No.19 Mevagissey ⚓️ Guidebook
Sightseeing
Mevagissey is an attractive harbourside village which was once the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard fishery and which still boasts a working harbour, with a few dozen small fishing boats. It has a tradition of boat building dating back to 1745. Many of the old buildings, constructed of cob and slate, bear testimony to a time when the large shoals of pilchards were the livelihood of the whole village. Fishing trips can be taken from the harbour and there is a ferry to the nearby port of Fowey. There is a car park on the quay but the narrow streets can be difficult to negotiate and are often full of pedestrians.
The name Mevagissey is derived from the names of two saints, St Meva and St Issey. The first record is of a hamlet of this name in 1313, but there were local settlements in the Bronze Age. Two Bronze Age Burial Urns were discovered at nearby Portmellon.
In the narrow streets are many gift shops, craft workshops, galleries, cafés and pubs. There are several hotels and many fish restaurants in Mevagissey and, of course, plenty of fish and chip shops! The World of Model Railways Exhibition is an impressive collection. There is an excellent Folk Museum, and an aquarium, in the old lifeboat house, displaying locally caught fish.
From the top of Polkirt Hill there is a great view over the higgledy streets, the harbour and the yachting pool. Further out can be seen the golden sands of Polstreath Beach and St Austell Bay. Looking south, there is the inlet sheltering Portmellon Beach and the scenic coastal path over Chapel Point to Gorran Haven.
At the end of June each year, Mevagissey celebrates Feast Week with local entertainments and dancing in the streets. In addition, the town has a wonderful display of Christmas lights. New Year is celebrated by almost everybody wearing fancy dress, as is the tradition in many Cornish towns.
The small town is in a delightful position on an attractive stretch of coastline. The coastal footpath offers some lovely walks but can be fairly steep in places. Mevagissey is also a convenient centre for those wanting to visit such local attractions as the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
There are many opportunities for sea angling in the area, and the spectacular coastline is worth exploring. Along the coast are numerous nearby coves and sandy beaches. Places such as the small, picturesque anchorage of Gorran Haven are well provided with the fauna and flora of the area. A short way to the north is the sandy beach of Pentewan whilst in the opposite direction is the quieter cove of Portmellon. Further on are Vault Beach and the imposing, 400 feet high headland of Dodman Point. Many of the local beaches have interesting rock formations and are popular with fossil hunters.
196 locals recommend
Mevagissey
Mevagissey is an attractive harbourside village which was once the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard fishery and which still boasts a working harbour, with a few dozen small fishing boats. It has a tradition of boat building dating back to 1745. Many of the old buildings, constructed of cob and slate, bear testimony to a time when the large shoals of pilchards were the livelihood of the whole village. Fishing trips can be taken from the harbour and there is a ferry to the nearby port of Fowey. There is a car park on the quay but the narrow streets can be difficult to negotiate and are often full of pedestrians.
The name Mevagissey is derived from the names of two saints, St Meva and St Issey. The first record is of a hamlet of this name in 1313, but there were local settlements in the Bronze Age. Two Bronze Age Burial Urns were discovered at nearby Portmellon.
In the narrow streets are many gift shops, craft workshops, galleries, cafés and pubs. There are several hotels and many fish restaurants in Mevagissey and, of course, plenty of fish and chip shops! The World of Model Railways Exhibition is an impressive collection. There is an excellent Folk Museum, and an aquarium, in the old lifeboat house, displaying locally caught fish.
From the top of Polkirt Hill there is a great view over the higgledy streets, the harbour and the yachting pool. Further out can be seen the golden sands of Polstreath Beach and St Austell Bay. Looking south, there is the inlet sheltering Portmellon Beach and the scenic coastal path over Chapel Point to Gorran Haven.
At the end of June each year, Mevagissey celebrates Feast Week with local entertainments and dancing in the streets. In addition, the town has a wonderful display of Christmas lights. New Year is celebrated by almost everybody wearing fancy dress, as is the tradition in many Cornish towns.
The small town is in a delightful position on an attractive stretch of coastline. The coastal footpath offers some lovely walks but can be fairly steep in places. Mevagissey is also a convenient centre for those wanting to visit such local attractions as the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
There are many opportunities for sea angling in the area, and the spectacular coastline is worth exploring. Along the coast are numerous nearby coves and sandy beaches. Places such as the small, picturesque anchorage of Gorran Haven are well provided with the fauna and flora of the area. A short way to the north is the sandy beach of Pentewan whilst in the opposite direction is the quieter cove of Portmellon. Further on are Vault Beach and the imposing, 400 feet high headland of Dodman Point. Many of the local beaches have interesting rock formations and are popular with fossil hunters.
