Mousehole - Cornish Fishing Village

Article By: Dan Hill

4 years ago

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Settlement-Village Transport-Harbour

Mousehole is a quaint village centred around a fishing port located a couple of miles south of Penzance in west Cornwall. There are records documenting the existence of Mousehole going back to 1283. The route you'll most likely use to get to Mousehole will be the coast road from Newlyn - which is called "Cliff Road" for good reason. The village was rebuilt after it was attacked and destroyed in 1595 by the Spaniard Carlos de Amésquita. The sole surviving building still stands today, with a plaque commemorating the death of Squire Jenkyn Keigwin. The village - current population around 700 - is mostly residential - with granite stone fisherman's style terraced cottages being the predominant buildings. The pub in the village is called "The Ship Inn", and it also sells local seafood. There are 8 other eateries in the village - my favourite being "2 Fore Street" - which I have visited twice. The restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide 2020, and the food is modern and fresh, with some good options also for vegetarians. I would definitely recommend booking ahead if you're considering visiting this restaurant. The village is often cited as being the home to the last of the Cornish language speakers - toward the end of the 18th century. For many years, Mousehole was a very active fish port - there are records documenting 55 boats in the 18th century - with the caught pilchards (sardines) also being exported to France. To appreciate Mousehole, take a walk around the harbour - and the small streets. The village is highly photogenic, so don't leave without a few photos of this quintessential Cornish fishing port.