With its shores nestled on the majestic Atlantic Ocean, fishing has always been central to the Cornish economy with many villages and coves flourishing from the trade. Visiting any number of the fantastic fishing villages throughout Cornwall is the best way to see the history that the county and the fishing trade share.
Below we have listed five of our favourite and most beautiful fishing villages that you have to visit during your Cornish holidays.
Mevagissey
This was once the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard industry with the cob and slate buildings transporting you back to the time when pilchards were the livelihood of this intimate village. There’s still a working harbour here, so while away the hours enjoying a tray of local seafood whilst watching the numerous boats pull into the harbour. You can also explore the handful of gift stores, shops and restaurants.
Boscastle
This tiny port has a natural harbour situated on an exceptionally exquisite stretch of coastline five miles north of Tintagel. In 2004, dramatic floods caused untold damage to the tiny settlement, most of which is owned by the National Trust. The beautiful and historic thatched and whitewashed cottages have been rescued and rebuilt.
Mousehole
Often described as the loveliest village in England. This charming fishing village is located between Land’s End and Penzance, and consists of narrow streets and tiny granite cottages huddled around a working harbour filled with small wooden fishing boats. Each year in early November timber beams are laid across the narrow harbour entrance to protect it from storms, although waves can still often be seen breaking over the harbour wall at high tide much to the amusement of children.
Cadgwith
This pretty fishing village between Lizard and Coverack began life in medieval times as a collection of fish cellars in the sheltered coastal valley due to is shingle cove, with its location providing good protection from the prevailing south westerly gales that frequent the county. Inhabited since the sixteenth century, Cadgwith still has some original local stone and thatch houses which really do show you what life would have been like in that era.
Portscatho
The village of Portscatho lies in the south west corner of Gerrans Bay on the Roseland peninsula. There is safe swimming in the cove itself and many fine sandy beaches making it an ideal location for a family day out. It is still a working fishing port, making it an ideal place to grab some of the freshest seafood for your holiday supper!