowds

Gentle fall climate apart, Penzance has obtained its fair proportion of medieval aptitude. Whereas the city itself is not as previous as St. Ives or Truro, having solely grown considerably within the sixteenth century, it is situated inside brief driving distance of a few of Cornwall’s oldest websites.

These embrace the aforementioned St. Michael’s Mount, clearly seen from Penzance’s waterfront, and roughly quarter-hour driving, the much-overlooked St. Maddern’s Church, which has Norman origins and an historic nicely locals deem holy, and the previous village of Gulval:

Traditionally its personal parish, Gulval has formally been absorbed into Penzance, although it nonetheless appears like a separate village, in a approach: image quaint, stone-built townhouses, slender lanes, and an idyllic medieval church.

In case you’re into historic ruins, then you can also’t miss out on Chysauster Historic Village, an Iron Age archaeological website round a 30-minute drive up the coastal B3306.

Penzance Town In Cornwall, England

Unspoiled English Appeal

Atlantic views and medieval attract apart, Penzance’s best draw is its traditionalism. Whether or not you are professional or towards London’s multiculturalism, we will all agree it is not precisely consultant of deep, unmistakably English England.

Although there may be the odd Chinese language or kebab, the native chippy stays the popular takeout spot, and belief us after we say Penzance’s family-owned Fraser’s serves a killer fish and chips.

Freshly-caught fish, enveloped in that crispy batter we love, and melt-in-your-mouth-soft on the within, coupled with locally-farmed potatoes, and just for round $13.45.

In case you love pub fare, you will be thrilled to know there are a few well-loved public homes serving Cornish pies and scrumptious beer proper on the harbor: we’re considering The Ship Inn, overlooking the fishing boats and with a energetic really feel, and the nautical-themed The Admiral Benbow.

Fish And Chips In Gibraltar

Penzance is famously featured in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance opera, and maintaining with the piracy custom, the Admiral has its personal ‘pirate’ fish pie, consisting of smoked haddock and hard-boiled egg, and topped with mashed potatoes and cheese sauce on the aspect.

Penzance Is Safer Than London

Final however actually not least, the primary purpose for the good exodus of Brits escaping London in recent times is the rising crime.

From knifing to pickpocketing to residence burglaries, the English capital is more and more resembling International South metropolises. Penzance, alternatively, is quite a bit safer compared, as is a majority of Cornish cities.

As of Might 2025, the general crime charge in London is 76 per 100,000 residents, as seen on CrimeRate UK, whereas in Cornwall, the general determine is 50 per 100,000. That is decrease than the nationwide common of 70.

In different phrases, it is not essentially crime-free, however let’s simply say you are approach much less prone to get mugged by a masked biker strolling Penzance’s usually-peaceful promenade than purchasing up Oxford Road.

From London Paddington To Penzance

Questioning how one can get to Penzance this fall? Simple! Hop on a direct train at London Paddington:

The Great Western liveried 800 series train and coaches passes by the signal box on the down line to Penzance.

Penzance lies alongside the Nice Western Railway route (GWR), and the journey there from the capital takes round 5 hours. It travels largely alongside the coast, and because the prepare heads west, you are graced with epic views of the Atlantic and different sleepy English cities.

Off-peak, advance tickets begin from as low-cost as $58 one-way, and they are often booked instantly at GWR’s website.

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