On the south coast of Cornwall, Mevagissey is a picturesque fishing village that captures the heart of every visitor with its charming narrow streets, historic harbour, and vibrant local culture. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of things to do in Mevagissey to make your visit unforgettable.
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Mevagissey Cornwall
Mevagissey enchants and delights with its timeless beauty and welcoming spirit. Whether exploring its historic harbour, wandering through lush gardens, or simply enjoying the local culture, this Cornish village promises a memorable experience that will leave you longing to return.
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Things to do in and Around Mevagissey
As with all of my guides, I’ve noted the things to do in Mevagissey with dogs. Mevagissey in Cornwall is a paradise for humans and our four-legged friends, with plenty of places to explore together.
Mevagissey Harbour
The heart of Mevagissey is its bustling working harbour, which has been the village’s lifeblood for centuries. Stroll along the quay, where you can watch the colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water and fishermen bringing in their daily catch. The harbour is also home to various quaint shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere.
🐾 Dog friendly
Take a Boat Trip
To truly appreciate Mevagissey’s maritime charm, embark on a boat trip from the harbour. Various operators offer fishing trips, wildlife cruises, and scenic tours along the coast. Watch for seals, dolphins, and seabirds as you explore the stunning Cornish coastline from the water. One of the most popular trips is the Ferry from Fowey to Mevagissey.
🐾 Dog friendly
Mevagissey Aquarium
Located right on the harbour, the Mevagissey Aquarium is a delightful attraction for visitors of all ages. Housed in a former RNLI lifeboat house, the aquarium showcases a variety of local marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. The exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the underwater world of the Cornish coast, making it both an educational and enjoyable visit.
🐾 Dog friendly
Mevagissey Museum
The Mevagissey Museum is a must-visit for a deeper dive into the village’s rich history. Housed in a former boatbuilder’s workshop, the museum offers fascinating exhibits on Mevagissey’s past inhabitants’ maritime heritage, local industry, and everyday life. Artefacts range from old photographs and documents to model boats and fishing equipment.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Mevagissey Model Railway
For a touch of nostalgia and a unique experience, the Mevagissey Model Railway is a must-see. This charming attraction features an extensive model railway layout with intricate details and lifelike scenery. The model railway is a labour of love, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of railway history and the beauty of miniature engineering. It’s a hit with children and adults, offering a delightful glimpse into the world of model trains. It’s one of the top things to do in Mevagissey in the rain.
🐾 Dog friendly
Scenic Coastal Walks
Mevagissey is surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal base for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The South West Coast Path offers several breathtaking routes, with panoramic views of the rugged coastline, hidden coves, and rolling countryside. One popular walk is the route to nearby Gorran Haven, a charming village with a beautiful sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. The walks are challenging, as the path is steep in places. The route starts at the Mevagissey car park.
Mevagissey Shops
Mevagissey is home to a thriving community of artists and craftsmen inspired by the village’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Visit the galleries and studios dotted around the village to admire and purchase unique art pieces, pottery, jewellery, and other handmade crafts.
The narrow streets of Mevagissey are a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Lined with a delightful array of independent shops, they offer a diverse shopping experience that is sure to pique your interest. Here are some must-visit shops in the village:
- The Cornish Fudge Shop: Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to this charming shop, where you can sample and purchase a variety of delicious handmade fudges.
- The Corner Shop: This quaint shop offers a selection of gifts, souvenirs, and local crafts, perfect for picking up a memento of your visit.
- She Sells Mevagissey: A treasure trove for collectors and admirers of shells and nautical-themed decor.
- Tarquin’s Gin Shop & Tasting Room: An excellent stop for gin enthusiasts, offering a range of drinks crafted on the Cornish coast.
- Mackerel Sky: A selection of ladies’ clothing, handbags, jewellery and accessories, alongside gifts and souvenirs.
Local Cuisine
Cornwall is known for its delicious food. Indulge in local specialities such as Cornish pasties, fresh seafood, and cream teas. Many places to eat in Mevagissey offer these delicacies alongside stunning views.
The village boasts a variety of eateries, from traditional fish and chip shops to fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with many establishments sourcing their ingredients directly from the harbour. Try the local speciality, Cornish crab, or enjoy a hearty portion of fish and chips while enjoying the sea views. The variety of local cuisine in Mevagissey is sure to excite your taste buds.
