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South Cornwall is among the loveliest elements of the county. The north coast has the browsing seashores, the west has the wild coast paths, however the south is the place to return for peace and quiet!
South Cornwall is an enormous place, so this information focuses on the stretch round Mevagissey, Fowey and St Austell Bay – the realm I explored throughout my current 4‑night time keep at Nook Home Loft (extra on that later). Mevagissey is a small, vibrant fishing village with a fairly working harbour and a relaxed, low-key really feel. It’s a superb base for a brief break: near Cornwall’s largest sights, lovely gardens and historic harbours – in addition to loads of incredible seashores.
When you’re staying in Mevagissey (or wherever close by), this information covers the very best issues to do, the place to eat, and the best way to plan your days.
Why Mevagissey Makes a Nice Base for Exploring South Cornwall
Mevagissey is the right spot to base your self if you wish to escape the extra crowded seaside cities It’s quiet, nevertheless it’s not distant, and a few of South Cornwall’s largest sights are inside simple attain, together with the Eden Venture, the Misplaced Gardens of Heligan, and historic harbours like Charlestown and Fowey.
As a result of Mevagissey sits roughly between St Austell and Fowey, it’s very best for a 3-4 day break. You possibly can discover lots with out spending half your time driving. After which you’ll be able to come again to the peaceable village to unwind with a drink at one of many harbourside pubs – good!
Issues to do in Mevagissey
There’s not a lot to do in Mevagissey itself – which is a part of the appeal, actually! It’s all about pottering alongside the harbour and exploring the unbiased outlets within the tangled streets of the village centre.
Wander the Harbour
The harbour is the guts of Mevagissey. Fishing boats bob within the water, gulls wheel overhead, and there’s all the time one thing taking place, whether or not it’s fishermen unloading the day’s catch, a ship heading out, or somebody crabbing off the wall. Harbour partitions jut out into the ocean on each side, so you’ll be able to stroll proper out to really feel the ocean air in your face and watch the waves.
Mevagissey Museum
Set inside an previous boat‑constructing workshop, Mevagissey Museum is small however surprisingly fascinating. I popped in pondering I’d kill 20 minutes or so and was nonetheless there an hour later – there’s lots to see! Positively value a go to it if you wish to study extra concerning the village’s fishing heritage.
Native Walks
When you fancy stretching your legs, stroll north to Polstreath Seaside (steep steps, however pretty) or observe the coast path south in the direction of Portmellon and Gorran Haven.
Issues to do Close to Mevagissey
Eden Venture
Cornwall’s largest attraction is genuinely definitely worth the hype! I used to be anxious the Eden Venture may really feel overpriced however I used to be truthfully blown away. The biomes are spectacular, and the out of doors gardens are lovely 12 months‑spherical – however particularly in spring when there appears to be color and life all over the place. Ensure you observe the tree-top path across the prime of the rainforest biome for waterfalls, mist, and a birds-eye-view of the forest under. Permit no less than three hours, extra if you wish to take your time.
Misplaced Gardens of Heligan
The Misplaced Gardens of Heligan is definitely considered one of my favorite sights in South Cornwall. The gardens at Heligan property fell into disuse throughout WWI and have been finally “misplaced” when the home was bought off. They have been rediscovered within the Nineteen Nineties and an enormous restoration mission introduced them again to life. The spotlight is the Jungle backyard alongside a river valley, full with a rope bridge and massive tree ferns. There’s additionally a protracted woodland path across the property, dotted with massive sculptures – together with the well-known Sleeping Woman.
Take the Ferry to Fowey
Taking the ferry from Mevagissey Harbour is a beautiful method to attain considered one of Cornwall’s prettiest harbour cities. When you’re in Fowey, there’s lots to do:
Hire a ship from Fowey River Rent – you don’t want any expertise, and a 30‑minute rent is sufficient time to pootle upriver and again.
Fowey River Journeys – 45 minute cruises of the river and harbour with an entertaining narration stuffed with native data and pa jokes!
Readymoney cove – Fowey’s loveliest seaside and an ideal swimming spot.
Outdated Financial institution Gallery – a classy new addition to Fowey’s charming centre; a gallery and low store housed in a former financial institution, full with an exhibition area in one of many previous vaults!
Port of Charlestown
One other of my favourites! Charlestown’s 18th-century Georgian harbour appears to be like prefer it was frozen in time a couple of years in the past – full with resident and visiting tall ships. You possibly can see why it’s often used as a filming location, together with as a repeat set on Poldark. It’s very photogenic and straightforward to mix with a go to to St Austell.
St Austell Brewery
Makers of the favored Tribute, Korev and Correct Job beers (plus many extra apart from), Cornwall’s largest brewery is predicated within the coronary heart of their namesake city of St Austell. There’s a customer centre with a big store, and a pub hooked up: the Hicks Bar. You possibly can e-book a tour of the brewery to study its historical past and which features a guided tasting. Discover out extra.
Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum
Cornwall’s china clay trade, which has left an enormous mark on this a part of the county; the oddly conical hills you’ll see dotted across the space have been created by mining clay for china. Go to Wheal Martyn to study extra; count on woodland trails, industrial equipment and a surprisingly fascinating have a look at part of Cornwall’s historical past that the majority guests by no means see.
