The Top Ten of things to do when visiting Mevagissey

MEVAGISSEY has a vast range of attractions and activities for the visitor and is in a great central location in Cornwall, easily accessible to all points in the county. Whether you want to keep on the move and get out and about, or just relax in the beauty of the harbour and its surroundings, Mevagissey has much to offer.

Here are our TOP TEN TIPS of what to see and do in Mevagissey. Click on the links for more details. 

#1. THE BIG GUNS!

Explore the fabulous LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN which are just a few minutes away from the village whilst THE EDEN PROJECT is an easy 20 minute drive. Both open year-round and are great destinations for kids and adults alike. 

Lost Gardens of Heligan



#2. HIT THE ROAD

Popular destinations like FOWEY (30 minutes), NEWQUAY (45 minutes), FALMOUTH (50 minutes) and TRURO (35 minutes) are always worth a visit, and many fantastic beaches like Pentewan, Portmellon, Caerhays, Vault and Hemmick are easily accessed. 

Truro cathedral



#3. SWIMMING, SUNBATHING & SANDCASTLES

BEACHES and Cornwall go hand in hand and some of the most beautiful are just a short distance from Mevagissey. The south coast is generally quieter and safer than the north with numerous quaint coves and secluded beaches dotted along the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. For those seeking waves, Britain's surf mecca Newquay is on the north coast around 45 minutes away. 


#4. GET WALKING

CLOSE TO HOME you could explore the ancient streets and lanes of Mevagissey and see for yourself the traditional haunts of the smugglers who used to inhabit the village and stash their booty in and around the narrow alleyways that snake around the harbour.

For the active there are NUMEROUS WALKS in and around Mevagissey of varying difficulty and the SOUTH WEST COAST PATH cuts right through the harbour. The more challenging route is to the north (PENTEWAN BEACH 30 minutes, CHARLESTOWN 2 hours), whilst the coast path to the south (PORTMELLON BEACH 15 minutes, CHAPEL POINT and COLONA BEACH 35 minutes, GORRAN HAVEN 1 hour) is more accessible. 

Looking towards the narrow lanes and alleyways of Mevagissey



#5. DINING OUT 

Finding a great place to eat is easy in Mevagissey though you may have to book ahead in the summer. Most pubs and restaurants offer dining options with a focus on locally sourced produce, especially fresh seafood. Pubs are generally open year-round whilst restaurants tend to operate more seasonally; contact directly for opening hours and reservations. 

PUBS

The Fountain Inn, Mevagissey


RESTAURANTS

  • Salamander: specialising in locally caught fish and local produce, 01726 842254
  • Alvorada: Portuguese, specialising in seafood caught by the chef himself, 01726 842055
  • Number Five: freshly cooked breakfasts, snacks, lunches, afternoon teas, cakes and evening meals, 01726 844422 
  • Roovrays: modern cuisine with a French flair, 01726 842672

Fresh from the ocean


#6. ON YOUR BIKE

CYCLE OR WALK on the Pentewan Trail through to St Austell, an easy-going 5 mile round trip from the beach at Pentewan to the village of London Apprentice and back. The trail runs along the bed of an old narrow gauge railway which once took clay and tin ore to the harbour at Pentewan until it silted up and the railway ceased operation in 1916. Bikes can be hired from PENTEWAN VALLEY CYCLE HIRE.


#7. LEARN SOMETHING NEW

DISCOVER the history of the village at the MEVAGISSEY MUSEUM situated directly on the harbour. Stacked to the gunwales with memorabilia and local artefacts, the museum brings the history of the village to life. Entry by donation. Seasonal opening times, contact for details. 

Mevagissey Museum


MEVAGISSEY AQUARIUM is full of fascinating marine life and is situated on the west side of the harbour. Entry by donation. Seasonal opening only.

#8. ONE FOR THE BUDDING TRAINSPOTTERS

ANY CHILD is going to be fascinated by the dozens of trains whizzing past tiny houses and people set against a detailed backdrop at MEVAGISSEY MODEL RAILWAY. There’s an alpine scene, a harbour and Cornish tin mine and a Junior Junction layout featuring all the kids’ railways favourites. You can even have a go at operating some of the larger trains themselves. Seasonal opening times, contact for details.


#9. ALL ABOARD

JOIN the FOWEY TO MEVAGISSEY FERRY for a 35 minute trip up the coastline then browse the lovely town of Fowey, before returning to Mevagissey. See the fabulous south coast while watching out for dolphins, huge basking sharks and seals sunbathing on the rocks. Seasonal operations only and crossing subject to weather conditions, check link for details. 

Or for the adrenalin junkies, MEVAGISSEY RIB RIDES offer exhilarating 15 minute high speed boat rides around Mevagissey and St. Austell Bay. Suitable for adults and children you may be lucky enough to see dolphins or whales as you perform wave jumps and tight turns. Leaves from Mevagissey Harbour. Operates seasonally. 

Mevagissey Ferrry


#10. CATCH YOUR OWN

KEEN ON FISHING? Cast a line off lighthouse quay or head out to sea. A number of boats in Mevagissey can be CHARTERED FOR OFF-SHORE FISHING. Most supply rods, bait and other angling necessities. Contact for rates, availability, etc. For all your fishing and tackle needs, visit Dave at Mevagissey Shark Angling Centre. 

+44 7903 665599

Middle Wharf, Mevagissey, Cornwall, United Kingdom PL26 6UP.
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