Exploring Penzance in a Campervan

 May 15, 2024

  Read Time: About 13 minutes

A view of the ocean from a cliff. Sennen, Penzance. Marina Lobato.

Sennen, Penzance. Marina Lobato

Hello, Penzance! The second stop on our Cornwall itinerary. The best time to explore the beach town is mid-July to mid-September when the sun is beaming above, and the city is abuzz with visitors. Pretty Penzance brims with Cornish charm, unrivalled seafood and a moody history with pirates.

Escape to the idyllic Lamorna Valley, and kick back on the peaceful Boleigh Farm Site, a peaceful base for your coastal escapes. This friendly campsite rests between Penzance and Lands’ End, in a remote and quiet corner of Cornwall. ensuring green, uncrowded camping, away from the bustle of the throngs of holidaymakers.

Look forward to an adventure infused with gorgeous scenery and unrivalled natural beauty as you hop in your campervan and explore. Keep an eye out for the majestic St Michael’s Mount emerging on the horizon, its medieval castle constructed atop a craggy island, only accessible on foot during the low tide.

Penzance Campervan Road Trip Map

Our stop in Penzance comes right after a glorious visit to The Lizard Peninsula. Depending on the route you take the drive should take anywhere between 46-55 minutes. Our road trip avoids tolls and highways: however, you are most welcome to follow a route of choice. The drive from the Lizard to Penzance is 24.2 miles via the A394 and the A3083. Drivers can also take the A3083 directly on a 52 minute drive or use the B3302 and A3083 covering 27.5 miles.

If you're considering a visit to Penzance, why not begin your journey with a campervan hire Cornwall. Visiting Penzance is like stepping into an enchanting postcard of coastal charm. Tucked along the stunning coastline of Cornwall, the historic town blends scenic beauty with rich history, and vibrant culture. Relax on romantic beaches, or sit in the shade of bobbing palm trees and watch the port come to life. Antique shops, markets, and the largest seawater pool in the UK are just some of the draws of the most south-westerly town in Britain. Find a camping vehicle on the site for your campervan hire.

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  • Penzance Campervan Road Trip Itinerary

    Aerial View of Building Near Body of Water During Daytime

    Mousehole, Benjamin Elliott

    Take a look at our itinerary for a roadtrip in Cornwall that winds past the crème de la crème of Cornwall. Explore a rich tapestry of natural wonders treasures as you follow our map. We begin on the rugged coastline of The Lizard Peninsula, where imposing cliffs and secluded coves promise adventure. Immerse yourself in maritime history at Penzance, with a bustling harbour and the popular St. Michael's Mount offers a glimpse into the past. Art lovers will find inspiration in picturesque towns like St Ives, renowned for a lively art scene and golden beaches. We’ve included places of unspoilt beauty, like the Roseland Heritage Coast, plus stops at traditional villages like Polperro, tucked away on the Polperro Heritage Coast, which offers a look at traditional Cornish life. Swap settlements for lush landscapes by driving inland to attractions like the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where rolling hills and meandering rivers promise a tranquil escape.

    Great Kellow Farm Campsite is a peaceful and well-maintained farm site for families by warm and welcoming owners Dan and Sadie. The spacious and grassy camping area rests amid gently undulating open countryside with far-reaching views across the lush landscape.

    Penzance Campervan Hire Reviews

    You can book Arlo in North Cornwall and head out for a stress-free road trip with our detailed itinerary. Arlo has a pop-top roof for added headroom, a foldable double bed for two, and engine heating for toasty evenings in the cab. Whip up light meals and snacks in the kitchen, equipped with a stainless steel sink, twin burner gas hob, and a freshwater container. An electric-powered fridge is ideal for keeping drinks cool and barbeque bits fresh while you travel. All windows have privacy glasses, and a radio plus CD player blasts your favourite tunes as you drive into the horizon.

    Price Per Day: £70 in June, £90 in July, £90 in August.

    Age: 25-75

    Travel: Uk and Europe

    Gearbox: Automatic

    He has a pop-top roof for added headroom, a foldable double bed for two, and engine heating for toasty evenings in the cab. Whip up light meals and snacks in the kitchen, equipped with a stainless steel sink, twin burner gas hob, and a freshwater container. An electric-powered fridge is ideal for keeping drinks cool and barbeque bits fresh while you travel. All windows have privacy glasses, and a radio plus CD player blasts your favourite tunes as you drive into the horizon.

