The seat is at the very south western tip of the mainland of Britain (including the Scilly Isles) - and includes Lands End, Lizards Point and the towns of Penzance, St Ives, Helston and St Just. St Ives itself is a small Cornish resort with wide sandy beaches. It is also home to a branch of the Tate gallery. Penzance is the commercial capital of West Cornwall. Beyond Penzance is Penwith with its mysterious stone circles on dark moors, and Lands End.
There is a large elderly population here - the place is popular with retirees and there are many second homes here.
The main local authority of the seat is Penwith District Council, which is currently hung, having strong Independent, Liberal Democrat, and Conservative support.