Pirates of Penzance

Penzance
see all photos »

We spent Easter in Cornwall - Penzance to be more specific.  It was wonderful. When we first told everyone that we were going to Penzance we got two different reactions - either, where? or oh, you mean the Pirates?

Although we saw no Pirates we did really enjoy the time there.  Penzance is a small town connected to a few other hamlets.  It is a beautiful bay and across the bay is the most spectacular scene.  The beautiful Mount St Micheal.

oh, you mean the Pirates?

Porthcurno Beach
see all photos »

Our first day we just toured around Penzance.  Although not a lot to do and not much history (since it was all burned down by the pirates), we made the most of it and certainly enjoyed what we could.

The next morning we woke up and caught the bus to Porthcurno, and we were blown away.  Porthcurno was absolutely breathtaking.  It is a small hamlet right on the coast, tucked in between to rugged and rocky cliffs.  The beach was perfect!  Too bad we were being blown around by gale force winds. Next we climbed up the cliffs of Porthcurno beach to tour the Minnack theater.  And again, blown away (litterally and figuratively).  Minnack theater is an amphitheater built directly into the cliffs and styled after the ancient greek amphiteathers...too bad we couldn't see a show, but the wind and the waves were enough to keep us entertained.  I would love to go back someday to see a production.

Minnack Theater
see all photos »

We continued from Porthcuno to Lands End.  It was a gorgeous walk.  The scenery was breathtaking and unlike anything we've ever seen.  So many amazing little secluded beaches and ragged coast line.  Unfortunately the wind was so fierce we hardly saw any surfers, it was just too dangerous.

Lands End, the point where the UK meets the Atlantic, was an amazing site.  Unfortunately the little town was a sight for sore eyes.  There is a huge amusment center right at the tip of the UK, that really puts a damper on the beautiful and natural setting.  Needless to say, we didn't spend long in Lands End and caught the local bus back to Penzance.

Gorgeous
see all photos »

The following morning we woke up early and hiked along the beach to Mount St Micheals.  It was Easter Sunday and although a cold day on the beach, definitely a nice and relaxing way to spend our Easter.  We attended mass in the chapel on Mount St Micheal, which was an experience in itself.

All in all an amazing holiday.  It takes 6 hours to get to Cornwall from London, so far, but very well worth it.  This is a holiday I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a place to relax.