    An absolute must is Chapel Street, an eccentric street winding from the town centre to the harbour. Stroll past redbrick stores, antique shops, a seemingly misplaced Egyptian House and several pirate-esque pubs perfect for a post-stroll tipple. There’s plenty of shopping to enjoy, art galleries, an annual midsummer festival, and a thriving gourmet scene. Explore the rugged charm of Penzance and West Cornwall with convenient campervan hire in Plymouth.

    Penzance Camping Map

    Mousehole Harbour

    Mousehole Harbour. Debbiemariecaptures_19712nd

    Wondering where to park your campervan in Penzance? Look at our selection of 31 campsites, all within 30 miles of Penzance, on this map. We have campsites for all tastes and budgets, ranging from no-frills locations to caravanning sites a stone’s throw from the ocean, plus swish glamping spots for anyone who fancies living it up for a night or two.

    The biggest attraction in Cornwall is arguably the excellent selection of beaches approximately 20 minutes away. Surfing enthusiasts flock to Sennen, holidaymakers adore Mousehole Harbour, and smitten nature lovers unwind by the stunning shores of Nanjizal, Marazion, Porthcurno, and Porthgwarra.

    Dove Meadows is a lovely, quiet location nestled away from the beaten track on the fringes of the scenic town of Marazion, with stunning glimpses of the famed St Michael’s Mount in the distance. Uncover the delights of west Cornwall from your convenient yet peaceful spot hidden away in the Penzance and St Ives area.

    Penzance Campsites Motorhomes

    Following a day of visiting Penzance return to warm campsites in Cornwall and plan your next Cornish discovery. Refine your campsite search with our filter options. Select a campsite based on your van of choice, and you’ll find camping locations that match your chosen filters, providing a tailored browsing experience. We list numerous motorhome-friendly campsites in Penzance and Cornwall’s largest towns, such as Falmouth's motorhome campsites , campsites for motorhomes in Truro and Newquay motorhome campsites. Tent-only camping options are available for adventurers who prefer a traditional camping stay.

    Higher Pentreath Campsite is a lovely, back-to-basics camping space overlooking Praa Sands Beach with non-electric, motorhome-friendly pitches with space for a maximum of six people. Mousehole Camping is a rambler's delight, with optional electric, 6m x 8m grass pitches, and effortless access to the South West Coast Path. Kenneggy Cove Holiday Park, tucked in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Cornwall’s regional winner of Practical Motorhome Top 100 Sites, with 45 beautifully manicured acres welcoming campervans, motorhomes, and caravans. Take a look at our sites, and look forward to an unforgettable camping experience in Penzance.

    Kenneggy Cove Holiday Park, the proud regional winner of a Practical Motorhome Top 100 Sites, is a small, well-maintained park consisting of 45 spacious and generously spaced plots for tents and touring vehicles.

    Penzance Camping Caravans

    St Michaels Mount Harbour

    St Michaels Mount Harbour, Nick

    Penzanze caravan campsites and static caravan campsites in Penzance are a simpler way to enjoy the comforts of a home on wheels. More often than not, traditional caravans do not offer on-board facilities, like toilets and showers. They are best suited for adventurers planning to stay in one spot for a long time. Power caravans are better equipped than traditional models and easier to operate, with appliances like water heating, Wi-Fi, and fridges. One of the perks of trailer camping is the freedom to unhitch your caravan and explore the local attractions in your car. Ultimately, it depends on how you would like to travel and the required facilities.

    Quite a few campsites in Penzance welcome towed vehicles, and we’ll list a few options below.

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  • Touring Caravan Sites Near Penzance

    Kick off your caravanning expedition in style on level, spacious pitches at Seaview Holiday Park. Tucked amid the fertile countryside and an array of enticing beaches, Seaview welcomes all adventurers to camp near Sennen Cove, exploring varied attractions. Tower Park Caravans and Camping, hidden midway between Penzance and Land’s End, is perfect for families and adventurous holidays. The park has seven level fields with pitches a minimum of 10 metres wide. It provides a range of conveniences, including free Wi-Fi in certain areas of the site, a kid’s outdoor play area, and visiting takeaway food vans during high season. Treverven Touring Caravan And Camping Park, located 250 feet above the sea, is another glorious caravan site next to a working farm. Take your pick of serviced or non-serviced grass pitches, and settle in for a restful escape.

