Discovering Mevagissey, Cornwall

Mevagissey, a picturesque fishing village located on the south coast of Cornwall, England, is a delightful destination that captures the hearts of many visitors with its charm and beauty.

Whenever I am in this part of Cornwall I always take the time out to wander the quaint streets, take in the harbour and enjoy the quiet beach beside it.

Known for its stunning harbour, vibrant fishing culture, and narrow, winding streets, Mevagissey offers a unique blend of history, culture, and magnificent coastal scenery. With an abundance of activities, and local delicacies.

Location and History

Mevagissey is an east facing fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall, about 8 miles south of St Austell.

Way back there was 2 villages. The now harbour area village that was a small fishing hamlet called Porthhilly and another village slightly north called Lamoreck or Lavorrick. The name Mevagissey came about when these 2 villages merged in the 17th century.

The name for the new merged village was Mevagissey and it comes from the names of 2 saints. St Mevan and St Issey. The bit in the middle comes from the the Cornish word for ‘and’ which is ‘hag’.

The harbour grew and became the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard fishing industry. It also benefitted from a thriving smuggling network during until the early 19th century.

As the harbour was expanded to allow bigger ships the pilchard industry grew and grew. As more pilchard was fished then more oil could be produced from the fish too. In the 18th century, before paraffin and gas street lights, the city of London used oil lamps for a form of street light. It was Mevagissey that supplied the pilchard oil to light up the London’s street. With all the oil the village itself is said to be one of the first villages in Britain to have street lights.

With the advent of the lorry, then truckloads of fish too went by road to London daily. This helped Mevagissey, during the 1930s, become one of the richest villages in England in accordance with Post Office figures.

Of course time carries on, modern ways outgrows demand, and in modern days Newlyn Harbour, near Penzance, takes the mantle of the larger catches due to limitations on ship sizes at Mevagissey.

The Harbour

When visiting Mevagissey the main attraction that people head to is the harbour. It is a busy place to be. It is a fully working harbour with around 60 boats registered for the fishing trade. Add to this the many tourists who sit by the harbour watching the views whilst eating and drinking their refreshments etc then a real buzzing atmosphere is created.

There has been a harbour/quay here since medieval times. Then in the late 1700s a proper harbour was built to protect the boats. More protection was needed as times went on so in 1888 an outer harbour was built.

Alas, just 3 years later it was hit, and largely destroyed, by the big blizzard of 1881, along with the loss of 9 ships. It had to be rebuilt The new harbour piers, that you see today were completed in 1897.

To get some great views of the town itself it is worth a small wander to the end of the harbour and to the lighthouse.

Mevagissey Lighthouse

As part of the new harbour walls a lighthouse was built, Mevagissey Lighthouse. You can walk out to the little white lighthouse today at the end of the harbour walls.

A hexagonal lighthouse around 29 feet tall. It is very similar to the one at St Ives.

The Aquarium

As you walk around the old inner harbour you will come across a small blue painted building. The Aquarium. Quite a prominent lone little building. Today it is a free aquarium (donations requested). Great for families to see and learn about local species living in the waters here locally.

The building itself goes back to the 1890s where it was built as the Lifeboat Station. By the 1930s it had closed down as a lifeboat station as motor engined rafts could cover all from Fowey.

Since then it has been a cafe, a shop, even used as a gun placement during WW2, manned by the Home Guard. It became an aquarium during the 1950s.

Polstreath Beach

Now then, if you want one of the finest beaches in Cornwall that is relatively quiet then head to Polstreath Beach which is located less then half a mile from the harbour.

Mevagissey itself does not have a beach in town but if you head up and east out of town on the south coast path you will find a little path that heads down to Polstreath Beach.

That path opens up to a magnificent view of this gorgeous beach. But, it also opens up to become around 200 steep steps right down to the bottom. Maybe why it is a lovely and quiet beach.

We had a wonderful time down there. Lots of swimming with the dogs. Lovely blue waters and sand in the sunshine.

Sketch of Mevagissey Harbour

Whilst in Mevagissey it was lovely to see Zoe take out her little sketchbook and get lost in her art and creativity. She has a real passion for this place and she captured the beauty of the village in wonderful detail. A sketch of Mevagissey Harbour.

