Our guide to Mevagissey

Whether you discover Mevagissey from its rugged coastal path, the backseat of the car or onboard a day cruise, the delightful fishing village emerges like a scene from an old Cornish fable.

Known to locals as ‘Meva’, this vibrant and historic corner of Saint Austell Bay charms with its colourful cottages, bobbing boats and lively tourist scene. Surrounding the harbour and lining the narrow streets awaits a wide range of quirky attractions and inviting places to eat and drink, all serving the best of Cornwall’s waters and fields; plenty to keep you busy.

Explore this guide to Mevagissey to uncover all the best things to do in and around the village and start planning your seaside escape today by clicking the link below and exploring our collection of holiday cottages nearby.

Holiday cottages in Mevagissey

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• Mevagissey FAQs
• Things to do in Mevagissey
• Places to eat in Mevagissey
• Places to drink in Mevagissey
• Map of things to do in Mevagissey

Mevagissey FAQs

Beaches around Mevagissey

If you’re on the hunt for signs pointing to Mevagissey Beach, you may be looking for a while, as the fishing village doesn’t have its own beach. Instead, it’s surrounded by a wide choice of sandy coves and shingly shorelines, three of which are within just 2 miles of Mevagissey. 

Polstreath Beach charms with its tucked-away location, hidden beneath the verdant cliffs. This sand-and-shingle beach is perfect for escaping the crowds thanks to the 200 steps that lead down to its edge. With dogs welcome all year, this is a great option for those seeking seaside serenity. 

Slightly further away, the sweeping stretch of white sand at Pentewan Beach (see image above) is much more popular for families planning bucket-and-spade days together. This bustling spot is sheltered from the swell, making it perfect for swimming and water sports. 

If you love quiet beach walks, head to charming and lesser-known Portmellon Beach. This petite, sandy spot is surrounded by quaint Cornish cottages and is often covered in seaweed, meaning fewer beachgoers in your way and more opportunities for seaside adventures and rock pooling.

Explore Mevagissey Aquarium

If you’re planning a visit to Mevagissey Aquarium, do not expect a towering structure filled with endless tanks of sea life. Instead, uncover an unassuming, charity-led building perched on the ramp of the former lifeboat house that offers a delightful escape to life below the surface of local waters. 

Mevagissey Aquarium doesn’t charge for entry. Instead, they accept donations to help the team raise awareness for the Cornish fishing industry. Along your short tour, discover lesser-spotted catsharks, flatfish, bass, crabs, lobsters, starfish, sea urchins and plenty of other underwater species. 

Perfect for families, curious couples and passing visitors alike, Mevagissey Aquarium is a must-visit on your tour of the fishing village.

Shopping in Mevagissey

The wealth of Mevagissey shops that line the harbour’s edge makes finding that perfect gift or Cornish memento a breeze. Here, expect seaside gift shops, vibrant galleries and local boutiques.

If you’ve taken a fancy to the maritime décor and accessories spotted through cottage windows, or the coastal-themed clothes and handbags worn by the locals, then a trip to Mackerel Sky in the heart of town will quickly gear you up. 

To take a slice of Mevagissey home with you, visit Brocante and unearth a chic store filled with seaside-themed interior pieces, thoughtful gifts, clothes and accessories. Or for a slightly different, more mysterious vibe, dive into The Lavender Pillow, one of the best Mevagissey shops for Gothic and hippy gifts, aromatic incense and even pagan clothing.

Places to eat in Mevagissey

We couldn’t possibly write a guide to Mevagissey without featuring the village’s wide choice of places to eat. From seafood restaurants to laid-back dining, here are three of our favourite Mevagissey restaurants.

The Sharksfin Mevagissey

Of all the Mevagissey restaurants, one of the most well-known is The Sharksfin Mevagissey. This family-friendly restaurant almost looks over the harbour’s edge at the glistening water below, offering the perfect spot to enjoy the very best of Cornwall’s fresh fish, local meat and seasonal produce. 