    Coastal drives around Penzance are captivating, snaking past mysterious Celtic monuments, jagged cliffs, pristine beaches, and heather-clad moorland. Find your home on wheels, plus a comfortable overnight stay at convenient campsites in Plymouth.

    Treverven Touring Caravan and Camping Park is a compact, clean, and welcoming family-friendly campsite set on Land’s End Peninsula. The site boasts direct access to a coastal footpath and rests in a highly central position for accessing some of the top attractions in Cornwall.

    Campervan Hire Towns in Penzance

    Campervan Hire Penzance includes finding campervans various locations in Newlyn, Marazion, and St Just. Speak directly to our private owners and find campervans for families, couples and well-behaved pets.

    St Michael's Mount

    St Michael's Mount. Castles_And_Palaces

    There’s plenty of reasons to visit vibrant Newlyn, a historic town with rich history and plenty of character and easy access to Penzance. Watch the hubbub at Newlyn Harbour, one of the largest working ports in the UK, or sample a haul of the freshest seafood at a cracking seaside restaurant. Explore the town’s authentic fishing history or work off your meal by on the picturesque Newlyn Village Trail. Hire a campervan in Newlyn and leave your car free of charge with the owner while you explore.

    For picture-perfect scenery, consider hiring a campervan in Marazion. Instagrammable vistas, a castle, cobbled streets and heaps of watersports make this town a must-visit, and a healthy blend of adventure and scenery ensures a fulfilling escape for all ages. The attractive Cornish town is best known for the world-renowned St Michael’s Mount, plus its gorgeous sandy beach, and rich history spread over stunning landscapes.

    Price Per Day: £70 in June, £90 in July, £90 in August.

    Age: 25-70

    Travel: Uk and Europe

    Gearbox: Manual

    Spenser is a gorgeous VW T5 campervan, that is clean, comfortable, fuel efficient and an overall great value camper. He's got oodles of charm and his own individual identity to make your hiring experience unique.

    If you’re searching for that away-from-it-all atmosphere, rent a camper in St Just and uncover a gorgeously untamed section of west Cornwall. There’s bound to be fewer holidaymakers here as even the locals in nearby Penzance find St Just a relatively remote and wild location, sandwiched between heather-clad moors and the vast expanse of the Atlantic. If dramatic views and romantic countryside are your tea, the St Just is precisely where you’d want to be.

    Camping in and around Penzance

    Minack Theatre

    Minack Theatre, Juliameineck

    From award-winning restaurants to historic streets and spectacular beaches, there's plenty of reason to drive to Penzance. The vibrant port town is as atmospheric as it is scenic and worth visiting during your Cornish escape. Stroll along the promenade, browse through a selection of quirky independent shops or use the site as your base to visit some of the most popular attractions in Cornwall. Explore the renowned beauty of St Ives and the Isles of Scilly, or wander down Chapel Street for a taste of the local lifestyle. The mild climate and abundant greenery create the perfect setting for camping in Penzance. Explore England's most westerly surf destination when you set up at a campsite in Sennen, or watch one of the largest fishing fleets at work in Newlyn. The small fishing village of Mousehole retains much of its character and is often overlooked by campers, yet provides a lovely spot for unwinding. Kickback in a campsite among the clifftops or sit down for a meal by the ocean - there's a campsite for everyone in Penzance.

    Porthcurno Beach

    Porthcurno Beach. Beaut34774

    With glittering coastal gems like Porthcurno and Mousehole within easy reach, there's more than one reason to find a campsite in Sennen. Let the gentle hum of the shimmering Atlantic Ocean lapping the golden coastline be your summer soundtrack as you stretch out on a spacious pitch above Sennen Cove and admire eagle-eye vistas from a windswept cliff. Don your walking shoes and follow a scenic coastal path followed by a well-earned hearty meal by the ocean. Parents can tire out the kids at pay-as-you-go attractions, while history buffs savour a slice of culture at the open-air Minack Theatre. Surfers of all levels can master the art of gliding on the waves at the famous Gwynver Beach. Whether you want to set up camp across from the ocean, perch above the trees, or huddle near local amenities, our selection of campsites in Sennen will find the right fit for you.