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Mevagissey Upcoming Events
If you visit in late June, you’re in for a treat with Mevagissey Feast Week, a traditional festival that dates back to 1754. This vibrant celebration features a week-long programme of events, including parades, live music, dances, and feasts. The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the essence of this lively community. The excitement and anticipation of Mevagissey Feast Week is something you don’t want to miss.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Days Out near Mevagissey
Mevagissey is a charming destination and a perfect base for exploring the stunning surrounding areas of Cornwall. There are exciting attractions and things to do near Mevagissey:
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are among England’s most magical and mysterious gardens. Discover the mysterious and beautifully restored gardens, which offer a fascinating insight into Victorian horticulture and provide a serene setting for a leisurely stroll. Wander through a lush, subtropical garden featuring giant rhubarb, palm trees, and bamboo tunnels. Explore manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and quaint summerhouses.
🐾 Dogs on leads are welcome, including the Heligan Kitchen and Steward’s House.
Caerhays Estate
Tour the grand Caerhays Castle, set within extensive gardens known for their camellia, rhododendron collections, and architectural surprises. In spring, you can visit the castle and gardens, walk along the coastal path, and see the stunning beaches on the estate.
🐾 Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads.
Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Charlestown, a historic harbour village, is home to the Charlestown Shipwreck Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and shipwrecks around the Cornish coast. The museum features an extensive collection of artefacts from shipwrecks, including treasures, tools, and personal belongings. Visitors can also learn about the history of Charlestown, the harbour’s construction, and its role in the Chinese clay industry.
🐾 Dog friendly. There are even water bowls dotted around the museum.
The Eden Project
No trip to Mevagissey is complete without a visit to the Eden Project. These iconic biomes house the largest indoor rainforest in the world. Wander through tropical jungles, admire the stunning gardens, and let the kids burn off some energy at the adventure playground. Family fun is guaranteed! It’s an educational and visually stunning experience for families and nature enthusiasts.
🐾 Dog friendly in the outdoor gardens. There are also water bowls and an undercover area for dogs.
Kidzworld Adventure Play
Who needs theme parks when there’s soft play? When the weather turns British (wet and windy), or if you want to guarantee that you will wear them out, head indoors to Kidzworld Adventure Play. This family friendly indoor play centre in St Austell, is packed with slides, climbing frames, and soft play areas. It’s a child’s dream come true, and you can relax with a cuppa while they tire themselves out.
🐾 Not Dog friendly
Porthpean Beach
Porthpean Beach is perfect for a family day out. Its sandy shores and calm waters of St Austell Bay make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, and snorkelling are popular here. It’s also home to Porthpean Sailing Club, which has a slipway with easy access to the water.
🐾 There is a seasonal dog ban. Between 1 July and 31 August, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm.
Carlyon Bay
Carlyon Bay is a stunning stretch of sand that is perfect for a day out. The westerly end is known as Crinnish Beach, and it is the most accessible and popular. The stretch of sand is almost two miles long. The South West Coast Path runs along the cliff top.
🐾 Seasonal dog ban between Easter and 30 September.
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Par Beach
Par Sands Beach is perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing beach games. You could also explore the nearby dunes and ponds for wildlife spotting. The water is ideal for children to swim and play in, but there’s no lifeguard service.
🐾 Dogs allowed all year
Take a Picnic
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and head to one of the beautiful Cornish beaches. Enjoy the sound of waves lapping the shore and catch a stunning sunset.
Devon Hampers sends the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream, and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider, and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Pentewan Valley
Just a stone’s throw from Mevagissey, the Pentewan Valley offers a tranquil escape into nature. This lush valley is perfect for cycling and walking, with the Pentewan Valley Trail providing a scenic route along a former railway line. The trail leads you through woodlands and along the banks of the River St Austell, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for outdoor activities. The village of Pentewan itself boasts a lovely beach and a handful of charming pubs and cafés.
🐾 Dog friendly
Luxulyan Valley
Luxulyan Valley is a hidden natural wonder just a short distance from Mevagissey. This lush valley is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a network of trails that wind through ancient woodlands, past impressive granite viaducts, and along the course of old tramways and leats. The valley’s industrial heritage and natural beauty make it a fascinating place to explore.
