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South Cornwall is one of the loveliest parts of the county. The north coast has the surfing beaches, the west has the wild coast paths, but the south is the place to come for peace and quiet!
South Cornwall is a big place, so this guide focuses on the stretch around Mevagissey, Fowey and St Austell Bay – the area I explored during my recent four‑night stay at Corner House Loft (more on that later). Mevagissey is a small, colourful fishing village with a pretty working harbour and a relaxed, low-key feel. It’s a brilliant base for a short break: close to Cornwall’s biggest attractions, beautiful gardens and historic harbours – as well as plenty of fantastic beaches.
If you’re staying in Mevagissey (or anywhere nearby), this guide covers the best things to do, where to eat, and how to plan your days.
Why Mevagissey Makes a Great Base for Exploring South Cornwall
Mevagissey is the perfect spot to base yourself if you want to escape the more crowded beach towns It’s quiet, but it’s not remote, and some of South Cornwall’s biggest attractions are within easy reach, including the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and historic harbours like Charlestown and Fowey.
Because Mevagissey sits roughly between St Austell and Fowey, it’s ideal for a 3-4 day break. You can explore a lot without spending half your time driving. And then you can come back to the peaceful village to unwind with a drink at one of the harbourside pubs – perfect!
Things to do in Mevagissey
There’s not much to do in Mevagissey itself – which is part of the charm, really! It’s all about pottering along the harbour and exploring the independent shops in the tangled streets of the village centre.
Wander the Harbour
The harbour is the heart of Mevagissey. Fishing boats bob in the water, gulls wheel overhead, and there’s always something happening, whether it’s fishermen unloading the day’s catch, a boat heading out, or someone crabbing off the wall. Harbour walls jut out into the sea on both sides, so you can walk right out to feel the sea air on your face and watch the waves.
Mevagissey Museum
Set inside an old boat‑building workshop, Mevagissey Museum is small but surprisingly interesting. I popped in thinking I’d kill 20 minutes or so and was still there an hour later – there’s a lot to see! Definitely worth a visit it if you want to learn more about the village’s fishing heritage.
Local Walks
If you fancy stretching your legs, walk north to Polstreath Beach (steep steps, but lovely) or follow the coast path south towards Portmellon and Gorran Haven.
Things to do Near Mevagissey
Eden Project
Cornwall’s biggest attraction is genuinely worth the hype! I was worried the Eden Project might feel overpriced but I was honestly blown away. The biomes are spectacular, and the outdoor gardens are beautiful year‑round – but especially in spring when there seems to be colour and life everywhere. Make sure you follow the tree-top trail around the top of the rainforest biome for waterfalls, mist, and a birds-eye-view of the forest below. Allow at least three hours, more if you want to take your time.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is easily one of my favourite attractions in South Cornwall. The gardens at Heligan estate fell into disuse during WWI and were eventually “lost” when the house was sold off. They were rediscovered in the 1990s and a huge restoration project brought them back to life. The highlight is the Jungle garden along a river valley, complete with a rope bridge and enormous tree ferns. There’s also a long woodland trail around the estate, dotted with large sculptures – including the famous Sleeping Lady.
Take the Ferry to Fowey
Taking the ferry from Mevagissey Harbour is a lovely way to reach one of Cornwall’s prettiest harbour towns. Once you’re in Fowey, there’s plenty to do:
- Rent a boat from Fowey River Hire – you don’t need any experience, and a 30‑minute hire is enough time to pootle upriver and back.
- Fowey River Trips – 45 minute cruises of the river and harbour with an entertaining narration full of local knowledge and dad jokes!
- Readymoney cove – Fowey’s loveliest beach and a perfect swimming spot.
- Old Bank Gallery – a trendy new addition to Fowey’s charming centre; a gallery and coffee shop housed in a former bank, complete with an exhibition space in one of the old vaults!
Port of Charlestown
Another of my favourites! Charlestown’s 18th-century Georgian harbour looks like it was frozen in time a few years ago – complete with resident and visiting tall ships. You can see why it’s frequently used as a filming location, including as a repeat set on Poldark. It’s very photogenic and easy to combine with a visit to St Austell.
St Austell Brewery
Makers of the popular Tribute, Korev and Proper Job beers (plus a good many more besides), Cornwall’s biggest brewery is based in the heart of their namesake town of St Austell. There’s a visitor centre with a large shop, and a pub attached: the Hicks Bar. You can book a tour of the brewery to learn about its history and which includes a guided tasting. Find out more.
Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum
Cornwall’s china clay industry, which has left a big mark on this part of the county; the oddly conical hills you’ll see dotted around the area were created by mining clay for china. Visit Wheal Martyn to learn more; expect woodland trails, industrial machinery and a surprisingly interesting look at a part of Cornwall’s history that most visitors never see.
