The picturesque harbour village of Mousehole is a delight for the senses
Nestled away on the Cornish coast, just three miles west of Penzance, the idyllic village and fishing port of Mousehole is the most dream-like Cornish village you could imagine.
Quaint cobbled streets lined with traditional stone cottages welcome visitors as they meander through a maze of art galleries, gift shops and places to eat before taking a seat on the waterfront benches to watch the tide ebb and flow. The former pilchard port – which is actually pronounced “Mowzel,” not “mouse hole” – is also home to a pebble beach and a small, surprisingly sandy beach in the harbour with crystal clear waters.
Dogs are banned from this beach all year, making it popular with families of small children. It’s not unusual to see kids crabbing in the crystal clear waters, while parents sit on the beach taking in the view. Steeped in history, the village that the Daily Mail described as “like being in a postcard” dates back as far as the 1300s when it was a prominent harbour and the main port for Mount’s Bay. The now peaceful village also saw its fair share of action during the Spanish invasions in the 16th century, when soldiers attacked the coast as part of the conflict between the two countries.
Today tourists come to enjoy a taste of the simple life, supping on a pint of artisanal local ale, perusing the aisles of the independent art galleries or taking a dip in the natural tidal pool, perfect for a spot of wild swimming. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas once called Mousehole the “loveliest village in Britain” and it would appear that many others agree. Visitors love savouring the harbour views and artisan foods at Mousehole Deli & Kitchen or afternoon tea at the Tremayne Tea Room.
At the heart of the village, The Ship Inn serves up seafaring dishes like scampi and chips or rump steak, followed by sticky toffee pudding. The recipient of a TripAdvisor Travellers Award, its harbourside location and delicious, plentiful food have seen it receive a four out of five rating on Tripadvisor. With a vibrant, continental feel, 2 Fore Street is a relaxed and stylish bistro-style restaurant on Mousehole harbour front, offering views across Mount’s Bay. Diners come for the hand-picked crab salad, the grilled lemon sole fillets with samphire or a glass of nice cold prosecco, making it a must-visit eatery for visitors to Mousehole.
Out of season, Christmas lights fill the village as part of an annual tradition that ties in with Tom Bawcocks Eve on December 23rd when Star Gazy Pie is made. The lights are turned off on December 19th in respect to the lifeboat men from the village who were lost in the 1981 Penlee disaster. While the traditional cottages may have stood proudly next to the sea for many years, there is nothing stuffy or old-fashioned about the accommodation on offer in the village. Beach Retreats offers a selection of properties across Mousehole and beyond, offering magazine-worthy interiors in picture-perfect settings. Whether you come to leave the stress of daily life behind and hang out on Harbour Beach, or discover hidden treasures in the labyrinthine streets, Mousehole is without a doubt one of the prettiest villages in the West Country and one that is well worthy of a visit at any time of year.
