Mevagissey, Cornwall

working fishing village close by the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan
 

Accommodation - Eating out - Attractions  - Shops - Street Map - Pictures at bottom of this page

Description
MEVAGISSEY is one of the most charming fishing ports of the South Cornish Coast, its white and colour-washed dwellings perched on the slopes of the hills encircling the two harbours. Many of the old fish cellars in the picturesque village have been converted to modern use but their old strong walls and the unspoilt appearance of the narrow streets retain the character of old Mevagissey which is so enchanting to the holiday visitor. Fishing still remains one of the chief occupations of local people and visitors interested in fishing will be glad to know that many of the hundreds of boats bobbing in the harbour are available for deep sea angling and shark fishing. mackerel fishing trips around the bay are popular. Much of the coastline adjacent to Mevagissey is cared for by the National Trust and is easily accessible. Visit the ruins of Portgiskey, cottages, cellars, gardens and boatyards, abandoned in the late nineteenth century. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are just outside of the village and the Eden Project is about 7 miles away.

Mevagissey, comes from "Meva and Issey". The town of St. Meva and St. Issey were first recorded as a hamlet in 1313, however there were settlements in the locality long before that date as is shown by the uncovering of two Bronze Age Burial Urns at Portmellon.

Interesting facts
George Bernard Shaw wrote his play, 'The Doctor's Dilemma' while staying in Mevagissey in 1906. The play was made into a film, directed by Anthony Asquith in 1958. Various films have been made in Mevagissey, including Johnny Frenchman and Dracula.

2 books from Susan Coopers 'The Dark is Rising' award winning series are based in the village of Trewissick (Mevagissey) 'Over Sea Under Stone' and 'Greenwitch'. Susan used to holiday in Mevagissey when she was a child, which is why she based Trewissick on Mevagissey. Stay at one of Mevagissey Houses cottages, the vicarage from 'Over Sea Under Stone'.  Order the books from  www.amazon.co.uk   The film, The Seeker, starring Ian McShane, is based on the second book in the series 'The Dark is Rising'.

The Harbour
Mevagissey is a working harbour, but welcomes visiting boats and can offer diesel fuel, fresh water and moorings at the following rates. Casual charge, eg 2 hours for lunch - £1   Overnight charge, There are about 10 visitor berths available.   Harbour Office Tel: 01726 843305

Mevagissey - Fowey  Ferry
During the summer, a regular ferry runs between Fowey and Mevagissey. Take in the sea air, the fantastic views and you don't have to worry about the car either.

Parking
Mevagissey has 5 car parks, all a level walk of just a few minutes to the harbour. The first, the Willows, is on your left as you drive into the village, holds 300 cars and also takes coaches. Next, Sunny Corner holds 85 cars. The other 2 are council run, pay and display, DO NOT be late back to your car!, with finally parking available on the harbour. Motorcycles can park for free in the larger pay and display in the centre of the village, spaces for about 6 or so bikes.

Places of Interest
The Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey Museum, World of Model Railways, Mevagissey Harbour Aquarium, The Old Pilchard Cellars, The 15th Century Church at Gorran, Polmassick Vineyard, Caerhays Castle, Dodman Point.

Travel Facilities --- click for full details
By Rail - there are full Inter City services to St. Austell, 5 miles north of Mevagissey.By Road - the motorway system feeding into the M5 brings traffic swiftly to Exeter, where a choice of routes presents itself - A38 or A30.By Coach - country-wide via Plymouth. Regular National Express services to St. Austell. By Air - to Newquay. By Ferry - for those coming from the Continent, there is a choice of ferry-link from Roscoff in France or Santander in Spain - both to nearby Plymouth. Buses run from St. Austell to Mevagissey every half hour mon - sat and every hour sundays and Bank Holidays. The Bus station adjoins the Train station. Taxis are also available from the station 24 hrs.

Banks
Mevagissey has one bank, Lloyds, open Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm. No cash machine.
The Post Office is now in the Jubilee Hall, open Mon 10.30-16.30, Tue 14.00-17.00, Wed 10.30-16.30, Thur 14.00-17.00.

Cornish Pasties !  Traditional hand made Cornish Pasties

The Cornish Bakery coffee and pastries, Olivers Quay, Mevagissey
Martins Bakery, St Georges Square, Mevagissey  Tel: 01726 842288
Marys pasties on the quay