Local Shops and Artisans

Mevagissey is home to a variety of local shops and artisans that showcase the best of Cornwall’s craftsmanship. Always worth a wander through the narrow streets and discover boutiques selling handmade jewelry, local art, and crafts.

Notably, the village has several art galleries that feature works from local artists, allowing visitors to appreciate and purchase unique pieces inspired by the stunning scenery.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Mevagissey is also home to the famous Lost Gardens of Heligan. The local Tremayne family created the magnificent gardens over the centuries on the Heligan Estate. Then suddenly WW1 came along and the gardens were left to ruin.

It took until the 1990s for the gardens to be restored. It features many fascinating things like Europe’s only surviving Pineapple Pit that uses rotting manure to keep the warmth. It also has plant life of all forms including colossal rhododendrons. It is also home to the UK’s only outdoor jungle with subtropical ferns.

Food and Drink in Mevagissey

Seafood Specialties

Given its fishing heritage, Mevagissey is a haven for seafood lovers. The village boasts a variety of restaurants and eateries that serve fresh, locally caught fish and seafood dishes. Whether you opt for a classic fish and chips or indulge in gourmet seafood platters, the flavours of the ocean are prominently featured throughout the village.

Many establishments pride themselves on using sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that the seafood is both ethically sourced and of high quality. Dining by the harbour, with the sound of the waves in the background, adds to the overall experience of many a visitor.

Cafés and Bakeries

Mevagissey is also home to charming cafés and bakeries that offer treats of all types. From freshly baked Cornish pasties to delectable cream teas, there’s something to satisfy every palate. She Sells is a very popular place.

Mevagissey Feast Week

One of the highlights of the village’s calendar is the Mevagissey Feast Week. This annual event, steeped in tradition, celebrates the village’s fishing heritage through various activities, including parades, live music, and local food stalls. The ancient Feast of St Peter has been commemorated in some form at Mevagissey since 1754 and continues in this current form.

Residents and visitors come together to enjoy the festivities and the sense of community that this event fosters.

The Feast Week typically includes a range of competitions, such as the famous raft race and culinary contests, providing entertainment for all ages. It’s an excellent opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation Options

Hotels and B&Bs

Mevagissey offers a selection of accommodation options ranging from hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. For those seeking comfort and convenience, several hotels provide modern amenities, stunning views, and easy access to local attractions. Many of these establishments pride themselves on offering a warm welcome and personalized service.

The Harbour Inn offers comfortable accommodations with en-suite rooms and stunning views of the harbour.
The Mevagissey Bay Hotel provides modern rooms and an on-site restaurant overlooking the picturesque bay.
Polkirt Hill Guesthouse is a charming B&B with traditional Cornish decor and a tranquil garden.
The Fountain Inn is a cozy inn located in the heart of Mevagissey, offering comfortable rooms and a traditional pub atmosphere.

Self-Catering Cottages

If you prefer a more independent stay, consider renting a self-catering cottage. These accommodations allow you to enjoy the village at your own pace, with the convenience of cooking your own meals. Many cottages are located close to the harbor and scenic walks, providing a perfect base for your exploration.

These options cater to various group sizes, making them ideal for families or groups of friends. The added flexibility of preparing your own meals can also enhance the experience.

Camping

We had a great spot camping nearby at Veryan Camping and Caravanning Club Site.

Getting to Mevagissey

Transport Links

Reaching Mevagissey is relatively straightforward, as the village is well-connected by public transport. Regular bus services operate from larger towns such as St. Austell and Truro, making it accessible for day trips. For those traveling by train, St. Austell station is the nearest rail link. The train station is by the bus station.

Driving to Mevagissey is also an option, with several nearby parking facilities available. The scenic routes leading into the village provide a beautiful backdrop for your journey.

Parking and Accessibility

Although Mevagissey is a small village, parking can sometimes be limited during peak seasons. Several car parks are available within walking distance to the village centre. It’s advisable to arrive early if you plan to visit during busy times to secure a space.

In terms of accessibility, the village features some uneven terrain and steep streets, which may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. However, many attractions are within walking distance, and the local community is generally accommodating.

Conclusion

Mevagissey really is a unique destination, combining stunning natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. The friendly atmosphere, coupled with a plethora of activities and local delights, ensures that visitors leave with unforgettable memories.

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