Exploring the picturesque village of Mevagissey

On the southern coast of Cornwall lies a picturesque port village named Mevagissey. Built on the site of a medieval quay which dates back to the 15th century, this quaint little village will give you a feeling of amusement and awe as you wander the narrow maze-like streets of Mevagissey. As you walk through these streets you will find shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs. Try out their different delicacies, go crabbing, take a boat ride, visit the old castle, there’s so much to do in Mevagissey.

Here’s a fun fact, did you know that Andrew Pears, the guy who invented the Pears transparent soap was born Mevagissey. Another celebrity from Mevagissey is actress Georgina Cookson. Let’s explore the wondrous and quaint village of Mevagissey.

A Brief History of Mevagissey

Mevagissey has a history that dates back to the Bronze Age when it was first mentioned. This was also way before Mevagissey got its name. There are only a few traces of them dating back to the Bronze Age but enough to prove that there was civilization during that time.

By the time of the Age of Saints (5th and 6th century), there were two fishing communities, Porthilly and Lammorick in Mevagissey. These two communities merged to become ‘Mevan hag Ysaye’. It’s named after the two saints from Ireland, Saint Mevan, and Saint Issey that arrived there in the 6th century. This later became Mevagissey.

The primary source of income for the people of Mevagissey was fishing. But smuggling became rife in the early 1730s. However, after the arrival of a methodist preacher named John Weasley, the number of smugglers reduced. He had a big influence on the people.

In 1774 an application for a new port was passed and it was around this time that the inner harbour was constructed which was later expanded upon by the addition of an outer harbour in 1888.

The great blizzard of 1891 affected Mevagissey in the worst way possible. Livestock froze to death, the village was cut off from the outside world, and almost the whole village was buried deep in snow. It was a really bad time for Mevagissey. The blizzard also damaged the outer harbour but it was later repaired.

Throughout history, the fishing industry has been a big part of Mevagissey. Mevagissey is now the second-largest fishing harbour in Cornwall. It still has a working harbour that has been around since the 18th century. Mevagissey is best known for its pilchard. Mevagissey is also one of the first places to use street lamps. It was pilchard oil that was used as fuel to light up the streets of Mevagissey.

Places to visit

There are a lot of wonderful places to visit in Mevagissey. From the harbour itself to the Caerhays Castle there are many places in and around Mevagissey that are worth exploring.

The main attraction is the Mevagissey Harbour the pride and joy of Mevagissey. It is the second-largest and one of the best fishing harbour in Cornwall. There are many things that you can do to enjoy the harbour. You can take a walk on the harbour while enjoying the view and watching the busy harbour. You can go on boat rides, ferries, or even fishing. Crabbing is another activity that is especially fun for kids. There are some restaurants and pubs that have the best view of the harbour. You can take a bite out of that fish and chips while you enjoy the harbour view.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan is another wonder of Mevagissey. It is a popular garden and estate in the UK. It’s best known for 2 mysterious and beautiful figures, The Giant’s head and The Mud Maid. The garden is equally as mysterious and beautiful as the figures. The garden’s development started in 1766 and continued on till the start of the 1st World War after which it was considered lost. After rediscovery in 1990, the garden was restored back to its former glory.

It has many attractions like the pleasure grounds, productive gardens, and the jungle.

The Eden Project which is another popular attraction in Cornwall is just 30 mins away from the harbour. Built in a crater, this attraction houses 2 massive biomes. You can find plants from different climates and environments in these biomes. There is also an outside botanical garden. Fun fact this is one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world.

Not too far from here is another historic port and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Charlestown. It’s also a filming location and was recently used in BBC’s Poldark. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is also located here.

Other attractions that you should check out are The Mevagissey Museum which houses the history of Mevagissey, The Aquarium, which is another small attraction near the harbour, The World of Model Trains, the famous Ship Inn and Fountain Inn, and much more.

Places near Mevagissey that you should visit are Tintagel Castle, Truro, and St Michaels Mount.

Food

When you’re in Mevagissey harbour to enjoy food you should try their fish dishes especially fish and chips. Fish and chips is one of Britain’s favourite food to eat. As you walk through the streets of Mevagissey you will find a lot of fish and chip shops. And since Mevagissey is a working fishing harbour the fish served in local restaurants and pubs are fresh and locally caught.

If you want to try the best fish and chips you should go to The Fishermen’s Chippy. Located opposite The Leather Shop and The Cornish Bakery, they server really delicious gluten-free fish and chips that just melts in your mouth. Reasonably priced, you will find that this place is usually crowded.

Looking for a place to drink then The Fountain Inn is a really good choice. They also serve good tasty food to go with the drink. Covered in greenery on the outside and a traditional pub look in the inside, you will feel cosy as you sip on that local Mevagissey stout and take a bite of that tasty fish and chips. This and The Ship Inn are the oldest remaining inns in Mevagissey.

And if you’re looking for a place that serves tasty seafood and has the best view of the harbour, you should check out Harbour Tavern or Sharksfin Bar & Restaurant. Both have the best view of the harbour. There are other restaurants with good views and good food but these are the best.

Other places that you should check out are Salamander & Number Five Café & Restaurant. There are many other places that I haven’t mentioned here but you should check out.

Also check out traditional and Cornish foods like Cornish Pasty, Cornish Yarg, Cornish Clotted Ice Cream, Cornish Ice Cream, Cornish Saffron Bun, and much more.

Best Time to Visit

Mevagissey is a small but beautiful place. The best time to visit Mevagissey is during June and September. At the end of June every year Mevagissey celebrates the Feast of St Peter. During this week you will get to see live music, flora dance, and fireworks at the end of the week.

If you decide to visit in March, April, and May you get to see the Beautiful Caerhays Garden. This garden has some beautiful and rare flowers that you have to see with your own eyes.

Mevagissey has many other beautiful wonders that you have to witness with your own eyes