Cornish fishing villages you’ll want to visit.
Cornwall is known for its stunning coastline, sandy beaches and surfing heaven, but no trip to Cornwall would be complete without visiting one of the many beautiful fishing villages. Find out below which are the best of the best, where to stay and what to expect from your visit.
Mousehole
Beautiful Mousehole boasts a sweeping, sheltered harbour and little beach looking out over Mount's Bay. As soon as you enter the village, you can’t fail to see its charm. Here you’ll find delicious ice cream and pasties, harbour jumping, quaint little shops - all with a vibrant atmosphere. There is a large car park on the outside of the village. Parking here means you’ll avoid having to drive the narrow streets into the centre. There is however parking at the quay which would be suitable for a VW sized vehicle. Mousehole Harbour Lights create a rather special display of Christmas lights every year.
Beaches: There are two beaches nearby. Just east of the village is Salt Ponds beach. Dogs are allowed all year round. Mousehole Harbour has a a small sandy beach. No dogs allowed at any time of year.
Where to stay: Lower Treave Campsite This campsite is few miles away, but is the nicest one we found in the area.
Where to park: Mousehole was built well before cars existed, so the streets are extremely narrow in places and parking can prove challenging. North Quay Car Park is open all year, which is just before you enter the village. There is some very limited parking in the harbour, but this does very busy, so arrive early or much later on in the day.
Cadgwith
Cadgwith is a charming, little fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula. If you only visit one fishing village, then be sure to visit Cadgwith. It feels like it’s been lost in time, but with a vibrant community there is lots to see and do. Cute cottages, some made from local serpentine with thatched roofs are great to see. There is also a pub, a couple of cafes, an art gallery and gift shop. Visit on a Wednesday evening for a fish BBQ in support of local charities, or on a Friday evening to hear local sea shanties sung from 9pm.
There is also good access to the South West Coastal Path and from here you can walk to Lizard Point.
Beaches: There are two coves, one being considerably larger than the other. They are separated by a small outcrop called Todden, which you can walk on.
Where to stay: Cadgwith Camping (back-to-basics campsite).
Where to park: You can walk into Cadgwith from the campsite mentioned above, or there is a small car park out on the outskirts of the village. Do not try and drive through Cadgwith itself. The roads and very narrow and steep.
Coverack
Coverack is a picturesque fishing village with lots to offer. The harbour is Coverack’s main attraction, but there are also some shops and eateries along the seafront. Parking is available as you enter the village. Park here to avoid driving very narrow, steep roads through the village.
Beach: There is a bay with sand and pebbles. During high tide, only pebbles are visible and the beach is very small. Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a lead. The sea is perfect for paddle boarding or snorkeling.
Where to stay: Coverack Camping at Penmarth Farm Campsite
Where to park: For more information, click here.
Mevagissey
Mevagissey is much larger village, with lots more to see and do than the other villages already mentioned. However, more attractions bring more crowds, so while this charming village is absolutely worth visiting, please consider when you go - for the best experience, avoid visiting during the peak season. Nestled on the sleepy coast south of Cornwall, Mevagissey is wonderfully quaint, reflecting Cornwall’s traditional fishing culture, with narrow streets packed with shops, cafés, galleries and pubs. An array of mini attractions including a Folk Museum and a free aquarium make Mevagissey deserving of a visit. The harbour is perfect for crabbing, or instead charter a small boat and take a fishing trip.
Beach: Located about a quarter of a mile up the coast from the working harbour of Mevagissey is Polstreath beach.
Where to stay: Higher Kestle Farm Campsite
Where to park: There is a car park as you enter the village, which is hard to miss. This is the easier place to park when visiting Mevagissey, with only a 5-10 minute walk into the centre of the village. You can even park here overnight for £8. Driving through the village is something you want to avoid. The streets are narrow and can be very busy with pedestrians.
Polperro
Polperro is a large fishing village on Cornwall’s south coast. You can hike along the coastal path from Looe to Polperro. Looe is another wonderful town that is also worth visiting. Polperro is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with many things to do. Here you’ll find charming cobbled streets, filled with delightful independent shops, pubs, eateries, and even a model village. Vehicle access into the village is only for those living or staying in Polperro. For parking, there is very big car park just before you enter the village. It is also possible to stay overnight here. Click here for more info. Prices apply.
Beaches: For details about dog friendly beaches in Polperro, click here.
Where to stay: Great Kellow Farm Caravan and Campsite
Where to park: There is a large public car park before you enter the village of Polperro. Unless you are staying in holiday accommodation in the village itself, then this is your only option for parking. It takes about 20minutes to walk from the campsite mentioned above.
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