Mousehole

Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel") is often called one of the prettiest villages in England. Granite cottages cluster around a small, almost-enclosed harbour on the western shore of Mount's Bay, just a few miles from Penzance. It's quiet, picturesque and steeped in legend.

Things to do in Mousehole

• Stroll the harbour. Watch the boats, browse the small galleries and gift shops, and enjoy the views across Mount's Bay.
• See the Christmas lights. Every December the harbour is lit up with a famous display that draws visitors from across Cornwall.
• Tom Bawcock's Eve. On 23 December the village celebrates the legendary fisherman who saved Mousehole from famine, with lantern processions and stargazy pie – a pie with fish heads poking through the crust.
• Visit St Clement's Isle. The small island just off the harbour is a familiar landmark and a haven for seabirds.

Beaches

The harbour has a small sandy beach at low tide, ideal for paddling and sandcastles. The rocky shore towards Lamorna is good for rock pooling. Lamorna Cove, a couple of miles along the coast, is a beautiful spot with a small café.

Walks

Walk the coast path west to Lamorna Cove – a lovely, wooded, moderately challenging route. Or head east along the flat seafront path to Newlyn and Penzance, stopping at Newlyn's fishing harbour and galleries.

Food and drink

Try local fish and seafood in the village pubs and restaurants, and pick up a crab sandwich or cream tea. Newlyn, next door, is Cornwall's biggest fishing port, so the seafood is as fresh as it gets.

Getting there and parking

Mousehole is about three miles south of Penzance, which has the nearest railway station. Buses run regularly from Penzance. Parking in the village is very limited and the streets are narrow; use the car park on the edge of the village, or walk from Newlyn.

When to visit

Summer is busy but charming. December, with the harbour lights and Tom Bawcock's Eve, is a magical time to visit, though the village gets crowded in the evenings.