Visitor attraction
Set near St Austell, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are 200 acres of paradise for plant-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. After being abandoned and overgrown from 1914, the gardens were rediscovered in 1990 by Tim Smit and John Willis and opened to the public two years later.
Today, Heligan is one of the best–loved gardens in Britain and has won numerous awards. It’s a place to visit all year round: with a range of different gardens to explore as well as the wider Estate with woodlands and a working farm, there’s always something to enjoy come rain or shine.
594 locals recommend
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
B3273Set near St Austell, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are 200 acres of paradise for plant-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. After being abandoned and overgrown from 1914, the gardens were rediscovered in 1990 by Tim Smit and John Willis and opened to the public two years later.
Today, Heligan is one of the best–loved gardens in Britain and has won numerous awards. It’s a place to visit all year round: with a range of different gardens to explore as well as the wider Estate with woodlands and a working farm, there’s always something to enjoy come rain or shine.
Eden project is dubbed the eighth wonder of the world by some!! It is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches. It is the top eco-visitor attraction in Cornwall and is a 30 minute drive from Mevagissey. www.edenproject.com
For the more adventurous, try the hang loose adventure at Eden project. Plenty to keep the thrill seekers entertained including SkyWire - England’s longest and fastest zipwire. Why not try the Sky Trek - aerial trekking course, Gravity - Giant Swing, The Drop - leap of faith or Big Air - BASE jump. Booking essential www.hanglooseadventure.com
1111 locals recommend
Eden Project
Eden project is dubbed the eighth wonder of the world by some!! It is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches. It is the top eco-visitor attraction in Cornwall and is a 30 minute drive from Mevagissey. www.edenproject.com
For the more adventurous, try the hang loose adventure at Eden project. Plenty to keep the thrill seekers entertained including SkyWire - England’s longest and fastest zipwire. Why not try the Sky Trek - aerial trekking course, Gravity - Giant Swing, The Drop - leap of faith or Big Air - BASE jump. Booking essential www.hanglooseadventure.com
Whether you want to find out more about Cornwall’s billion pound China Clay mining industry, explore the Victorian clay works, visit the interactive discovery centre, stroll through the nature trails and woodland walks or give the kids chance to let off steam in acres of historic grounds, Wheal Martyn is truly unique and has something for everyone, even the dog! You’ll also see Cornwall’s largest working waterwheel and at ‘Pit View’ be amazed by the spectacular modern working China Clay pit with giant machines in action.
57 locals recommend
Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Whether you want to find out more about Cornwall’s billion pound China Clay mining industry, explore the Victorian clay works, visit the interactive discovery centre, stroll through the nature trails and woodland walks or give the kids chance to let off steam in acres of historic grounds, Wheal Martyn is truly unique and has something for everyone, even the dog! You’ll also see Cornwall’s largest working waterwheel and at ‘Pit View’ be amazed by the spectacular modern working China Clay pit with giant machines in action.
Charlestown Harbour is a privately owned UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has become more recently well known as the place where they filmed ‘Poldark’.
Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum shows a unique insight into the history of maritime adventures and misfortunes. Over 8,000 finds from no less than 150 shipwrecks are currently on display. 20 minutes from Mevagissey by car.
www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk
30 locals recommend
Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre
Charlestown RoadCharlestown Harbour is a privately owned UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has become more recently well known as the place where they filmed ‘Poldark’.
Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum shows a unique insight into the history of maritime adventures and misfortunes. Over 8,000 finds from no less than 150 shipwrecks are currently on display. 20 minutes from Mevagissey by car.
www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre offers tours of their family brewery. There is also a shop and Hicks Bar & Restaurant serves over 15 cask and kegged ales with a menu to suit all tastes. www.staustellbreweryvisitorcentre.co.uk
31 locals recommend
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre
63 Trevarthian RdSt Austell Brewery Visitor Centre offers tours of their family brewery. There is also a shop and Hicks Bar & Restaurant serves over 15 cask and kegged ales with a menu to suit all tastes. www.staustellbreweryvisitorcentre.co.uk
Caerhays Estate is set on the quiet coast of Cornwall near St Austell. The gardens and castle are open to the public in the Spring. www.visitcaerhays.co.uk
60 locals recommend
Caerhays Castle
Caerhays Estate is set on the quiet coast of Cornwall near St Austell. The gardens and castle are open to the public in the Spring. www.visitcaerhays.co.uk
Polmassick Vineyard at St Ewe is Cornwall’s oldest vineyard planted in 1976. There are no admission charges and you can take a tour of the vineyard before sampling some of their range of wines. In the Summer weeks they also offer cream teas and light refreshments. www.polmassickvineyard.co.uk
Polmassick Vineyard
Polmassick Vineyard at St Ewe is Cornwall’s oldest vineyard planted in 1976. There are no admission charges and you can take a tour of the vineyard before sampling some of their range of wines. In the Summer weeks they also offer cream teas and light refreshments. www.polmassickvineyard.co.uk
Housed in the old RNLI lifeboat house is this great FREE aquarium with tanks full of British coastal fish and lots of information about the local marine environment. There is a 10 minute film over the main tank showing how the Pilchard industry is an important part of this fishing villages lifeblood both 'then' and now. No matter the weather a good place to bring the family for an hour or so.