Best Beaches Around Mevagissey
There are plenty of beaches within a short drive, ranging from sandy family favourites to quiet coves.
- Polstreath Beach – closest to Mevagissey, steep steps but lovely
- Portmellon – small, sheltered and walkable from the village
- Gorran Haven – sandy and great for swimming
- Porthpean – popular, with good swimming conditions
- Par Sands – long, flat and great for families
- Polkerris – small, sandy and home to Sam’s at the Beach
- Readymoney Cove (Fowey) – sheltered and scenic
Places to Eat in Mevagissey (and Nearby)
She Sells, Mevagissey
A lovely spot for coffee, cake or a light lunch. Great for a mid‑morning break while wandering the village.
Sharksfin
This large harbourside restaurant is best known for seafood – namely, their huge helpings of local mussels – but they also do great burgers and meat dishes. The service was incredibly friendly when I went (unforgettably so) and the vibe is fun and laid-back. Book ahead if you want a window seat.
Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery, St Austell
Tucked above the brewery’s visitor centre, this cosy bar is a great spot for a pub lunch. Try the signature brews: Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and (my favourite) Korev lager. Or see what’s on tap; bar staff are happy to pour tasters if you want to try something new. For a light lunch, the fish finger sandwich is a solid choice.
Sam’s at the Beach, Polkerris
One of my favourite restaurants in Cornwall, Sam’s at the Beach is the casual, cool younger sister of Sam’s bistro in Fowey. It’s in the old lifeboat house backing the beach in Polkerris, huge windows and a small terrace – both with gorgeous sea views. They have a great range of fresh local seafood on offer, as well as truly delicious pizzas. Don’t miss it.
Short and Strong, Charlestown
The best stop in Charlestown for a light lunch or brunch: hearty sourdough sandwiches, avocado on toast, pastries that look (almost) too pretty to eat, and really good coffee. Eat outside on sunny days – or grab a bacon roll to takeaway and wander down to the harbour wall for lunch with a view.
Suggested 3–4 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Eden Project + Mevagissey Harbour Evening
Spend the morning at Eden (allow at least three hours), then head back to Mevagissey for a wander and a harbourside drink.
Day 2: St Austell Day
Visit Wheal Martyn (1–2 hours), take a brewery tour at St Austell Brewery (2 hours, longer if you stay for lunch), then finish the day in Charlestown.
Day 3: Lost Gardens of Heligan + Beach Afternoon
Explore Heligan in the morning, then pick a nearby beach for a relaxed afternoon.
Day 4: Fowey Day Trip
Take the ferry to Fowey, wander the town, and hire a small boat if the weather’s good.
Where to Stay
Mevagissey is small, and there are no large hotels or high-rises here. Most people stay in self-catering cottages, which suits the area’s slower pace perfectly.
Aspect Holidays are a small, local company with hundreds of beautiful holiday cottages across Cornwall, including lots of lovely ones in Mevagissey. I stayed with them on my trip to St Ives a couple of years ago, so I knew they were going to be a solid choice for my Mevagissey trip.
Corner House Loft
Corner House Loft sleeps two and is dog-friendly.
I stayed at Corner House Loft: a gorgeous, mezzanine-style loft apartment with views across the rooftops of Mevagissey from the bedroom skylight. Heavy wooden beams and other historic features gave it a cosy, cottage feel, but the overall style was contemporary.
There’s a spacious kitchen-diner with funky mustard-yellow tiles and a big kitchen island. This large, welcoming room doubles as the entrance hall and a casual chill-out nook; there’s a small sofa, a large understairs storage area, and space for a dog if you’re travelling with one.
The small lounge overlooks a neighbouring pub; I was worried this might be noisy after dark, but I was never disturbed. It’s a lovely, chilled space. Think plush sofas, a big electric fireplace and cute reading nooks in the window.
Upstairs is the show-stopper: sloping loft ceilings and wooden beams above a huge, comfy bed. The bathroom is integrated into the bedroom, but the loo and massive walk-in shower are tucked away behind a partition. I was staying alone so it didn’t bother me, but it’s something to bear in mind if you’re staying as a couple! There’s also a lovely standalone bath and colour-changing mood lighting: perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring.
More on Cornwall and Nearby
I hope you found this guide to Mevagissey helpful! If you have longer to spend in Cornwall and South West England, you might enjoy some of my other blog posts:
- Places to Visit in South England
- Things to do in St Ives
- Things to do in St Agnes
- Places to Visit in Devon
This corner of South Cornwall is perfect for a short break: beautiful scenery, great food, easy day trips and a relaxed, local feel. Despite having some of Cornwall’s major attractions, this area still feels like a hidden gem – especially sleepy Mevagissey with its atmospheric centre and salty, harbour vibes! Whether you’re pottering around Mevagissey or exploring the wider area, this is one of the best parts of Cornwall to slow down and enjoy.
