How to Spend Your Holiday in Mousehole
November 7, 2024You might be familiar with the famous children’s storybook The Mousehole Cat, but we invite you to step into the setting of the Cornish tale and discover the magic of Mousehole for yourself.
From paddling over calm waters to tucking into Stargazey Pie during your holiday in Mousehole, this unique harbour town is so much more than its pretty harbour and beach…
The living definition of ‘small is beautiful’, Mousehole is full to the brim with Cornish ambience and heritage; the colourful fishing boats still bring in the day’s catch and the picture perfect cottages are home to local residents. Read on for how to spend your holiday here, including our favourite things to do in Mousehole and our luxury holiday homes in the area.
1. The harbour & Mousehole Christmas Lights
The harbour is the heart of this village, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of Cornwall’s most photographed spots. Surrounded by cottages and dotted with boats, you can watch seals bask on St Clements Isle and spot St Michael’s Mount in the distance. If you holiday in Mousehole in December, you’ll be treated to the Mousehole Harbour Lights; a festive display of twinkling lights which adorn the harbour until January. It’s a luxury to stay in the village during this period, as you don’t have to think about the limited parking and can stroll to the lights (or just peek out of your window in some cases!)
2. Discover the Heritage of Mousehole & Stargazey Pie!
Have you heard about the legend of Tom Bawcock? He was a local fisherman who saved the village from starvation during a harsh winter. To celebrate his bravery, locals created Stargazy Pie – a traditional Cornish dish with mackerel or sardine heads poking through the crust to “gaze” at the sky.
On 23rd December, Mousehole gives thanks to the legendary fisherman with ‘Tom Bawcock’s Eve’. Enjoy lanterns, music, and of course, the famous Stargazey Pie which is on the menu of many local pubs and restaurants.
3. Walk From Mousehole to Lamorna Cove
To take the three-mile walk from Mousehole to Lamorna Cove, start by picking up the South West Coast Path and head south past the harbour. Along the way, you’ll pass through Kemyel Crease; a Cornwall Wildlife Trust nature reserve which slopes down to the sea, and take in lovely views of Mounts Bay.
Lamorna Cove is a beautiful spot and pebble beach, and from here you can take the lane to Lamorna village, and toast to a day well spent in the old smugglers’ pub.
4. Dine at the Best Restaurants in Cornwall
Mousehole is home to some of Cornwall’s finest eateries, but top of our list has to be The Old Coastguard. Offering exceptional seafood, locally-sourced ingredients, and a warm, welcoming ambiance, guests can kick back and relax with sweeping views of Mount’s Bay. Their menu features everything from Cornish fish dishes to hearty pub classics, it’s an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Photo by muddy stilettos
5. Take to the Water with Global Boarders
Explore the fabulous Mousehole harbour and ocean life beyond. Our wonderful partners, Global Boarders, will meet you there, boards and boats ready, to guide you around the postcard-perfect scenery of this corner of Cornwall.
Find your sea legs in the calm of the habour, then it’s out into the wild! You’ll paddle past rugged granite cliffs, circle around St Clement’s Isle, and explore secret coves. Tours run for 2–3 hours and come with all the essentials: wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet, so you stay warm and safe. The experience is bookable within your online guest account.
6. Discover the Nearby Beaches
- Porthcurno, famed for the iconic Minack Theatre, is one of the UK’s most photographed beaches, with powdery sands and stunning turquoise waters.
- Longrock Beach is located between Penzance and Marazion. It’s a family and dog friendly beach well worth a visit during your holiday in Mousehole.
- Penberth near Penzance is home to a quiet cove with granite cottages and a pebbled beach. The Carthouse is one of our much-loved homes nearby.
Luxury Holiday Homes in Mousehole…
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