    Gwynver Beach

    Gwynver Beach. Lovecornwalluk

    Sennen Cove Campsite is one of those magical sites that blends a peaceful atmosphere and glorious sea views . The nearby walk to the beach may not be ideal for all ages as it entails a steep slope; however, those who can venture down will find a perfect space.

    When you book a campsite in Newlyn, you sign up for an enchanting escape where the rugged coastline gives way to green landscapes. Stunning views at every turn pair beautifully with numerous open-air pursuits, ensuring delightful camping experiences for all ages. Unwind on the southwestern tip of England, and take your pick of pristine beaches famed for sunbathing and swimming. Work up a sweat on balmy yet picturesque coastal paths perfect for birdwatching and picnics. Get a spike of adrenaline by kayaking and paddleboarding, or turn down the intensity on a lazy day of fishing. With its breathtaking scenery and abundant outdoor activities, our campsites in Newlyn promise unforgettable adventures and unrivalled natural beauty.

    Often called ‘the loveliest village in Cornwall, ’Mousehole is a charming camping spot on the rugged coastline of Cornwall. The picturesque village is well-known for its stunning scenery, quaint harbour, and narrow winding streets, amongst other attractions. Campsites in Mousehole welcome tents, campervans and motorhomes, ensuring all guests can access essential camping amenities, uninterrupted vistas, coastal walks, lovely beaches, and fresh seafood.

    The sweeps of Mounts Bay and the beautiful beaches of Long Rock and Marazion are at your disposal when you pitch or park up at Ponsandane Campsite. Despite welcoming campers only during July and August, this welcoming spot is a hotspot for Cornish adventures.

    Best Campsites Penzance

    Look at the three campsites in Penzance, perfectly positioned for exploring the beautiful beaches, fascinating history and local culture of the furthest southwesterly town in the UK. Enjoy views of the iconic St Michael’s Mount from campsites near Mount’s Bay paired with excellent amenities and plenty of space to stretch out and unwind. Bos Verbas Campsite is perfect for escaping the commotion and crowds, while Wheal Rodney Caravan Park blends coastline and countryside for some of the scenic camping settings in town. Dropped Anchor Seaview Camping blends off-grid camping with unrivalled views and the opportunity to upgrade to glamping if the mood strikes. Whether visiting family or taking in the sights, these campsites near Penzance will do the trick.

    Bos Verbas Campsite in Penzance

    Bos Verbas Campsite in Penzance

    Bos Verbas Campsite, Penzance

    Bos Verbas Campsite is perfect for holidaymakers who want a serene escape amid the bustle of Penzance. Kick back amid spectacular beauty, with effortless access to winding hiking trails, sleepy coastal villages, and beaches ideal for relaxation and adventure. Well-maintained facilities and an open grassy camping space ensure a comfortable break from the modern world.

    Wheal Rodney Holiday Park in Marazion

    Wheal Rodney Holiday Park in Marazion

    Wheal Rodney Holiday Park, Marazion

    There are many reasons to plonk down at Wheal Rodney Holiday Park in Marazion. For starters, you're in a delightful coastal location with stunning vistas. Spacious pitches and modern facilities provide guests with a tranquil yet centrally located base for exploring attractions, including St Michael's Mount and the lovely town of Marazion itself. Explore one of England's most beautiful coastal regions, or sit back and watch the world go by - the choice is yours.

    Dropped Anchor Sea View Camping in Helston

    Dropped Anchor Sea View Camping in Helston

    Dropped Anchor Sea View Camping, Helston

    Wake up within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the trills of birdsong and jaw-dropping views at Dropped Anchor Seaview Camping. Breathtaking ocean vistas extend in front of the campgrounds, which also serve as an excellent base for exploring Helston and the attractions nearby. Pack swimsuits, buckets and spades to potter around at the beaches nearby, or twiddle your toes and lounge around a crackling campfire on your generous pitch.

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