- Traditional fishing port
- Pretty cottages and narrow steets
- Close to the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Eden Project
Mevagissey is an unspoilt fishing port on the south coast of Cornwall, characterised by narrow winding streets - great for exploring with shops, tea rooms and much more to discover. The focal point of Mevagissey is the harbour which consists of the 18th Century east and west quays which are flanked by hills on both sides - creating many opportunities for those holiday snaps!
Close to both the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project, Mevagissey is well placed for exploring the whole of the south coast and is a good spot for cyclists and walkers to base themselves. During May to September a ferry operates across St Austell Bay allowing an easy day trip to lovely Fowey, with the chance to maybe spot some dolphins on the way!
Food and Drink
Mevagissey has a number of restaurants and pubs, with most of the port’s restaurants specialising in fish. Roovray’s and Alvorada (which has a Portugese flavour) are recommended. The Fountain and Ship Inns serve up good pub food. The port has a delicatessen supplying quality local produce.
For local wine take a day trip to the Camel Valley vineyard near Bodmin (about 15 miles) which is Cornwall’s largest wine maker.
Family Attractions
Mevagissey is ideal for families with two of Cornwall’s “must-see” attractions - The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan within just a few miles of the town. Within the town itself are the World of Model Railways, Harbour Aquarium and Mevagissey Museum.
The World of Model Railways situated on Meadow Street is a popular Cornwall attraction, with one of the best model shops in the South-West of England. The exhibitions include a layout which has over 30 trains travelling through varied landscapes from a British seaside to an Alpine Winter and the Junior Junction children’s railway features Hornby Thomas the Tank Engine characters and a model circus.
The Mevagissey Museum has a good display of local artefacts and photos of the town over the years. The building itself was built in 1745 to enable the repair of smuggling boats! Crealy Adventure Park near Newquay is about 15 miles from Mevagissey and a great day out for the kids (allow 45 minutes in the car).
Another way to enjoy the sea which the children will enjoy is to take a ferry from Mevagissey to Fowey in the summer months.
Also within day trip distance are:
- Minack Theatre
- Tate St Ives
- National Maritime Museum in Falmouth
Shopping
Mevagissey has a good selection of shops covering both food and holiday treats. For more extensive shopping visit St Austell and Truro, both of which have a good mix of shops. Truro is particularly nice for a relaxing day out.
History and Heritage
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, thought to be the largest garden restoration project in Europe are about 2 miles from the town and accessible by car, bike or walking (uphill on the way there!). They are a superb day out for both adults and children with extensive trails, sub-tropical valley and walled gardens.
In St Austell (5 miles) you can find Wheal Martyn China Clay Country Park. Nesteld in the Ruddle Valley on the outskirts of town is set in the grounds of two former working clay pits and gives a great insight into one of Cornwall’s most important traditional industries.
For horticulturalists who want to see more than Heligan, a few miles from Mevagissey lies Caerhays Castle which has fabulous gardens and a lovely beach.
Other places of interest nearby include:
- Lanhydrock National Trust
- Trerice National Trust
- Tintagel
- St Michael’s Mount
- Trelissick Garden
Beaches
There are a number of good beaches easily reached from the town:
- Pentewan beach lies a mile north of the town. It is a long shingly beach but busy in summer.
- Polstreath beach, which is dog friendly, is just north of the town and only a 15 minute walk > However, there are 200 steep steps to get down to the beach.
- Caerhays – a few miles away – is a sandy beach in an attractive cove. There is parking behind the beach.
- Gorran Haven – 3 miles South West of the town – has a sandy beach with easy access and facilities (toilet, café, parking).
Mevagissey is also just a short trip from the large sandy beaches in St Austell Bay including Pentuan Sands, Porthpean and Par Sands.
Events and Entertainment
The highlight of the year in Mevagissey is the Feast Festival Week held in June. It is a centuries old celbration and marks the feast of St Peter. There is a crab catching contest, mini-triathlon, singing, processions, a boat race, music, floral dancing, tug of war and feasting! More than enough for everyone to have a great time.
Activities
The sea still plays a key role in Mevagissey’s daily life with a fleet of working fishing boats. Fishing trips can be booked from Mevagissey’s harbour including deep sea angling, mackerel and shark fishing.
Walkers can enjoy Mevagissey as a base for exploring South Cornwall. The South West Coastal Path is an obvious draw with dramatic scenery and sea views, while a lot of the coastline on either side of Mevagissey is owned by The National Trust.
Golf courses within a short drive include Porthpean and St Austell.
Travel
By car. Take the A30 or A38. On the A30 pass Bodmin and then the A391 to St Austell to join the A390. Follow directions to Truro and then take the B3273. Using the A38 follow the A390 from Dobwalls through Lostwithiel and then just before leaving St Austell take the B3273. The town has 5 car parks all within a few minutes level walk of the centre at most.
By Rail/Coach - there are full services from Paddington to St. Austell, 5 miles north of Mevagissey. National Express coaches also serve St Austell. There are regular bus services from St Austell to Mevagissey.
