Whether you are heading to Cornwall for the first time or are a frequent visitor to the southwest coast, the quintessential fishing village of Mevagissey is a spot you cannot afford to miss. I recall frequently visiting this village as a child on annual holiday trips to Cornwall, so having the opportunity to take Heather there on her first visit to the UK was always going to be a memorable experience. This quirky yet historic fishing village oozes charm and that’s before you arrive at the harbor front to hear all of the local fishermen share their daily stories after heading out into the bay for their daily catch.
For anyone unaware of Mevagissey, this really is a treat for anyone visiting the county of Cornwall in England. Hopefully, after reading this post, you will be raring to experience this historic village and perhaps Cornwall, in general, will be at the top of your radar. While we experienced an awesome camping trip in various places across Cornwall, it’s fair to say that villages like Mevagissey are the perfect place to stay for a night or two, particularly if you are looking to experience life as a local in this proud fishing spot.
Mevagissey is a beautiful and historic town…Our history of boat building dates back to 1745, and the beautiful harbor is filled with classic Cornish charm. (Mevagissey Bay Hotel)
Where is Mevagissey?
Located approximately five miles south of the larger town of St. Austell, Mevagissey is a great spot to visit either to spend an afternoon or as mentioned above, for a couple of days if you really want to enjoy a stereotypical Cornish experience in a fishing village.
The village of Mevagissey nestles in a small valley and faces east to Mevagissey Bay on the east coast of Cornwall. The inner and outer harbors are busy with a mixture of pleasure vessels and working fishing boats, the remains of a once major industry. However, tourism has now become the pinnacle of this town in recent years and fishing is now predominantly done by locals trying to make their living.
Where to Stay in Mevagissey?
Mevagissey is home to a number of bed and breakfasts just like many other Cornish towns and villages. If you prefer to stay in nearby St. Austell, there are plenty other options available but we strongly recommend considering the gorgeous Mevagissey Bay Hotel, particularly if you want to enjoy the breathtaking views across the Bay and only have a 3-minute walk into the heart of the harbor.
Click here for latest prices and room availability at Mevagissey Bay Hotel.
Things to Do in Mevagissey
The beauty of Mevagissey is not only because of the architecture and old-fashioned houses/shops that fill the village center but also because of the beautiful scenery surrounding the steep slopes of the valley where this village lies.
If you enjoy hiking, Mevagissey and the surrounding area are home to breathtaking scenic coastal routes. Why not take advantage of the amazing South West Coastal Footpath and have the opportunity to appreciate some of the best views in southwest England.
For those of you that prefer to experience the local culture, head into the center of Mevagissey through a myriad of narrow streets that intertwine, providing tourists and locals with various dining options spots to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea. Art galleries and other shops are available and the wonderful Cornish Fudge Shop is a must for all visitors.
Fishing charters are available from the harbor front while for those that prefer to stay on dry land, the Mevagissey Aquarium offers a number of exhibits for visitors to enjoy. If you visit in the heart of summer, perhaps you will enjoy a great British summer and have the opportunity to experience one of the many beaches along this stretch of coastline.
All the local shop owners can provide wonderful local stories of the history throughout this fishing village and you just get that sense of relaxation as you wander around all those quirky gift shops. Of course, a trip to Mevagissey would not be complete without sampling the local Cornish Fish and Chip shops!
Summary
Mevagissey really is in a great location on an attractive stretch of coastline. Visitors here can also visit surrounding towns all within short driving distance and move further inland to explore the larger towns of Truro, St. Austell and St. Ives.
Whether you are enjoying an amazing camping experience in Cornwall or simply looking to visit a typical Cornish village, Mevagissey is surely a place that needs to be everyone’s radar. It’s a place I fell in love with as a child and I’m delighted to say it’s even better as an adult!