Penzance’s central street that’s full of history

Chapel Street might be one of the most fascinating streets in Cornwall.

Just a short walk from the harbour in central Penzance, it brings together centuries of architectural flair, quirky detail and rich maritime history.

Give yourself time to look up, duck into doorways, and notice the strange little features that make this one of Cornwall’s most characterful streets!

The Egyptian House (6–7 Chapel Street)

No building in Penzance gets quite the same reaction as the Egyptian House. Painted in deep reds and ochres with elaborate columns and strange geometric patterns, it was built around 1835 and purchased by local mineralogist and self-styled Egyptologist John Lavin.

Inspired by the Egyptian revival craze of the era (and loosely modelled on London’s Egyptian Hall), Lavin used the space to showcase his mineral collection.

In fact, he lived upstairs and ran the museum below. His collection later sold for £3000 – some was donated to Oxford University.

The building fell into disrepair by the 20th century, but in the 1970s the Landmark Trust stepped in, restoring its distinctive exterior and opening the upper floors as holiday accommodation.

There are two shops at street level today.

The Turks Head

Just down the road is the Turks Head, thought to be the oldest pub in Penzance.

Some say that its origins date back to 1233, and it’s said to be named after Barbary pirates who raided the Cornish coast in the medieval period.

Inside, expect low ceilings, stone walls, and a scattering of local legends.

There’s a smuggler’s tunnel (of course), and a resident ghost for good measure.

It’s still a working pub, with decent food and a well-stocked bar. Perfect for a mid-walk pause.

The Admiral Benbow

If you’re into maritime kitsch, this pub is unmissable.

The Admiral Benbow is a jumble of rigging, nautical antiques and old ship parts bolted to the façade. Inside, the walls are packed with curiosities collected from shipwrecks and seafaring adventures.

Georgian merchant houses

Chapel Street is lined with elegant Georgian homes, many built by wealthy merchants during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Look for boot scrapers by the doors, cast iron balconies, and fanlight windows above the entrances.

Some buildings are now hotels, galleries or private homes, but the overall feel remains intact. It’s a street that hasn’t forgotten its past.

Maria Branwell’s house

A blue plaque at 25 Chapel Street marks the birthplace and childhood home of Maria Branwell, mother of the Brontë sisters.

Born in 1783 into a well-connected Methodist family, Maria lived here until she left Cornwall in 1812 to marry Patrick Brontë in Yorkshire. Though she died young, her daughters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne – became some of the most influential writers of the 19th century.

The house is private today, but it’s easy to spot as you walk along Chapel Street.

St Mary’s Church and almshouses

At the southern end of Chapel Street, you’ll find St Mary’s Church. This parish church has long watched over the harbour, with its tower visible across the bay.

Next door, the former almshouses once offered shelter to the town’s elderly and poor. These historic buildings now mark the edge of the main street but remain part of the area’s deep social history.

See more things to do in Penzance here.

Chapel Street may only be a few hundred metres long, but it packs in centuries of history, character and Cornish charm. Whether you’re hunting for architectural oddities, sipping a pint in a pirate pub, or marvelling at a faux-Egyptian facade, this is one street in Cornwall that rewards slow wandering.