Finest Seashores Round Mevagissey
There are many seashores inside a brief drive, starting from sandy household favourites to quiet coves.
Polstreath Seaside – closest to Mevagissey, steep steps however pretty
Portmellon – small, sheltered and walkable from the village
Gorran Haven – sandy and nice for swimming
Porthpean – widespread, with good swimming situations
Par Sands – lengthy, flat and nice for households
Polkerris – small, sandy and residential to Sam’s on the Seaside
Readymoney Cove (Fowey) – sheltered and scenic
Locations to Eat in Mevagissey (and Close by)
She Sells, Mevagissey
A beautiful spot for espresso, cake or a lightweight lunch. Nice for a mid‑morning break whereas wandering the village.
Sharksfin
This massive harbourside restaurant is finest identified for seafood – particularly, their enormous helpings of native mussels – however in addition they do nice burgers and meat dishes. The service was extremely pleasant after I went (unforgettably so) and the vibe is enjoyable and laid-back. Guide forward if you’d like a window seat.
Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery, St Austell
Tucked above the brewery’s customer centre, this cosy bar is a superb spot for a pub lunch. Attempt the signature brews: Tribute pale ale, Correct Job IPA and (my favorite) Korev lager. Or see what’s on faucet; bar employees are joyful to pour tasters if you wish to attempt one thing new. For a lightweight lunch, the fish finger sandwich is a strong alternative.
Sam’s on the Seaside, Polkerris
One in every of my favorite eating places in Cornwall, Sam’s on the Seaside is the informal, cool youthful sister of Sam’s bistro in Fowey. It’s within the previous lifeboat home backing the seaside in Polkerris, enormous home windows and a small terrace – each with attractive sea views. They’ve a terrific vary of recent native seafood on supply, in addition to actually scrumptious pizzas. Don’t miss it.
Quick and Sturdy, Charlestown
The perfect cease in Charlestown for a lightweight lunch or brunch: hearty sourdough sandwiches, avocado on toast, pastries that look (virtually) too fairly to eat, and actually good espresso. Eat exterior on sunny days – or seize a bacon roll to takeaway and wander all the way down to the harbour wall for lunch with a view.
Advised 3–4 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Eden Venture + Mevagissey Harbour Night
Spend the morning at Eden (permit no less than three hours), then head again to Mevagissey for a wander and a harbourside drink.
Day 2: St Austell Day
Go to Wheal Martyn (1–2 hours), take a brewery tour at St Austell Brewery (2 hours, longer in the event you keep for lunch), then end the day in Charlestown.
Day 3: Misplaced Gardens of Heligan + Seaside Afternoon
Discover Heligan within the morning, then decide a close-by seaside for a relaxed afternoon.
Day 4: Fowey Day Journey
Take the ferry to Fowey, wander the city, and rent a small boat if the climate’s good.
The place to Keep
Mevagissey is small, and there are not any massive accommodations or high-rises right here. Most individuals keep in self-catering cottages, which fits the realm’s slower tempo completely.
Facet Holidays are a small, native firm with tons of of gorgeous vacation cottages throughout Cornwall, together with plenty of pretty ones in Mevagissey. I stayed with them on my journey to St Ives a few years in the past, so I knew they have been going to be a strong alternative for my Mevagissey journey.
Nook Home Loft
Nook Home Loft sleeps two and is dog-friendly.
I stayed at Nook Home Loft: a stunning, mezzanine-style loft residence with views throughout the rooftops of Mevagissey from the bed room skylight. Heavy wood beams and different historic options gave it a comfy, cottage really feel, however the total type was modern.
There’s a spacious kitchen-diner with funky mustard-yellow tiles and an enormous kitchen island. This massive, welcoming room doubles as the doorway corridor and an informal chill-out nook; there’s a small couch, a big understairs storage space, and area for a canine in the event you’re travelling with one.
The small lounge overlooks a neighbouring pub; I used to be anxious this is likely to be noisy after darkish, however I used to be by no means disturbed. It’s a beautiful, chilled area. Assume plush sofas, an enormous electrical hearth and cute studying nooks within the window.
Upstairs is the show-stopper: sloping loft ceilings and wood beams above an enormous, comfortable mattress. The toilet is built-in into the bed room, however the bathroom and large walk-in bathe are tucked away behind a partition. I used to be staying alone so it didn’t hassle me, nevertheless it’s one thing to remember in the event you’re staying as a pair! There’s additionally a beautiful standalone bathtub and colour-changing temper lighting: good for unwinding after a protracted day exploring.
Extra on Cornwall and Close by
I hope you discovered this information to Mevagissey useful! If in case you have longer to spend in Cornwall and South West England, you may take pleasure in a few of my different weblog posts:
This nook of South Cornwall is ideal for a brief break: lovely surroundings, nice meals, simple day journeys and a relaxed, native really feel. Regardless of having a few of Cornwall’s main sights, this space nonetheless looks like a hidden gem – particularly sleepy Mevagissey with its atmospheric centre and salty, harbour vibes! Whether or not you’re pottering round Mevagissey or exploring the broader space, this is among the finest elements of Cornwall to decelerate and revel in.