Mevagissey
LannvorekA safe haven
Narrow streets and terraced houses lead down to the centre of the old Mevagissey where the distinctive twin harbour provides a safe haven for the many fishing boats that land their daily catch.
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A Fishy village
In typical picture postcard style, pubs, cafes, galleries and shops cluster around the harbour walls and line the pretty streets of Mevagissey. Around the maze of narrow streets you’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants that the village is renowned for and there is nothing more sublimely Cornish than tucking into some local scallops, crab or mackerel.
Named after two Irish saints, St Meva and St Issey, the village dates back to at least the early 14th century and during the 1800s Mevagissey prospered on the back of the abundant source of pilchards caught by the fishermen.
Learn all about the history of the village at the Mevagissey Museum on the harbour. Stacked to the gunwales with memorabilia and local artefacts, the museum brings the history of the village to life. There's also an aquarium where you can find out what the fishermen catch.
In 2025, Mevagissey gained further recognition as a filming location for ITV's thriller Playing Nice, showcasing its picturesque harbour and charming streets to viewers nationwide.
Away from the harbour
Mevagissey has no beach (apart from a small one accessed by a very steep stairway) so most visitors head over to Porthmellon, just to the south, for a dip. Further afield, the village of Gorran Haven makes for a nice day out with a sheltered beach tucked inside the safety of a harbour wall.
Behind Mevagissey, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are a must, especially in the spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. It is possible to walk up to the gardens from the village, and there's also a regular bus service.
The old port of Pentewan isn't far away either. From here you can cycle or walk on the Pentewan Trail, an easy going five mile round trip to the unusually named village of London Apprentice and back. The trail runs along the bed of an old narrow gauge railway which once took clay and tin ore to the harbour at Pentewan until it silted up and the railway ceased operation in 1916.
Feast Week
Each year at the end of June, Mevagissey celebrates Feast Week, a week of family fun, music, and floral dances through the streets. There has always been a celebration in Mevagissey, dating back hundreds of years. Originally celebrations were held in December, though this was a busy period for fishermen. In 1752, Mevagissey adopted St Peter as its patron saint and has celebrated on 29th June ever since.
Today the whole village takes part with plenty of singing and dancing, as well as food and drink. Along with boat races, children's entertainment, competitions and parades, there is also a large fireworks display.
Although a working harbour, the public have access to much of it and can walk around the walls and right out to the outer pier, allowing great views of the village.
Plan your perfect stay
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, Mevagissey offers a wealth of experiences to make your stay unforgettable. From cosy harbourside cottages to charming bed-and-breakfasts, there’s accommodation to suit every taste. Explore the village’s seafood restaurants, scenic coastal walks, and nearby attractions to create a truly memorable Cornish escape.
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Mevagissey
Follow the M5 to Exeter, and join the A30 and then take the A391 to St Austell (just past Bodmin). Once in St Austell, follow signs to the join the B3273 signposted for Mevagissey.
Willow Car & Coach park is clearly visible on the left-hand side as you approach Mevagissey via the main road. This is the best car park to head for and then walk into the village due to the narrow streets.
It is not advisable to drive through the heart of the village, even if your sat-nav says you can!
The nearest National Express coach stop to Mevagissey is St Austell. From here you can pick up a local bus or taxi.
Mevagissey is served by a regular busses from St Austell, No's 23 and 24. The 23 goes on to Gorran Haven (2022)
Great Western Railways operate high speed services from London Paddington, South Wales and the Cotswolds to Cornwall, including sleeper services from London Paddington. Cross Country Trains (Arriva Trains) operate services into Cornwall from the Midlands, the North and Scotland.
The nearest train station to Mevagissey is St Austell. From here you can pick up a local bus or taxi.
FAQs
View allA medieval quay was first established in 1430 to give some protection to the fishing boats, but people would have lived in the area for thousands of years before that. By the 1770s the fishing trade had grown so much, and with the quay falling into disrepair, it was felt necessary to provide greater protection for the fishing fleet and the village and so an outer harbour was created. This was improved in the late 19th century.
It would be very wrong of Visit Cornwall to say one place was nicer than the other, that's a decision only a visitor can make. The two destinations are different, Mevagissey being more of a fishing harbour whilst Fowey caters for the yachts and pleasure boats.
Another difference is that Fowey is on the river rather than facing directly out to sea, so there's always something going on, even when the sea is stormy. With a working docks upriver, it's not unusual to see large ships making their way past the town, and in the summer cruise ships often visit for the day.
Mevagissey is a working harbour with fishing boats coming and going on the tide. It doesn't have a beach as such but nearby you have Portmellon and Gorran Haven.
The gardens themselves recommend at least four hours to have a look around. Visit Cornwall suggest you could easily stay there all day! A lot depends how interested you are in gardens, plants, etc and what time of the year it is...
Mevagissey has no beach (apart from a small one accessed by a very steep stairway) so most visitors head over to Porthmellon, just to the south, for a dip. Further afield, the village of Gorran Haven makes for a nice day out with a sheltered beach tucked inside the safety of a harbour wall.
The beach is dog friendly but between Easter and September they need to be kept on leads.
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