Mevagissey is a classic postcard village. With its Balamory-style houses, seafood restaurants and twin harbour, it makes for the perfect Cornish escape. Since being so idyllic, Mevagissey is a magnet for visitors; the narrow streets soon fill up with queues outside pasty and ice cream shops.
These picturesque streets, which haven’t widened since the horse and cart era, will lead you meandering through boutique shops and bustling cafes. Before you leave, a mandatory purchase should be made in the Cornish Bakery as well as the Cornish Fudge Shop.
5 miles outside of St Austell, Mevagissey is home to the second largest fishing port in Cornwall and one of the few double harbours in the UK. This historic, working harbour has a thriving fishing industry. You can watch the fishing boats come in and out of the quay distributing their daily catches. Depending on your budget, you should make it your mission to sample some of this fresh produce. Whether that is in one of the waterfront restaurants or food vans, you can taste the saltwater in each bite.
Highlights…
Mevagissey’s own, Skipper Matt, runs mackerel fishing trips from the harbour every summer. Rods and tackle are provided and all the fish you catch you can take home for dinner. The trips run every 2 hours most days (weather dependent of course). Matt has been running these trips for over 20 years, so his knowledge of the area is exceptional and it’s not uncommon to see some dolphins whilst out on the waters too. Trips are 90 minutes at £17pp.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, you could grab a crab line, net and bucket and do some crabbing on the harbour wall. Crabs are renowned for having a super sense of smell so the smellier the bait, the better. You can get fresh bacon, liver, fish at the local butchers.
If you’re visiting Mevagissey at the end of June, be sure to participate in Feast Week. This week-long festival celebrates St Peters Day (the Patron Saint of fishermen) and consists of boat races, exhibitions, live music, firework displays, a band and of course lots of fish dishes to eat.
Mevagissey Museum’s building is a museum piece itself. Once a boat builder’s yard in 1745, the ground floor was used as the carpenter’s workshop and the top floor used as a store. Now 3 stories of historic exhibits, you can visit the museum for only £2 to get an understanding as to what life was like in Mevagissey over the years. You’ll find it on the harbourside open daily from 11am-4pm.
Eating and Drinking…
The Sharksfin is a waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood. Menu choices include various fishy dishes: crab arancini and St Austell mussels. Its open daily from 10:30am-late.
Situated on the harbourside, She Sells serve delectable French crepes and galettes to luxury Cornish ice cream to a range of artisan cakes. Its open daily from 9am-3pm.
The Wheelhouse restaurant located on the West Wharf serves tapas and small plates as well as the daily specials including crispy white bait and chicken wings with a blue cheese dip. Its open daily from 12pm-11pm.
Where to stay…
The Fountain Inn is a 15th Century Pub with double bed rooms from £85 a night. It is located in the centre for easy access to the waterfront. Also in the centre is The Ship Inn, another traditional Cornish Inn, with rooms from £120 a night. In addition, there are multiple Airbnb’s that give you the luxury of your own space. Such as Myrtle Cottage with an en suite and super-king-sized bed from £80 a night. Tucked away in a cobbled courtyard, it is less than a minutes’ walk to the harbour.
If camping is more your style, Pentewan Sands is a five-star Holiday Park. You can choose to stay in a well-equipped static caravan (from £450 for a week) or bring your own motorhome, caravan or tent. It is a 5-minute drive to Mevagissey or there is a coastal walk that will take you directly to the centre.
Where to Shop and What for…
Brocante’s original location opened 15 years ago in Mevagissey and is now thriving in 5 other coastal towns in Cornwall and Devon. From interiors to jewellery to clothes and accessories, Brocante’s aesthetically pleasing store can be counted on to brighten up your home.
The Cornish Fudge Shop in Mevagissey is a family-run business that traditionally makes their fudge in a copper pan using the county’s finest ingredients. With over 30 flavours including eton mess, rum & raisin and strawberries and champagne, you are guaranteed to find something that takes your fancy.
What else is in the Area…?
A short walk over the hills will lead you to a neighbouring coastal village, Portmellon, where you can enjoy the sandy beach at low tide. The other side of Mevagissey, via a 45-minute hilly yet beautiful coastal walk, is Pentewan Beach. There is a centre for water sports and a burger restaurant on the beachfront where you could easily spend a day soaking up the sunshine.
Less than a 10 minute drive away, is The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Described as ‘Cornwall’s real-life secret garden’ it was restored in 1990 and remains Europe’s largest garden restoration project with 200 acres to explore the jungle, wildlife, woodlands and pleasure grounds.