16 locals recommend
Mevagissey Aquarium
27 Polkirt HillHoused in the old RNLI lifeboat house is this great FREE aquarium with tanks full of British coastal fish and lots of information about the local marine environment. There is a 10 minute film over the main tank showing how the Pilchard industry is an important part of this fishing villages lifeblood both 'then' and now. No matter the weather a good place to bring the family for an hour or so.
Football golf uses the same rules as golf, but players kick a football into a hole. Think crazy golf without golf clubs, but using soccer balls and your feet!!
18 locals recommend
Cornwall Football Golf
Trenowah RoadFootball golf uses the same rules as golf, but players kick a football into a hole. Think crazy golf without golf clubs, but using soccer balls and your feet!!
Giant Slip and Slide Cornwall is an hour’s car journey away from Mevagissey. The slide is 110m long with a 3m high launch ramp. www.giantslipandslide.co.uk
When you’re done sliding, head across to Trevathan Farm Shop for a cream tea or luxury award winning hand made Cornish ice cream. www.trevathananfarm.com/farm-shop/
16 locals recommend
Giant Slip and Slide Cornwall
Giant Slip and Slide Cornwall is an hour’s car journey away from Mevagissey. The slide is 110m long with a 3m high launch ramp. www.giantslipandslide.co.uk
When you’re done sliding, head across to Trevathan Farm Shop for a cream tea or luxury award winning hand made Cornish ice cream. www.trevathananfarm.com/farm-shop/
Cycling/walking
The trail follows the route of the former Pentewan railway between St Austell and Pentewan. Built in the 1829, the line brought China Clay down from the hills above St Austell to the harbour at Pentewan, a rival to Charlestown. The line closed in 1918.
Today the trail provides a pleasant, mainly flat, 3½ mile route through the valley. Much of it is wooded and stretches of it run close to the riverbank. There are several places along the route where you can join or leave to visit other points of interest including the villages of London Apprentice and Polgooth.
From St Austell you can carry on through the town to the China Clay museum at Wheal Martyn using the Green Corridor Trail. This also links up with the Wheal Martyn to Eden Project Trail and other Clay Trails.
From Pentewan it is possible to follow The Cornish Way cycle route to the Lost Gardens of Heligan or onto Mevagissey.
6 locals recommend
Pentewan Valley
The trail follows the route of the former Pentewan railway between St Austell and Pentewan. Built in the 1829, the line brought China Clay down from the hills above St Austell to the harbour at Pentewan, a rival to Charlestown. The line closed in 1918.
Today the trail provides a pleasant, mainly flat, 3½ mile route through the valley. Much of it is wooded and stretches of it run close to the riverbank. There are several places along the route where you can join or leave to visit other points of interest including the villages of London Apprentice and Polgooth.
From St Austell you can carry on through the town to the China Clay museum at Wheal Martyn using the Green Corridor Trail. This also links up with the Wheal Martyn to Eden Project Trail and other Clay Trails.
From Pentewan it is possible to follow The Cornish Way cycle route to the Lost Gardens of Heligan or onto Mevagissey.
We stock a large range of quality bikes and accessories, available for both Cornwall bike hire and purchase. Hire a bike and ride down the scenic cycle paths around Mevagissey, St Austell and the beautiful south coast, ideal for anyone planning a one day cycle hire in Cornwall. The Eden Project is also within riding distance, we have details on the route that you can take with you.
Available on-site, we have electric, mountain, commuter/hybrid and child bikes as well as child seats, child and dog trailers and tag-a-longs.
9 locals recommend
Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire
1 W EndWe stock a large range of quality bikes and accessories, available for both Cornwall bike hire and purchase. Hire a bike and ride down the scenic cycle paths around Mevagissey, St Austell and the beautiful south coast, ideal for anyone planning a one day cycle hire in Cornwall. The Eden Project is also within riding distance, we have details on the route that you can take with you.
