If you’re dreaming of a picture-perfect Cornish fishing village, book a trip to Mousehole. With its historic harbour bobbing with boats and a warren of streets lined with fishermen's cottages and independent shops, Mousehole makes a brilliant base for a West Cornwall holiday.
Just 3 miles west of Penzance, this classic harbour village is teeming with character and personality. Mousehole was once the centre of a fishing trade, which caught and exported pilchards to France, and to this day, its rich maritime history is apparent at every turn. Whether you’re exploring the historic harbour or walking the Cornish coast, you’re constantly reminded of the connection with the sea here. Suffice to say, the coastal walks along this stretch of coastline are a treat, from soul-stirring views out to sea and over island castles to tidal pools perfect for year-round sea swims. Whether you’re an all-weather walker or seaside scene admirer, you’ll enjoy a trip to Mousehole.
After all that fresh air and exercise, you’ll be pleased to know you’ll be well catered for in Mousehole. Whether you’re seeking proper pubs serving real ale and hearty meals or fine dining with a side of sea views, you’ll find it here.
Unsurprisingly, the natural beauty of the place has inspired generations of artists, and you can lose yourself in a world of art at the many galleries. Or if you feel the muse yourself, why not take a painting lesson? Nestled between the fishermen's cottages, eateries, and galleries, you’ll also find a range of eclectic independent shops and boutiques.
So if you’d like to plan your next trip, here are just some of our favourite things to do in Mousehole…
Shopping
As you walk the maze-like alleys and explore the hidden nooks and crannies, you’ll notice a collection of independent shops, galleries, and gift shops perfect for a spot of holiday shopping. Pick up some maritime-inspired homewares at Coast Interiors, treat yourself to some handmade jewellery at Just Lily or bring home the scent of the coast with a hand-poured candle from Seawitch.
Art galleries
Or perhaps you’d like to bring home a scene from your holiday with you? Luckily for you, the village and the surrounding area are packed full of talented artists, whose work you’ll find in the many local galleries.
Visit The Joel Gallery and peruse pieces by the late Ken Howard, OBE, RA, along with original paintings and prints by the Joel Family and other artists. Visit The Mowzer Gallery for stirring, bright artwork or pop into The Tyler Gallery for a range of established and up-and-coming Cornish artists specialising in modern and contemporary artwork.
Fancy yourself an artist? The Joel Gallery offers workshops in all sorts of artistic endeavours, including painting, pottery, textiles and photography. If you’ve always fancied trying your hand at a canvas, this could be the perfect unhurried time to give it a whirl.
South West Coast Path
Feeling fuelled by a feast of pasties and cream teas? It’s time to hit the South West Coast Path! While the walks around here are challenging, the views are astounding and well worth the effort. Head from Mousehole to Lamorna Cove, beloved by artists, and enjoy epic coastal vistas that make it quite clear why this route is often listed amongst the best walks in Cornwall. If you take the circuit route, you’ll pass through Kemyel Crease Nature Reserve, characterised by its towering conifers.
Or head in the opposite direction and explore Newlyn, just a couple of miles up the coast. Once you arrive, enjoy the local art scene and visit Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange Gallery for contemporary art, or Penlee House Gallery and Museum to see the permanent collection of Newlyn School paintings and swot up on the history of Penzance.
Beaches
At low tide, you can head down into the harbour and enjoy the beach. There are two sections, one beneath the south arm of the pier and another right below Fore Street. The harbour beach is not naturally sandy, so each year in spring, sand is imported to provide a comfortable, safe beach environment for people to enjoy.
Do be warned, though, dogs aren’t allowed on this beach at any time of year. However, you could head to the rocky coastal area to the far right of the village, past the harbour, where you can let your dog explore.
If you’re searching for more Cornish beaches, you’re well placed. Nearby, you’ll find Salt Ponds Beach, Porthcurno, Penzance Promenade Beach and Lamorna Cove. If you fancy a surf, hop in the car and drive 10 miles to Sennen Cove, which boasts swell straight from the Atlantic, or a little further to St Ives’ surfing hotspot at Porthmeor Beach.
Don’t forget to make time for simply staring out to sea! The harbour offers picture-perfect scenes, but head on to the coast path for sweeping vistas. You’ll be able to spot St Michael’s Mount, and even closer, you’ll see a rocky islet known as St Clement’s Isle, once home to a chapel dedicated to St Clement, the patron saint of mariners and sailors. Today, this spot is favoured by the local seal population.
