To arrive at Penzance by rail or bus is to be offered sweeping views of breathtaking scenery across the sea to St. Michael's Mount as you pass along the coastline and into the town's centre.

In addition to the many attractions including the Egyptian House, Art Galleries, bustling shops and Maritime Museum that Penzance has to offer, it also provides an ideal starting point to exploring the local area made famous for its Art, Mining, Theatre and beautiful coastal scenery.

The route from Penzance to St. Ives is served by both frequent bus and rail services ensuring that you never have to wait long before you can head out towards the coast and the artistic capital of Cornwall. For those driving to St. Ives, two Park and Ride Schemes are available: an all year rail based Park & Ride at Lelant Saltings offering you the chance to Park with ease and enjoy dramatic views of Hayle Towans, and Carbis Bay before arriving by train in St. Ives, or a bus based Park and Ride from the outskirts of the town offering fast, frequent connections into the town centre (summer only).

St. Ives itself is famous throughout the Country for its art and culture, offering visitors an unrivalled collection of galleries and shops from locally based artists to the Barbara Hepworth Museum. It is also home to the Tate Gallery situated above the main beach and offers beautiful panoramic views in addition to its art and sculpture collections. Whatever time of year, St. Ives will always provide a warm welcome to visitors who will be well catered for by its collection of local restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars.

However you arrive at St. Ives, in the summer you can make the most of your visit to Cornwall by taking a trip along the coast from St. Ives to Lands End. Service 15 operated by Western National runs three times a day throughout the summer (certain trips by open top bus) and offers spectacular views of the coastline as you pass golden beaches and craggy cliffs of the Atlantic Coastline on your way to Lands End. The route passes through many interesting villages on route including Zennor, St. Just and Sennen and in addition to providing an important link for coastal walkers also passes the local tourist attractions of the Wayside Museum at Zennor, and Geevor Tin Mine before arriving at Lands End where its powerful mixture of heritage, mystery, legend and sheer natural beauty make it an ideal family destination.

To continue this circular coastal route, service number 1 (also operated by Western National) runs hourly during the summer and five times a day during the winter between Lands End back to Penzance via the beautiful village of Porthcurno with its own secluded beach and home to the dramatic open air Minack Theatre with its summer season of touring companies (Call (01736) 810694 for more details).

Additional material to look out for:

• Take a trip to the Penzance - St Ives Line
• First Great Western Timetable
• Guide to the Coast Path