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From170US$ /night
Check-in
09May2026Select date
Check-out
10May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Quay Street, Penzance, United Kingdom
-
Close to Penzance Promenade Beach
Perfect
9.3
9.9
/10
4.4
4.5
/5

Accommodation

The Dolphin Tavern offers three well-appointed guest rooms, all including a full English or Cornish breakfast. Each room features digital TV and a sitting area, along with underfloor soundproofing for a peaceful night's rest. Family accommodations can include an extra person for £30, while children under 2 stay free.

Dining Experience

Dining at The Dolphin Tavern is rooted in local Cornish produce, with a menu featuring homemade dishes like succulent steaks and locally caught fish. The public house serves breakfast and offers lunch and dinner from noon to 9 PM daily, allowing for flexible dining options. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating by the harbor for a relaxed al fresco experience.

Historical Significance

Established in 1585, The Dolphin Tavern has served as a local court and a gathering place for notable figures like Sir Walter Raleigh. The unique history is echoed in the granite walls and shipping artifacts displayed throughout the property. This rich past enhances the experience of staying at a venue steeped in maritime lore.

Location Highlights

Situated on Quay Street, The Dolphin Tavern commands prime views of St Michael's Mount and facilitates easy access to the Isles of Scilly ferry terminal just meters away. The hotel's location is convenient for exploring Penzance's scenic coastal walks and historical landmarks. Guests can also enjoy proximity to the Jubilee Pool, the UK's largest art deco seawater lido.

Outstanding Feature

The standout attraction of The Dolphin Tavern is its direct proximity to the Isles of Scilly ferry, allowing guests seamless travel to these stunning sub-tropical islands. This offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure, whether for a day trip or an extended stay. The vibrant marine life and clear waters add to the allure of visiting this beautiful destination.

Highlights

Dining: Locally sourced homemade dishes

Location: Views of St Michael's Mount

Accommodation: Rooms with digital TV

Family-friendly: Kids under 2 stay free

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the iconic St. Michael's Mount at low tide for stunning views.
  • Savor a slice of Cornish pasty at the Penzance Pasty Co. nearby.
  • Take a stroll through the tranquil Morrab Gardens for a peaceful escape.
  • Explore the Penlee House Gallery & Museum for local history and art.
  • Catch a live show at the historic Minack Theatre overlooking the sea.
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Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
Standard Double Room
2 persons
23 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Sea view
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Beach access

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Dolphin Tavern features a delightful dining option that brings comfort and authenticity through British cuisine. Family-friendly and accommodating of various dietary needs, this inviting spot ensures that every meal can be enjoyed in a warm atmosphere.

Restaurant #1

British
Ambiance
Family-friendly, cozy setting perfect for gatherings
Key Offerings
A diverse menu catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences. Enjoy hearty brunches, lunches, and dinners in a welcoming atmosphere that encourages relaxation and connection.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 12:00 - 09:00

