Mevagissey

Mevagissey is one of Cornwall's last true working fishing villages. Its double harbour – an inner basin that dates back centuries and an outer breakwater added in the 1800s – is still busy with day boats landing crab, lobster and mackerel. Behind the quay, a tangle of narrow streets climbs the valley, packed with pasty shops, galleries, gift shops and cafés. It's lively, a little bit rough around the edges and all the better for it.

Things to do in Mevagissey

• Watch the harbour at work. Arrive early in the morning to see the boats come in and the catch landed on the quay.
• Take a boat trip. Mackerel fishing trips and coastal cruises leave from the harbour through summer, and a seasonal passenger ferry runs across the bay to Fowey – a brilliant way to combine two towns in a day.
• Visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Just over a mile inland, Heligan is one of the most famous gardens in Britain: Victorian productive gardens, a subtropical jungle valley and woodland walks. Allow at least half a day.
• Explore the museum. The small Mevagissey Museum on the harbour tells the story of fishing, boatbuilding and smuggling in the village.

Beaches near Mevagissey

The village itself has no large beach, but there are good options close by. Portmellon, a short walk south, is a sheltered cove popular for swimming and paddling at low tide. Further along, Gorran Haven has a sandy, family-friendly beach, and the wild sweep of Hemmick and Vault beach lies beyond. Pentewan Sands, to the north, is a big stretch of sand with easy access.

Walks

The South West Coast Path runs straight through the village. Head south for the cliff walk to Portmellon and Gorran Haven, or north to Pentewan. The Pentewan Valley Trail – a flat, traffic-free path for walkers and cyclists – links Mevagissey with Heligan and St Austell.

Food and drink

This is the place for simple seafood done well: crab sandwiches, fish and chips on the harbour wall, and fresh fish in the village restaurants. Pasties and Cornish ice cream are never more than a few steps away.

Getting there and parking

Mevagissey is about six miles south of St Austell, which has the nearest mainline railway station. Buses run regularly from St Austell. The streets in the village are extremely narrow, so use the main car park at the top of the village and walk down – it only takes a few minutes.

When to visit

Summer brings the busiest crowds and the full boat-trip timetable. Spring and autumn are quieter and ideal for Heligan and the coast path. The village's annual Feast Week in late June is a highlight, with music, events and a proper community feel.