Available on-site, we have electric, mountain, commuter/hybrid and child bikes as well as child seats, child and dog trailers and tag-a-longs.
Walking
Mevagissey is on the Southwest coastal path. You can walk in either direction and witness the stunning views out over St Austell Bay. Check out www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk/walks/near/mevagissey for some recommended walks
South West Coast Path
South West Coast PathMevagissey is on the Southwest coastal path. You can walk in either direction and witness the stunning views out over St Austell Bay. Check out www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk/walks/near/mevagissey for some recommended walks
Boat trips
Beneath the Waves Glass bottom boat is a new attraction for 2021. It leaves from Mevagissey Harbour and there is a 45 minute day cruise and a 2 hour sunset cruise. You can book online at www.glassbottomboat.co.uk
Beneath The Waves Mevagissey
Beneath the Waves Glass bottom boat is a new attraction for 2021. It leaves from Mevagissey Harbour and there is a 45 minute day cruise and a 2 hour sunset cruise. You can book online at www.glassbottomboat.co.uk
Mevagissey Rib Rides offer a 20 minute speedboat ride around the Mevagissey Bay on ‘The Bouncing Betty’. Check out their Facebook page for further information
196 locals recommend
Mevagissey
Mevagissey Rib Rides offer a 20 minute speedboat ride around the Mevagissey Bay on ‘The Bouncing Betty’. Check out their Facebook page for further information
Mevagissey to Fowey Passenger Ferry
Take a trip on the ‘Bessie James’ across St Austell Bay to Fowey www.mevagissey-ferries.co.uk Check the website for daily sailing information
8 locals recommend
Mevagissey Bay
Mevagissey to Fowey Passenger Ferry
Take a trip on the ‘Bessie James’ across St Austell Bay to Fowey www.mevagissey-ferries.co.uk Check the website for daily sailing information
Seas the Day - Cornish Coastal Charter. Daily 45 minute cruise around Mevagissey Bay, or you can book a private charter for 2 or 4 hours www.seasthedaycharters.co.uk
6 locals recommend
Seas the Day Charters
Seas the Day - Cornish Coastal Charter. Daily 45 minute cruise around Mevagissey Bay, or you can book a private charter for 2 or 4 hours www.seasthedaycharters.co.uk
Fishing Trips
Aquila is a charter boat that sails from Mevagissey Cornwall. The Fishing can vary from a mackerel fishing trip to Sport fishing, fishing on sandbanks, deep gullies or the various wrecks, which are spread all around our Cornish coastline.
Aquila Charters
Aquila is a charter boat that sails from Mevagissey Cornwall. The Fishing can vary from a mackerel fishing trip to Sport fishing, fishing on sandbanks, deep gullies or the various wrecks, which are spread all around our Cornish coastline.
The Bessie Vee is a spacious, swift charter boat which will transport you rapidly to where you want to fish, film or sightsee in the minimum time and in comfort.
Bessie Vee Charters
West WharfThe Bessie Vee is a spacious, swift charter boat which will transport you rapidly to where you want to fish, film or sightsee in the minimum time and in comfort.
Water sports
Kayak and Paddleboard Hire, also body board and wetsuit hire in Portmellon. Check out their Facebook page
The Paddle Shed
Kayak and Paddleboard Hire, also body board and wetsuit hire in Portmellon. Check out their Facebook page
SUP (Stand up paddleboard), kayak,windsurf and self drive boat hire at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park www.cornwallwatersports.co.uk
6 locals recommend
Cornwall Watersports
SUP (Stand up paddleboard), kayak,windsurf and self drive boat hire at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park www.cornwallwatersports.co.uk
Retallack Resort is Cornwall’s number 1 watersports destination. There is an aqua park, flow rider, wakeboarding and SUPs. There is also a spa. Retallack is a 40 minute car journey away from Mevagissey and booking is essential. www.ariaresorts.co.uk/our-resorts/cornwall/retallack-resort-spa/
19 locals recommend
Retallack Resort and Spa Cornwall
Retallack Resort is Cornwall’s number 1 watersports destination. There is an aqua park, flow rider, wakeboarding and SUPs. There is also a spa. Retallack is a 40 minute car journey away from Mevagissey and booking is essential. www.ariaresorts.co.uk/our-resorts/cornwall/retallack-resort-spa/
Adrenalin quarry is an absolute must for any thrill seekers. Try your hand at karting, the zip wire, giant swing, axe throwing, aqua park and swimming. https://www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk
144 locals recommend
Adrenalin Quarry
Lower Clicker RoadAdrenalin quarry is an absolute must for any thrill seekers. Try your hand at karting, the zip wire, giant swing, axe throwing, aqua park and swimming. https://www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk