The 8 best things to do in Mevagissey

The popular fishing village of Mevagissey (known as ‘Meva’ by the locals) is one of the most picturesque in Cornwall. Located 6 miles from St Austell on the south coast, it’s in a great location for day trips to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project and Charlestown Harbour.

There’s much to do in Mevagissey itself too. It’s home to a superb selection of restaurants and delightful shops, and its narrow streets are clustered with pretty houses that lead down to a charming harbour where colourful boats come and go. Catch some crabs, visit the fascinating museum or spend the day on one of the sandy beaches that are within easy reach. You can also get active and explore the variety of walking trails that lead directly from the village, take a boat trip around the bay, and even hop on the ferry that whizzes you over to the chic coastal town of Fowey.

Are you ready to explore the variety of things to do in Mevagissey? Read our guide, then click the link below to take the next step and find your perfect holiday escape.

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• Spend a day at one of Mevagissey’s beaches
• Stroll around Mevagissey Harbour
• Jump aboard the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry
• Take a Mevagissey boat trip
• Wander around Mevagissey’s shops
• Dine in a fabulous Mevagissey restaurant
• Tour Mevagissey Museum
• Stretch your legs on a walk from Mevagissey

Spend a day at one of Mevagissey’s beaches

The choice of beaches near Mevagissey includes long stretches of golden sand and unspoilt rocky coves, which are almost covered when the tide is in. The closest beach to the village is Polstreath, which you can only reach via a steep staircase of around 200 steps – it’s rugged and popular with locals, but for an easier-to-access beach, head to Portmellon, a mile’s walk along the coast path (sandy but quite seaweedy), or Pentewan, 2 miles in the opposite direction.

Pentewan Beach (also known as Pentewan Sands) is a white, shingly-sand beach which can be busy in the summer as it’s backed by a large holiday park – though on the plus side, this means there are WCs and a beachfront restaurant, as well as hire of water sports equipment. Gorran Haven, 3 miles away, is another popular option; dog friendly (on leads) all year and with crystal-clear waters that make it a great place for a wild swim.

Stroll around Mevagissey Harbour

The historic harbour at Mevagissey is home to a thriving fishing industry – the second largest in Cornwall – and a wander round its Grade-II listed walls is always a pleasure, with views of colourful boats bobbing on their moorings, heading out to sea or landing their catch. Walk from the lighthouse to the other side of the harbour and back to the jetty, about a mile, taking in the life of a busy fishing port and the gorgeous sea and inland views. 

For fun with little ones, set up a line with some bacon as bait and see if you can catch a famous Mevagissey crab. Alternatively, try your luck at fishing from the outer harbour wall – you may be lucky and snag a mackerel or two. Crabbing kits and fishing equipment are available from the tackle shop on the waterfront. The harbour is also a great place to enjoy an ice cream, a Cornish pasty or some fish and chips – but watch out for seagulls, which love these tasty treats as much as we do, and won’t hesitate to try to steal them from you.

Jump aboard the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry

If you’re staying in Mevagissey and feel like a change of scene without getting in the car, a seasonal passenger ferry runs from the harbour direct to the chic coastal town of Fowey. Hop aboard the red-and-white boat for a day of browsing independent shops and galleries and trying out Fowey’s excellent selection of places to eat and drink. 

The ‘Bessie James’ can hold up to 50 passengers (and even dogs) and takes about 45 minutes to cross St Austell Bay. During the crossing, you may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins and seals or an orca whale.

Take a Mevagissey boat trip

From the harbour, you can find your sea legs with a boat trip into beautiful St Austell Bay, often visited by seals, porpoises and dolphins. With gorgeous coastal scenery to take in, several options are available, including Seas the Day, which runs 45-minute bay cruises every hour during high season (weather permitting) and private charters with stops for swimming and refreshments. 

You'll also find a choice of boats offering mackerel-fishing trips, deep-sea wreck fishing and wildlife safaris, as well as speed-boat rides on a 10-metre RIB, either hourly 45-minute tours or by private charter – an adrenaline-rushing mix of chill and thrill.

Wander around Mevagissey’s shops

A stroll around town will reveal an impressive selection of independent retailers, offering all kinds of tempting delights. If you own a dog, you’ll be spoiled for choice with not just one but two pet boutiques, and lovers of literature will spend hours in the quirky book shop – not to mention trying to solve its famous blackboard challenge. 

There are several art and craft galleries, a ceramics workshop and an irresistible Cornish fudge shop too. Meanwhile, in the excellent lifestyle shops, you’ll find eco-friendly homeware and beauty products, beautiful bed linens, unique gifts, toys and games, clothes, bags and jewellery, and even witchcraft supplies.

Dine in a fabulous Mevagissey restaurant

Among Mevagissey’s narrow streets, you’ll find numerous places to eat and drink, many of them – unsurprisingly – renowned for their locally caught seafood. Choose from takeaways, traditional pubs serving high-quality meals and enticing restaurants that serve not only fish dishes but also meat and vegetarian options. 

One of the most popular dining destinations is 1 Polkirt Hill, which specialises in fresh seafood sourced from the town’s harbour. Also on offer are superb steaks and a delicious veggie choice, served with a warm welcome. Diners are full of praise for the restaurant’s delicious menus, and it’s a good idea to pre-book, especially if you’re planning to visit during the summer. 

Tour Mevagissey Museum

Set over three floors of an 18^th-century stone building on the harbour, Mevagissey Museum has a permanent collection that tells the story of life in Mevagissey and Cornish life over the years, including a working traditional Cornish kitchen and displays about Andrew Pears (of Pears soap), who was born in the town. There’s also a kids’ trail and changing themed exhibits – a fascinating visit for anyone interested in local history.

Stretch your legs on a walk from Mevagissey

From its spectacular coast to its scenic countryside, Mevagissey is surrounded by endless walking trails to suit every level of ability. If you’re keen for a bit of a challenge, try the 6.4-mile circular route that takes you inland through China Clay Country, past a medieval settlement and back along the coast where tin was worked in prehistoric times. 

There are beautiful views over the Heligan estate from the first part of the trail, and then stunning sea views from Penare Point just before you descend back into Mevagissey. While the coast path is steep in places, most of the route has a good surface and gentle gradients, making it a fantastic way to get a feel for the local area, with the opportunity to stop in Pentewan for refreshments en route.

Book a holiday cottage in Mevagissey

Make Mevagissey your base and enjoy days filled with Cornish adventures. Choose one of our high-quality holiday cottages – suitable for couples, friends, families, groups and dog-lovers too – and start planning your unforgettable escape straight away.

Written by Katherine Sorrell

Freelance Content Writer

Cornwall-based writer aiming to share my love of this inspiring place far and wide.