48 Hours in Mevagissey - Family Edition!
Mevagissey is a traditional, working fishing village on the South Coast of Cornwall. Set within Cornwall’s area of outstanding natural beauty, Mevagissey is a picturesque harbour with fishing traditions dating back hundreds of years and still has a proud fishing fleet.
Celebrating this heritage is the annual Feast Week, a festival dating back to 1754. Usually held in the last week of June, Feast Week sees the village come alive with music, parades, fireworks, and much more. In the quieter, autumn months, an annual celebration of sea shanties allows the village to celebrate the joy of music.
You might have seen Mevagissey on the screen too - it’s been a filming location for several TV dramas and films, including, most recently ITV’s Playing Nice.
If you’re thinking of heading to the coast for a weekend with the family, here’s our guide to 48 hours in Mevagissey - giving you an authentic experience of our fabulous fishing village.
DAY ONE
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at SheSells on the harbour front, before booking a boat trip to see Mevagissey from the water. A boat trip gives you the opportunity to see Mevagissey from a different angle - and if you’re lucky you might even see dolphins and seals! Plenty of options available including Seas The Day Charters and Mevagissey Rib Rides.
Back on dry land, grab a traditional Cornish pasty from Mary’s pasties and enjoy it on the harbour, while watching the activity on the water.
After lunch, pay a trip to Mevagissey’s aquarium, which is housed in the old lifeboat station. Entry is by donation, and provides a fascinating insight into local sealife for children of all ages.
Time for an ice cream - head to Ruby’s, conveniently situated by the harbourside and with a wide range of flavours on offer, as well as milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
You can’t spend a weekend by the coast without having a go at crabbing. It’s great fun and an educational activity. On a high tide, we’d recommend heading to the railings (which provide a safe place to stand for kids) near Rubys and SheSells, or, if the tide’s out, continue towards the harbour master’s office and the outer harbour. Here there are some steps to sit on as well as a small beach to explore. All you need to get started is a crabbing bucket filled with seawater, a line or net with a bait bag, some bait, such as bacon, and some patience! In peak season, there’s usually a coffee van for an afternoon cup of tea.
Supper at The Sharksfin Restaurant offers stunning views across the harbour as the evening draws in. A family-friendly dining experience with a dedicated kids menu alongside a more extensive menu of seafood, burgers, tacos, and more.
DAY TWO
Begin your day with a hearty, locally sourced breakfast at the Heligan Kitchen, just a few minutes drive away from Mevagissey. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is an award-winning visitor attraction with an extensive playground for all ages (including climbing frames, swings, a giant trampoline, a zip wire, and much more), farm animals to visit, jungle garden with a rope bridge, and a bird hide. The perfect palace to let off steam for kids of all ages. Check the website for any special themed events running through school holidays and half terms.
Head back to Mevagissey for fish and chips on the Harbour (though watch out for seagulls) from The Fisherman’s Chippy, or if you want a sit in option, then head to Ben’s Plaice just round the corner.
Once the kids have spent their pocket money in Mevagissey’s wide array of independent shops, pay a visit to Mevagissey’s museum before you head home. The museum is a treasure trove of local history, where you can learn all about Pears soap founder who was born in the village, as well as its rich nautical history. There’s teddy bear and pirate themed trails available for kids. Visit the website for an interactive heritage trail around the village.
Alternatively, if the kids need to let off some steam and it’s a sunny day, head to one of Mevagissey’s beaches. Portmellon Beach is closest and there’s a pay and display carpark and a pub, The Rising Sun. Gorran Haven Beach has facilities including a chip shop, cafe, and kayak hire. Polstreath Beach is good for older kids who would love a hidden beach - accessible along the coast path between Pentewan and Mevagissey with steep steps down to the secluded beach. On the way out of Mevagissey is Pentewan Beach, the ideal way to round off your trip. Facilities include food at the Hub Box, watersports hire, sauna, and crazy golf.