The Dolphin Tavern Location

Quay Street, Penzance, United Kingdom
Map view
Quay Street, Penzance, United Kingdom
Nearby
Western Promenade Rd
Jubilee Pool
290 m
Church
Saint Mary's Church
160 m
Church
St Mary the Virgin Church
160 m
Treriefe House Treriefe House Trereife House Near Newlyn
Trereife House
510 m
Battery Rd
Battery Rocks
210 m
Penzance
Remwood Lagoon
180 m
56 Chapel Street No Longer In Chapel Street
Stoneman Gallery
380 m
Gallery
Cornwall Contemporary
500 m
Bread Street
Tradstract Gallery
530 m
Restaurants
Harbourside Cafe
450 m
Wharf Road
Jubilee Pool Cafe
170 m
Battery Road
The Pirates Rest
490 m
62 Daniel Place
Curry Corner
640 m
68 Chapel Street
Colyers Cafe
680 m
61 / 62 Chapel Street Arcade
Warren's Bakery
660 m
11 Market Jew Street
The Terrace
630 m
15 The Terrace Market Jew Street
Mounts Bay Pasty Company
790 m
8 Market Jew Street
Wetherspoons
550 m
Market Jew Street
Station Buffet
600 m
Wharf Rd Penzance Railway Station
Zebra Crossings
640 m
Morrab Road
Explore Penzance
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Morrab Gardens
8 minutes' walk
Victorian gardens featuring exotic plants and seasonal blooms, perfect for a leisurely stroll and picnics.
Penlee House Gallery and Museum
11 minutes' walk
Art gallery showcasing local artists and historical exhibits, offering free admission on certain days.
Jubilee Pool
4 minutes' walk
Iconic art deco lido with seawater and stunning ocean views, ideal for a refreshing swim and sunbathing.
Chapel Street
8 minutes' walk
Historic street filled with charming shops, cafes, and galleries, offering a taste of local culture.
Water Sports at Marazion Beach
9 minutes' drive
Thrill-seeking water sports such as windsurfing and paddleboarding available for rental along stunning coastline.
Trengwainton Garden
8 minutes' drive
Relaxing garden with subtropical plants and tea room, perfect for unwinding amidst nature.
Penzance Promenade
9 minutes' walk
Scenic waterfront walkway ideal for leisurely strolls, jogging, and enjoying ocean views.
Harbourside Cafe
6 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce, offering delicious daily specials.
The Pirates Rest
6 minutes' walk
Family-friendly eatery serving hearty pub dishes and a wide range of beverages in a cozy ambiance.
Jubilee Pool Cafe
3 minutes' walk
Charming cafe with a selection of light meals and snacks, perfect post-swim treat with sea views.
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre
10 minutes' walk
Family-friendly venue hosting outdoor performances throughout the summer, including concerts and plays.
Eureka Escape Cornwall
9 minutes' walk
Fun escape room experience with themed challenges great for families and friends, perfect for rainy days.
Getting around the city
City Centre
Penzance8 min  ·  600 m
Airports
Penzance (PZE)27 min  ·  2.2 km
Land's End (LEQ)22 min  ·  14.4 km
Train
Penzance Train Station9 min  ·  700 m
Penzance Railway Station9 min  ·  700 m
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:30-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Dolphin Tavern serves a full breakfast for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Dolphin Tavern from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the hotel's prime location, especially its proximity to the ferry for the Scilly Isles and the railway station. The rooms are frequently described as spacious with great views of the harbor, often featuring modern walk-in showers; many appreciate the comfortable beds. While the food generally receives positive comments, some guests have found the meals to be of average quality. The pub's historic charm is often mentioned, alongside the convenience of on-site dining.
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Review score
Based on 210 verified reviews
9.4/10
Perfect
98%
Recommend
Staff
9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Value for money
9.1/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Harbour front location
Clean room
Cons
Limited soundproofing
Guest reviews
based on 210 reviews
9.4/10
based on 362 reviews
9.3/10
Georgia from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 17, 2026
9.7/10

harbour stay

harbour locationwarm welcomecomfortable room
the location is perfect for getting to the harbour , a very short walk. the staff welcomed me warmly , it was nice to have a meal and chat with them. my room had a harbour view and felt both spacious and comfortable. i found the breakfast excellent , a satisfying start to my days.
Rooms
10/10
the room had binoculars , perfect for closer views of st michael's mount and the birds. the shower worked excellently , a great way to refresh after a long day. breakfast was served punctually , a detail i appreciated.
Dining
9/10
i enjoyed homemade chowder with local cider , both tasted amazing. the portions were generous , maybe shareable next time. the staff provided attentive and friendly service , it created a nice atmosphere.
Location
10/10
the hotel is very close to the jubilee pool , about 50m. it is convenient for ferry access to the isles of scilly. i easily reached everything i needed , because the location is central.
0 Helpful
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Matthew from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 15, 2026
9/10

excellent stay at quayside

quayside locationgreat choicespacious room
the location is excellent near the quayside. i found a great choice of meals on the evening menu. the room was spacious and also spotlessly clean.
0 Helpful
Ethan from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 24, 2025
9.0/10

FANTASTIC stay

great locationclose proximitynearby train station
I enjoyed the great location OPPOSITE the ferry check-in. the close proximity to a long-stay car park was also a huge help. the train station is near. I DIDN'T need a long walk.
the road below HAD some traffic, but i quickly got used to it.
Service
9/10
the staff WAS wonderful, AND allowed me to store my bags. they also helped with dinner reservations, which i REALLY appreciated. EVERYONE was friendly and helpful .
Facilities
10/10
the room WAS very comfy and tidy, with a GREAT view of the harbor. the shower was AMAZING and really made a difference to my mornings. the building's history added character.
Dining
8/10
i HAD a very good breakfastwith a full Cornish breakfast. the quality WAS nice and the size just right. there WAS a great atmosphere in the pub.
0 Helpful
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Mia from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 20, 2025
9.5/10

