Chysauster Ancient Village - Penzance

Dr J. S.

You'll find the site some way down a typical narrow Cornwall lane but it's well worth making the journey if you're a fan of historical sites like this. There's a small car park and restroom on arrival then a bit of a walk and climb up to the site. It's a fascinating place to see given the history. Recommend a visit.

Anthony C.

This well-preserved Iron Age settlement offers a unique look into the past with its ancient stone houses and streets. I had a wonderful time here. Staff was very nice explained all the history as well as the neighbouring sites. Roads coming to here can be very narrow.

Cathleen A.

Wonderful experience. The walking paths are very accessible but probably a bit steep for mobility scooters. The views are breathtaking! It is very interesting to see how this village was set up all those years ago. What really stuns me is how these huge pieces of rock were moved by hand. Very much worth a stop!

MGX93dot

We loved it. You can see the arrangements of the houses, the rooms in some and just imagine how it looked and lived their life. It's also so peaceful - once a farmer nearby turned his tractor off, the place was almost deaf silence, bar the odd bird tweet and insects chirping. You can see for miles and really put yourself in the shoes of what an ancient Briton might've seen and felt like.

For some cons, it was a little overgrown, but honestly, it's an 1800 year old ruin on a hilltop.
There is a car park but be warned that Google will direct you to somebody's home - they put up a sign saying "no access to ancient village" but it would've been more helpful to say "follow road for free car park and toilets" or something.

Lauren P.

Admission is expensive (£7.20 for an adult) and there’s limited interpretation, a miserable attendant and a blocked up fogou …but it’s a fascinating ancient site despite all that and well worth the climb up the hill 🥾

Charlotte H.

I enjoyed this landmark and am a little loathed to give it 4 stars but I'm not sure about the value for money aspect. I loved the village and walking around the imprint of the houses, it's quite atmospheric. The effort that went into the rebuild in the 1930s must have been immense. It was £9.50 for adult entry which is quite expensive for what it is. I can imagine there are associated maintainance costs but due to the rewilding it is quite difficult to actually see the village any more and the tunnel was quite disappointing as all you can see is a mound and a metal grille that is overgrown. I am a real fan of English Heritage but I feel they could do better here. Practical elements are that there is a car park with toilets and then over the road, an uphill walk to the shop/ticket hut. The route around is a grass path and there is a viewing platform at the top. It was very quiet, but it was drizzling.

Michael L.

It's worth the trouble...narrow lanes, bad directions, long gravel path, two sets of steps at the top of a hill. Yes if you want to be transported back in time and stand in the homes of these ancient people then this is a hidden gem.
Be very wary of the satnav coordinates or you might end up on a narrow private drive.
The path is long, with two sets of wooden steps but it is very well maintained, and there's even a shop in a posh shed at the entrance serving as the ticket office.
The gorse and heathers growing on walls gives the site a magical beauty, you can almost hear voices echoing as you walk around.

Briga H.

It cost 8.50 for adult ticket. There are 10 houses to explore. Ground was very soggy when i visited, there are no gravel walkways only cut grass, so it was very wet in places under feet.
I think this is must visit place. So much history. Very well preserved. There is small free car park, only 5-10min walk uphill to reach the village. There are toilets in a car park.