One of Cornwall’s Most Charming Fishing Villages
Discover why this authentic harbourside gem should be top of your Cornwall itinerary
Just a stone’s throw from Cotna Eco Retreat, the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey awaits – and trust us, it’s everything you’ve dreamed a Cornish village should be. One of the oldest fishing ports in the UK and once the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard fishery, Mevagissey is easily one of the most charming and unspoilt port towns in Cornwall.
Whether you’re staying at Cotna or exploring the South Cornwall coast, here’s your complete guide to spending an unforgettable day in this authentic fishing village.
Start Your Day: The Working Harbour
Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Begin your Mevagissey adventure at the heart of it all – the working harbour. The number one thing to do in Mevagissey is to wander around Mevagissey Harbour. You’ll see the fishing boats, fishermen unloading their catch and and the seagulls coming in chancing a meal. It’s a lovely place to relax and watch harbour life unfold over an excellent coffee from She Sells Cafe.
What to expect:
- Fishing boats cruise in and out, seagulls drift overhead and on a bright day, the water glimmers and lights up the whole village
- Watch local fishermen preparing their boats for the day
- Snap photos of the colourful harbourside cottages
- Browse the Wet Fish stall for fresh crabs and fish
Pro tip: Visit early morning to see the fishing boats returning with their catch – it’s a genuinely authentic experience that hasn’t changed for centuries.
Mid-Morning: Dive into Local Marine Life
The Mevagissey Aquarium (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
On the right pier, you’ll find the aquarium ,donation funded since 2020. This little aquarium that once harboured Royal lifeboats now educates children on local marine life.
Why it’s special:
- This is a tiny little aquarium run by volunteers, but it is certainly worth a family visit to watch the fish in what looks like their natural environment
- Learn about Cornwall’s marine conservation efforts
- Admission is free though you can make a donation
- Discover Local History
Mevagissey Museum (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
On the left pier you have Mevagissey museum – a treasure trove of local maritime history. The museum is a great way to understand how this village became one of Cornwall’s most important fishing ports.
Highlights include:
- Historic fishing equipment and boat models
- Stories of the pilchard industry that made Mevagissey famous
- Local shipwreck artifacts
- Victorian-era photographs of village life
Lunch: Feast on Fresh Seafood
Dining (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
Enjoy some that the village is renowned for:
Must-try local specialties:
- Traditional pasties, Cornish ice cream, Cornish cider and beer, Cornish fudge and seafood caught by the local fishermen.
- Locally caught mackerel and scallops
- Award-winning fish and chips
Recommended spots:
- Harbourside café and stalls
- Traditional Cornish pubs for a proper local atmosphere
Afternoon: Explore and Shop
Shopping (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
Visit local galleries, clothing and and gift shops
What you’ll find:
- Art galleries showcasing local artists
- Traditional Cornish gift shops
- Maritime antiques and curiosities
Perfect for:
- Unique souvenirs that aren’t mass-produced
- Local artwork and crafts
- Cornish food products to take home
Late Afternoon: Coastal Walks
Harbour Walks & Coastal Paths (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Great strolls and walks along the inner and outer harbour walls, as well as the coastal paths leading to Port Mellon and Gorran Haven make for perfect afternoon activities.
Walk options:
- Easy: Stroll along both harbour walls for panoramic views
- Moderate: Follow the coastal road towards Port Mellon
- Challenging: Take the South West Coast Path towards Gorran Haven for dramatic clifftop views
What you’ll see:
- Stunning coastal scenery
- Wildflowers in spring and summer
- Seabirds and marine life
- Hidden coves and rock pools
Optional: Take to the Water
Boat Trips (Seasonal)
Whether it’s an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best Mevagissey cruises around.
Available options:
- Mackerel fishing trips (especially good in late spring/early summer)
- Seal watching excursions
- Boat trips along the coast to the village of Fowey, associated with Conish author Daphne du Maurier, with its varied shops and boutiques and eateries
Wind Down: Evening Drinks
Sunset at the Harbour (5:30 PM onwards)
End your perfect day watching the sun set over the harbour. There are several restaurants around the harbour or you can walk over the hill to The Rising Sun at Portmellon.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There from Cotna: Just a short drive past The Lost Gardens of Heligan – perfect for guests staying at our eco-retreat.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring/Summer: Warmest weather, boat trips available, perfect for coastal walks
- Autumn: Fewer crowds, dramatic light for photography
- Winter: Authentic local atmosphere, cosy pubs
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera for those harbour views
- Waterproof jacket (coastal weather can change quickly)
Why Mevagissey Makes the Perfect Day Trip
Mevagissey town itself has changed little – and that’s exactly its charm. In a world of theme parks and manufactured attractions, this authentic fishing village offers something genuinely special: real Cornish life, continuing traditions, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, foodie, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful day by the sea, Mevagissey delivers an authentic Cornish experience that will leave you planning your return visit.
Perfect for: Couples seeking romance, families wanting adventure, anyone craving authentic Cornish culture Shanty Week and Feast Week would be the ideal time to visit.
Staying nearby? Cotna Eco Retreat is ideally located for exploring gems like Mevagissey. Book your sustainable Cornwall getaway and discover why this corner of South Cornwall captures hearts and creates lifelong memories.
Ready to explore? Check out our woodland walks guide for more hidden gems near Cotna Eco Retreat.