Penzance is the natural touring centre for the Lands End peninsula, historically known as Penwith. The peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty, containing some of the finest coastal scenery in the country. The cliffs and beaches, accessible both by road and from the Cornish Coastal Footpath, are truly spectacular. Historically, it has been populated since pre-historic times and there are numerous 'standing stones' and 'stone circles' (e.g. the Merry Maidens) as well as iron-age village sites. The National Trust has several properties in the surrounding area which have made their own contribution to the heritage of which the area is so proud. Local places of interest include St Michael's Mount, the famous landmark of Lands End, the artist's town of St Ives, the unspoiled village of Mousehole, and the famed Minack Theatre. Access to all these locations, and many others, is easy whether by public transport or by car.