Mevagissey is one of the largest working fishing ports in Cornwall — twin harbours, a fleet of small inshore boats, morning markets on the slipway and a quietly excellent Aquarium in the old lifeboat station. It has none of the polished tourism of Padstow or St Ives — it’s busy, working, occasionally smelly in the best possible way, and one of the most photographable harbours on the south coast.
Main things to see and do
- Mevagissey harbour. Walk both harbours; watch boats come in mid-morning; buy fish on the slipway. Children love the fish-market chaos.
- Mevagissey Museum. Free volunteer-run museum on the East Quay covering boat-building, smuggling and the pilchard fisheries. Open daily April to October.
- Mevagissey Aquarium. Small aquarium in the old harbour-master’s office — local species only, modest entry, properly engaging for primary-age children.
- Pentewan Beach. Two miles north — long sandy beach with a holiday park behind. Lifeguarded in summer. Walking distance via the South West Coast Path.
- Lost Gardens of Heligan. Five minutes’ drive inland — see the dedicated post. Mevagissey is the natural lunch town for a Heligan day.
Where to stay
If you are making a weekend of it, Cornwall has more good self-catering than is reasonable. We use Sykes Holiday Cottages for most of our family breaks here — their holiday cottages in mevagissey and along the south cornish coast cover most of the price brackets and most of the dog-friendly properties. (Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Practical bits
- Postcode: PL26 (centre)
- Region: south Cornwall
- OS map: OS Explorer 107 — St Austell & Liskeard, Fowey & LooeBuy from OS →
- Public transport: Cornwall Transport for “First Kernow” services cover the coast; the Cornish Main Line trains stop at most major towns.
Correct as of 28 April 2026 — please check before you travel, especially on Bank Holidays, Easter and between Christmas and New Year.
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