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Mousehole is three miles westward around Mounts Bay from Penzance and is one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Britain. This small, unspoiled, fishing village has much to offer visitors of any age. It is a maze of granite and slate cottages, winding narrow streets and cobbled alleyways which have a magic all of their own, we spend ages just meandering around the village when we're down there, often ending up with a chilled bottle of wine on one of the benches on the harbour front.
The Harbour
The village, whose name is pronounced "Mowzel", is centred around a nearly circular harbour, with Cornwall's earliest breakwater begun in 1393, which protected the harbour from the force of the sea coming across Mounts Bay. Today, the harbour forms a crescent with a sandy beach and a harbour arm at either end.
The Area
For walkers the famous National Trust cliff walk round the Landīs End Peninsula starts at Mousehole. One of its most beautiful stretches is from the village to Lamorna Cove to the south (3 miles), the Coastal Footpath continues on towards Penberth and Porthcurno. The whole walk is full of breathtaking scenery and the immediate and surrounding coastline is extremely beautiful being designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ by the National Trust. On the high ground above Mousehole is the village of Paul which is reached by a steep lane from Mousehole. Paul's handsome church of St Pol de Leon dominates the surrounding countryside and the village retains many of its old buildings including the popular King's Arms Inn, which is a very traditional Cornish pub which serves lovely home-made pub food.
Beaches, caves and islands
For small children there are two little beaches nestling at the base of each harbour wall, or the paddling pool made amongst the rocks on the other side of the village. The water is crystal clear as the paddling pool is changed by the tide. Just offshore outside the harbour is St Clement's Isle - a small rocky island where an ancient hermit was said to have lived. A few hundred yards along the coast from the village lies a huge cave which - so some people say - gives rise to the name of the village. In winter, the harbour entrance is closed by sturdy wooden beams to keep the force of the sea at bay and to protect the village. In past times, the villagers have suffered the effects of winter storms on their harbour and one of these events is commemorated annually shortly before Christmas on "Tom Bawcock's Eve" where a monstrous fish pie (Starry Gazy Pie) is baked and consumed.
Shops
Mousehole has a post office and newsagent/grocer and a fine selection of craft and gift shops and small art galleries.
Penzance is 3 miles away and has extensive shopping facilities, including a 24 hour Tesco, a cinema and a myriad of pubs and fabulous restaurants, also a large selection of take-aways that deliver to Mousehole! There is a super-efficient bus service from Mousehole to Penzance.
Fishing
For fishermen today there is the chance of Pollack, Mackerel or Wrasse (or even a Mullet or Bass) off the end of the quay or from the rocks. Excellent mackerel, bream, pollack, conger, whiting and bass can be caught close to the harbour according to season.
Events and festivals
Mousehole is an active and vibrant community, and throughout the year residents hold events large and small. From a coffee morning to the school fete, what is going on that day is chalked up every morning outside the village shop. The mid July Sea Salts and Sail festival brings many beautiful original sailing craft to the harbour. It brings Cornish Male Voice Choirs and Brass Bands to perform on the harbour wall, and childrens activities are held on the beach. The regatta is held in late July.
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