Although Cornwall is home to many quaint old towns and villages, Mevagissey stands out among these as one of the most attractive and interesting old Cornish towns to visit. Taking a trip from Perran Springs Holiday Park and spending a day exploring this area is definitely worth considering as part of your holiday itinerary.
A Picturesque Harbor Town
For much of its history, Mevagissey was the center of Cornwall’s pilchard fishery, with fishing boats swelling its harbor and bringing in their daily catch. While that may no longer be the case, much of the town still speaks to the history and the harbor is still in operation with small fishing boats willing to offer fishing trips to visitors and a passenger ferry to the nearby village of Fowey.
While you stroll through its narrow streets and pass by the old buildings made of cob and slate, it is easy to imagine Mevagissey as it once was. Throughout these streets you’ll find an assortment of pubs, cafes, restaurants and gift shops along with galleries and craft workshops too. As you can imagine, seafood restaurants and fish and chip shops are favorites among visitors. It’s also popular for selling some very large and tasty Cornish pasties!
Venturing a little bit out of the town proper you could find a view that overlooks it all from the top of Polkirt Hill, or hike down one of the scenic coastal paths while enjoying the golden sands of some of the beaches. Sea anglers will enjoy some of the opportunities the coast has to offer too, fishing from the harbor pier you will catch plenty of mackerel for putting on the BBQ back at the campsite, and it’s also know to yield the odd large bass if you fish at the correct times of day & tide.
Events
Assuming you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time, you may catch Mevagissey on show during an event. One of the big celebrations in the town is Feast Week at the end of June and that features a host of local entertainment along with dancing it the streets.
Towards the latter part of the year the Christmas lights display as well as New Year’s celebration is also noteworthy.
It is safe to say that Mevagissey is one of the more beautiful old towns in Cornwall, and it benefits from being located along a breathtaking stretch of coast. Should you go fishing, explore the coastline, or just bask in the atmosphere of the town while wandering along its streets – there is more than enough to keep yourself fully occupied for the day.
Who knows, you may even decide to go back and visit more of its attractions while you have the opportunity to do so. The famous ‘Lost Gardens Of Heligan’, and beautiful fishing villages including Portmellon and Gorran Haven all close by to Mevagissey and well worth a visit.