🐾 Dog friendly
Polmassic Vineyard
Wine enthusiasts should visit Polmassic Vineyard in the beautiful Cornish countryside near Mevagissey. This family-run vineyard produces a range of delightful wines and offers tours and tastings that provide insight into the winemaking process. Stroll through the vineyard, learn about the different grape varieties grown here, and sample some excellent wines in the tasting room.
Roseland Peninsula
A short drive from Mevagissey, the Roseland Peninsula boasts some of Cornwall’s most picturesque villages and coastal scenery. Here, you can walk the cliffs or riverbanks, swim off the beaches, browse the shops, sail, windsurf, waterski, and dive. Snorkel, fish and bird watch. Highlights include St Mawes Castle, built in the reign of Henry VII, and St Anthony Lighthouse, built in 1834, also the set for the television series Fraggle Rock.
🐾 Dog friendly
Roche Rock
Roche Rock is a striking natural and historical landmark. This jagged granite outcrop rises dramatically from the landscape and is topped with the ruins of a 15th-century chapel dedicated to St. Michael. The climb to the top offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and the rock itself is steeped in legends and local folklore, making it a fascinating spot to explore.
🐾 Dog friendly
Fowey
Situated on the west bank of the River Fowey in South Cornwall, this picturesque town is famous for its scenic harbour, historic buildings, and literary connections with author Daphne du Maurier. Enjoy a stroll along the Esplanade, visit the Fowey Museum, and explore the independent shops and cafes – there are so many things to do in Fowey. No visit is complete without discovering St Catherine’s Castle or the nearby Restormel Castle.
Take advantage of the opportunity to take a ferry across the river to Polruan for stunning views and coastal walks. The Fowey Polruan Ferry runs every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day and departs from each side every 10-15 minutes. It’s also dog-friendly.
🐾 Dog friendly
Looe
Looe is a charming seaside town divided into East and West Looe by the River Looe. East Looe is known for its sandy beach, bustling fish market, and vibrant harbour, while West Looe offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
There are plenty of things to do in Looe, including visiting the Looe Museum, taking a boat trip to Looe Island, or simply enjoying the local seafood at one of the many restaurants. The town also hosts an annual music festival, adding to its vibrant cultural scene. Looe has many exciting restaurants, pubs, and cafes to choose from; places to eat in Looe.
🐾 Dog friendly
Polperro
Polperro is a beautifully preserved fishing village with a rich history and stunning coastal scenery. Wander through the narrow, winding streets, visit the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing, and take in the breathtaking views of the south coast. Discover all of the things to do in Polperro.
For such a small village, you will experience outstanding local food in all of these places to eat in Polperro.
🐾 Dog friendly
Cornish Days Out
There are so many unusual things to do in Mevagissey; it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or just exploring solo, this charming Cornish town has something for everyone. So, the next time you visit Mevagissey, be sure to venture off the beaten path and enjoy these unique activities.
Places to Stay in Mevagissey
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets. Find great places to stay in Cornwall:
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses – perfect for self catering holidays.
🐾 Dog friendly
Best Western Hotels
There are two Best Western Hotels in Cornwall; Fowey and Newquay. Every Best Western hotel is individual and crammed full of its own personality. From big comfy beds, fresh linen sheets and free WiFi. Some of the hotels have parking and may charge a small fee. Check out their special offers.
🐾 Some properties welcome dogs
Haven Holidays
Haven Holidays in Cornwall can be found at Perranporth and Hayle. With acres of fun for all the family, beaches, and entertainment, you’ll be thrilled with your stay here. Both caravans and lodges are available, and there are plenty of leisure facilities and an indoor pool.
🐾 Dog friendly accommodation
Sykes Holiday Cottages
The award-winning business has cottages across the UK, and the ones near Mevagissey are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
🐾 Dogs welcome
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offer a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. They have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
🐾 Dogs welcome in some properties
Or, get 35% off when booking 10 nights or more in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bookings are for stays between 1 October and 30 November 2024 and 1 January to 28 February 2025. Use discount code 10NAF.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels and luxurious resorts tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay while also providing recommendations and insights on planning, being accessible, and things to do during your trip.
Last Minute Deals
Using LastMinute.com to book hotel rooms allows you to seize spontaneous travel opportunities while securing great deals. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
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