Visiting

Where to stay

Harbour or bay, cottage or pub — the one choice that decides the rest of your week.

Told by The Fishlighter's Wife

The houses here were built for people who worked the water — thick walls, narrow streets, and not a level floor in the place; we hadn't the money for level. If their walls could talk you'd get fishing and smuggling in equal measure. Pick your view first — the bay, or the harbour — and the rest of the week follows.

The one decision that matters

Most visitors want to stay in Mevagissey itself, for the winding streets, the working port and the pubs and cafés. The key choice is whether you want a view over St Austell Bay or over the bustle of the harbour — they are different holidays.

There is accommodation here for most tastes and pockets, in the village and in the surrounding hamlets, with easy reach of the county's flagship attractions.

Character cottages

The period houses are one of the village's biggest draws, and there are several to take by the week. From the doorstep of most of them you can be on the rugged coast path or in the middle of the village within a few minutes.

Booking

Booking direct with the property is usually cheaper than going through a platform that takes a service charge on top. Holidaycottages.co.uk handpicks a good range here.

A few of the places

The Wheel House — a pub right on the waterfront in the heart of the village, with shops and restaurants seconds away.

Oceans Edge — an apartment with views of the harbour and coastline from both sides of the house, and good access to the local walks. Polkirt Hill is steep; bring your walking legs.

Penmeva House — views over the village and an easy walk into it. A veranda the children like and the adults use for the view.

Waterfront Court — harbour views and, importantly, easy parking, which in Mevagissey is a serious bonus and saves you the walk back up.

Where to leave the car Where to eat

Mevagissey Harbour — a guide to the village, the bay and the people who worked it.