a romantic getaway by the sea

attentive staffimmaculate showercomfortable bed
The staff were friendly. Our room overlooked the scillonian ship. the shower room was immaculate with a large, clean shower. the bed was comfortable. I had a lovely night's sleep. the fresh paint smelled good. the breakfast was excellent. I will remember the taste for a long time.
the room was perhaps slightly smaller than i anticipated, still very cosy though.
Location
10/10
the hotel is less than two minutes walk from the harbour. it is also near the jubilee pool, approximately 50 meters away. the proximity to the quay is a huge advantage.
Rooms
9/10
Our beautiful double room offered a fine view of the sea. the room was a good size with a comfortable bed and quality bedding. binoculars added an extra touch. I used them to watch the ships all day.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel provided safe luggage storage during the day. This was so helpful. the hotel has a charming, traditional atmosphere. it felt very cosy and cute. i loved the quirky details throughout the building.
Dining
10/10
I enjoyed pub food at a reasonable price. the manager was kind and considerate, helping non-english speakers. water was provided for our dog. This was very thoughtful. the food was AMAZING!!!
0 Helpful
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Joshua from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 17, 2025
9/10

convenient stay

great viewclean decorlarge shower
The staff was helpful. My room had a great view of the harbor. the room was clean. I also liked the large shower. breakfast was good too.
0 Helpful
Aiden from Australia
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 09, 2025
9.5/10

Really good Stay!

freshly cooked breakfastrelaxing locationbedroom binoculars
The included breakfast offered many choices. Everything was freshly cooked, it was a lovely start to the day. The location is fantastic, it is right opposite the quay. Watching the world go by was relaxing. Binoculars are provided in the bedroom, it is perfect for dolphin spotting.
The stairs creaked a little.
Facilities
9/10
The building retains its 1585 charm, it has plenty of character. This historic tavern offers a unique and nice atmosphere. A bus stop is directly across the road. Day trips are easily accessible for exploring the surrounding areas.
Rooms
10/10
The Beautiful Double Room Sea View offered excellent views. The room had lovely fresh smell and it was very clean. This detail contributed positively to the overall experience. Binoculars were available in the room. Dolphin spotting was possible directly from the window.
Location
9/10
The hotel is directly opposite the quay. Ferry terminal access for the Scilly Islands is convenient. A bus stop is located just across the road. Various day trips are easily accessible. The Jubilee Pool is only 50m away. This offers additional recreation.
Service
10/10
The staff was genuinely friendly and happy to help. Staff shared their knowledge of the local area, this made planning excursions much easier. The staff maintained fresh, clean premises. This ensured a very comfortable stay.
0 Helpful
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Daniel from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 09, 2025
9/10
sea viewcomfortable bedfree coffee
The room faces the sea and had binoculars. The bed provides great comfort. They offer free tea, coffee, and water was in the room.
The street near the pub is a little noisy.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Dolphin Tavern
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Dolphin Tavern?
Check-in is from 13:30 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the distance from The Dolphin Tavern to St Michael's Mount?
The hotel is approximately 6 km from St Michael's Mount.
Is there Wi-Fi access available at The Dolphin Tavern?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Does The Dolphin Tavern have an on-site restaurant?
The hotel features a restaurant serving British cuisine with options for vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan diets.
What are some nearby restaurants to The Dolphin Tavern?
Nearby restaurants include The Barbican Coffee Shop (0.5 km), The Yacht Inn (0.5 km), and sea-themed options like The Dock Inn (0.5 km) and The Waterside Meadery (0.5 km).
What room amenities can guests expect at The Dolphin Tavern?
Rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and free toiletries.
What types of breakfast are offered at The Dolphin Tavern?
Breakfast options include à la carte, Full English/Irish, and vegetarian meals.
How far is The Dolphin Tavern from Land's End Airport?
The hotel is 13 km from Land's End Airport.
What leisure activities can guests enjoy near The Dolphin Tavern?
Guests can enjoy hiking, fishing, and golfing in the surrounding area.
Is there a bar available at The Dolphin Tavern?
The property features a bar/lounge area for guests to enjoy drinks.
What views do guests have from their accommodations at The Dolphin Tavern?
Guests can enjoy sea views from their rooms.
How close is The Dolphin Tavern to Penzance Promenade Beach?
The hotel is located just 200 meters from Penzance Promenade Beach.

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09May2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room