Boat trips
Or why not go a step further and head out to sea yourself with a boat trip that explores the stunning coastline surrounding Mousehole. Head east for Newlyn, Penzance, and St Michael’s Mount, or go west for Lamorna, Porthcurno, and The Minack Theatre. You could hop aboard The Cormorant with local skipper Neil Brockman, born and bred in the village, serving a total of 30 years with the RNLI. Take the 2-hour wildlife cruise departing from Mousehole and keep your eyes peeled for basking sharks, dolphins, grey seals, and seabirds.
St Michael’s Mount
If you’re staying in Mousehole for a while, you might like to adventure over to St Michael’s Mount. We’ve written before about the fun you can have exploring the iconic Cornish castle and uncovering the legends and myths that have built up over a thousand years. You can explore the fortress, visit the garden or simply wander about. There are some excellent spots to enjoy lunch, too!
History trails
Get your bearings by taking a wander around the village and stopping to learn more about the various historical landmarks. Central to the village's history is the harbour, which dates back as far as 1267 and was the key to the local fishing industry. Spot the plaque to Squire Jenkyn Keigwin located outside of Keigwin House, which marks the 23rd of July 1595, when the Spanish Armada attacked the village, burning most of it to the ground.
Afterwards, check out the Mousehole War Memorial or trek inland to The Church of St Pol de Léon, whose origins date back to the 5th century.
Alternatively, wander along the harbour and look out for the Fitzroy Barometer, originally loaned to the village in 1854 by Admiral Fitzroy, founder of the Meteorological Office. It was loaned to provide data to the Met Office to enhance storm warnings, and in 2009, the Meteorological Office gifted the barometer to Mousehole Harbour Authority.
For an alternative walk, head half a mile inland up a hill towards the attractive village of Paul. Here you’ll discover the final resting place of Dorothy ‘Dolly’ Pentreath (1692-1777), said to be the very last monoglot Cornish speaker. Once you’ve seen the monument dedicated to her, pop across the road to The Kings Arms for a pint in a congenial atmosphere.
Mousehole Rock Pool
Nestled beneath the village and revealed at low tide, take a dip in Mousehole's pocket-size tidal pool, which provides a safe swimming spot ideal for children. Afterwards, dry off, then pop into the aptly named Rock Pool Café for an excellent hot chocolate to warm up.
Christmas Lights
If you’re planning a festive holiday in Cornwall, you should plan a trip to Mousehole just to see the harbour lights if nothing else. This famed fixture in the village's calendar is beloved by locals and visitors alike. The tradition started in 1963 and remains as popular as ever. Each year, Mousehole’s Christmas lights are switched on in December, providing the village with a festive glow until early January! You can keep an eye out for timings on the official website.
Experience Tom Bawcock’s Eve
And if you're in the area for Christmas, you'll want to witness Tom Bawcock's Eve, an annual festival held on the 23rd of December to celebrate the legendary local fisherman Tom Bawcock. According to the story, a winter of bad storms meant the village's fishermen couldn't get out, and the village was facing starvation. Local fisherman, Tom Bawcock, bravely headed out in the dangerous conditions and, despite the storms, returned with a huge catch. Delighted, the villagers baked the fish, heads and all, into a pie that became known as 'Stargazy' (stargazing) pie. Come along for the festival of lanterns, carolling, and try a slice of the iconic pie!
Places to eat
Mousehole might be small, but there is no shortage of delicious eateries to tempt. The Old Coastguard is featured by the Michelin Guide for its brasserie-style Mediterranean dishes, excellent wine selection, and gorgeous views out to sea and on towards St Clement’s Isle.
Head to 2 Fore Street and tuck into a seafood-focused menu featuring Newlyn crab soup and shell-roasted scallops with lobster. Breakfast here is also highly recommended. For excellent coffee and homemade cakes, head to The Old Pilchard Press or Four Teas Café Mousehole. Or simply wander the pretty, timeless streets and let your eyes and nose guide you!
Poet Dylan Thomas married his wife, Caitlin, in Penzance. And after they said “I do”, they headed to Mousehole for their honeymoon, which Thomas later declared ‘the loveliest village in England’. During their stay in the village, they chose the Ship Inn as their bar of choice, and if you visit today, you’ll see a section of the bar, known as Dylan’s Corner, remains dedicated to him.
Mesmerised by this pretty Cornish village? Get planning your next Cornish getaway and peruse our collection of holiday cottages in Mousehole.
