The fishing villages of Cornwall
- Carla
- Dec 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 7
Cornwall offers some beautiful places, but we are particularly fond of the fishing villages. The small fishing boats and lobster traps still lie in the bay from the morning. However, some of these villages are not just reminiscent of the stormy Cornish sea, but rather of summertime Greece.
Fowey
Fowey (‘Feu’ pronounced) is one of the prettiest fishing villages in the area. It is home to cute little shops, delicious ice cream parlours and great places to relax. Unfortunately, it is also very popular with tourists. But I can't blame them, the small town is located on a breathtaking bay with a wide variety of water colours, from light turquoise to deep dark blue. All kinds of boats bob around in the wide bay. As long as the weather is fine, you can also relax on the small beach on the edge of the town (Readymoney Beach) or take a short swim. The small bay definitely reminds you of a Greek beach. However, I must warn you: the water is much less warm!
St Ives
This small village, known far beyond the borders of Cornwall, has made it into our hearts: small, winding alleyways lead through the village with its historic buildings. Many nice shops invite you to stroll around. The townscape is also characterised by the prominent harbour bay, which is almost completely dry at low tide. All technology enthusiasts should take a look at the sea rescue station on the edge of the harbour bay (and don't forget the souvenir shop).
This place is also a real treasure trove for art lovers. There are many small galleries. A visit to Babara Hepworth's garden is well worthwhile (Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden). You can even admire the original studio cottage here. Some of you may recognise her wonderful sculptures. Porthmeor Beach is also home to a branch of the famous Tate Gallery.
The enthusiasm for art in the village is no coincidence: due to the unique light conditions on this peninsula, many artists settled here early on. There are also great and wide coastal beaches to discover in the immediate vicinity of St Ives. It really is a great setting there!
Port Isaac
A little further north on the rougher west coast is Port Isaac. The town gained nationwide fame as the filming location for the Doc Martin series and as the ‘birthplace’ of Fishermen Friends.
But it's also worth a visit for those who have nothing to do with it. Picturesque houses line the bay, which cuts into the cliffs here. Visitors can expect a few nice shops and delicious seafood.
The South West Coast Path runs right through the village. If you follow it, you will be rewarded with completely new views of the bay. It is better to leave your car in the recommended car park just outside the village. Otherwise you can quickly get ‘stuck’. Especially in summer, the place is popular with many visitors!
Mousehole
Here the name says it all. If Penzance is a little too big and confusing for you, you will find a manageable, small coastal town a little further south towards the Minack Theatre. With its semi-circular harbour basin, the place really does look a bit like a mouse hole. When the colourful fishing boats fall dry at low tide, this is a charming photo opportunity. The town is a little more tranquil. Small alleyways, old fishermen's houses. And if you fancy an ice cream, you'll find one right on the harbour pier.
Falmouth
I have to say, I wasn't convinced by Falmouth at first. The first impression of the town is not what you would expect from a Cornish fishing village. However, this place also has some very beautiful corners. And Falmouth has long outgrown its status as a fishing village. There are some of my favourite shops there - all in concept store style. And I have to say that the beach at the other end of the town really has a lot to offer on a nice day. Above all, you can go stand-up paddling there. There is a hire shop right on the beach and the swell in this sheltered bay is not too strong.
Porthleven
Another beautiful coastal town is Porthleven - just south of Penzance on the way to Lizard. This place lives from its historic deep-water harbour. A large harbour pier was built here at great expense. The aim was to establish itself as a local transhipment centre and important port on the coast. The project never paid off, but it contributes significantly to the character of the village. There are many shops and restaurants around the harbour basin. Colourful little houses are lined up on the surrounding hills. To enjoy the nature that surrounds the village, you can also take a boat tour. You might spot a few seals or even whales.
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