If you’re looking for a quaint and traditional Cornish fishing village, away from the crowds then Mousehole is the place to go. Not too frequently visited by tourists, this tiny and peaceful harbour village holds so much charm and authenticity, it’s the perfect weekend getaway.
Mousehole is a small working fishing village which sits about a 15 minute drive from Penzance (trains run daily from London to Penzance). Walking around Mousehole it feels as if you are discovering this old-world village for yourselves rather than a tourist destination to visit. Walk around the pretty laneways and stop in the small cafes and art galleries along the way. Or stroll along the harbour where the local fishermen’s cottages are neatly placed, with a prime view of the beautiful harbour.
You will see couples sitting on the benches lining the harbour, children playing in the water, someone reading a good book and local fishermen attending to their boats. For such a small and unassuming village, a lot goes on if you stop and take the time to look.
As you walk around the cobbled lanes, you may come across small stalls outside peoples homes, selling handmade crafty things or old books. All complete with honesty boxes in which you pay- it works with trust here. I found this quite charming.
Explore the several gift shops close to the harbour, each with handmade items, inspired by the sea and ocean. I found a really interesting shop just off from the harbour called The Ark. Inside were quirky witchcraft type items like vintage mini potion bottles and lucky charms. Great for unique gifts and original items for the home.
Just opposite this shop is a small public footway which heads up a hill and through the grass and bushes. After we pushed our way to the top we came out at a private road so walked along and then back down to the harbour. You are rewarded by beautiful views back down over the village.
For places to eat in Mousehole there’s a choice of pubs, restaurants and cafes. We stopped at a pretty little cafe for brunch and sat outside in the garden, surrounded by white walls and green palms. Hard to believe we were still in the UK!
Places nearby Mousehole…
There are also many walks you can do in the surrounding area, as well as some stunning beaches close by too. One of which is Porthcurno beach which on a sunny day wouldn’t look out of place in the Mediterranean. Mousehole is also close to St Michael’s Mount and Lands End. A perfect little base to explore this pretty section of Cornwall.
So if you want a place to just relax or take in the Cornish way of life then come to Mousehole! This authentic village is situated away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring villages and still holds so much of its natural charm and beauty.
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