Open from breakfast through to dinner, The Sharksfin Mevagissey serves up fried breakfasts, signature burgers, fresh seafood, locally sourced mussels, fish and chips and plenty more. Dogs are welcome to join you, and little ones are catered for thanks to the generous children’s menu.

Salamander Restaurant

For a laid-back dining experience with a fine-dining twist that celebrates local seafood, veggie dishes and international cuisine, head away from the harbour and find the delightful Salamander Restaurant. 

One of the most popular Mevagissey restaurants, the Salamander’s menu offers a wide choice of nibbles, small plates, local meats and fresh fish. But the true gems await on the specials board which features the various catches of the day. These may include freshly caught hake, halibut, bream and bass, all of which are likely to be swimming in the ocean not a day before you walk through the door.

The Harbour Catch

If you don’t fancy sitting down for a long meal but can’t leave the village without sampling its fresh seafood, then a visit to The Harbour Catch is a must. Perched beside the quay, just metres from the boats that haul in the fish that fill the restaurant's menu, this is one of the best Mevagissey restaurants for enjoying locally sourced dishes under the Cornish sun. 

Find a spot at one of the bistro-style tables outside or order to takeaway and eat where you like. Wherever you choose to sit and feast, The Harbour Catch does what it says on the tin thanks to its daily-changing menu that features sumptuous treats such as crab tortillas, crab and prawn pancakes, hake fillets and lobster boats.

Places to drink in Mevagissey

If you agree with us that no destination is truly unlocked until you’ve visited the local inn, you’ll be excited to hear that a solid choice of Mevagissey pubs await your visit. Below are three of our favourite watering holes that have earned a spot in our guide to Mevagissey.

The Harbour Tavern

Set in the heart of the village, The Harbour Tavern features in our guide to Mevagissey thanks to its picturesque views and traditional charm. Inside, exposed stone walls and overhead beams set the scene for a typical night in the boozer, while outside offers the best spot to watch the boats and tourists come and go as you sip a pint or tuck into locally sourced seafood. 

The generous choice of local ales and ciders, combined with wines and spirits, makes this one of the best Mevagissey pubs, often frequented by locals after a day at sea. To eat, choose from starters and lighter bites, vibrant pub grub, fresh seafood and a popular Sunday roast.

The Fountain Inn

Hidden up a narrow side street, away from the harbourside crowds, The Fountain Inn presents one of the most charming and historic of Mevagissey pubs. If the sun is shining, choose to perch on a bench outside the ivy-adorned inn, or head inside to duck beneath the low ceilings and find a cosy corner. 

If you’re visiting for a drink, then the bar here is all you’d expect from a traditional seaside pub – snug, warm and welcoming. If you fancy a bite to eat, then fresh seafood rules the roost in this Mevagissey pub, with a wide range of steamed mussels, battered fish, seafood salads and sandwiches on offer.

The Kings Arms

Of all the Mevagissey pubs, The Kings Arms is no doubt one of the more unique examples. This classy public house only opens in the evenings and not only features an adjoining wine shop, but a popular local bakery – perfect for picking up a fresh loaf before returning to your holiday cottage feeling a little merry. 

Find a cosy corner at an old table or perch at the bar and choose from a curated range of locally brewed ales and ciders, carefully chosen wines and digestive spirits. To eat, the menu is unpredictable, as the chef won’t know what’s on offer until he’s visited the fish market that very morning – but you can always rely on the freshest seafood, served with a chic twist.

Map of things to do in Mevagissey

Explore our map below to find all the attractions, surrounding beaches, restaurants and pubs featured in this guide to Mevagissey.

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Book a holiday cottage in Mevagissey

If our guide to Mevagissey has inspired you to answer the calls of the ocean and head to the Cornish coast, then you can start planning your seaside getaway today by clicking the link below and exploring our collection of cottages nearby. 

Find cosy boltholes for couples, sea-view homes for families, coastal apartments and dog-friendly retreats. Wherever you choose to stay, Mevagissey is sure to charm with its Cornish appeal.

Holiday cottages in Mevagissey