Activities in and around Mousehole
There are a wide range of things to do in Mousehole and the surrounding area. There is a tidal beach in Mousehole harbour, and larger beaches towards Penzance and Marazion which are a short distance away, so you will be able to sunbathe or have a swim. For the more energetic, cross to the north coast and learn to surf in St Ives, stand-up paddleboard, kite surf or rent a kayak with the onsite facilities at the beaches. Some of the water sports companies also offer coasteering. Boat trips to see nearby landmarks are also a great way to get about on the water and see sea life.
You will be spoilt for choice of walking opportunities in the area, head out on the Coast Path or inland on any of the numbers of idyllic country paths. The walk to Lamorna is one of the more popular walks with good reason. The views of the sea and land are astonishing. If you go the other way to St Michael’s Mount, there is a place near Marazion to bird watch.
Want to play golf? There are plenty of options in West Cornwall including Cape Cornwall and in Lelant, just outside St Ives.
Below are samples of what the area has to offer.
Mousehole Christmas Lights
The Christmas Harbour Lights are a famous fixture in the town’s calendar and one of the most enchanting things to do in Mousehole on a winter trip to west Cornwall. Warm your hands and belly with a mulled wine, amble across the harbour and spot giant Christmas puds, Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and more, all lit up in lights and gently bobbing in the harbour.
St Ives Surf School
Exploring the area and wanting to learn to Surf? Book your lessons, equipment hire, or coasteering with St Ives Surf School. If you book through Cornish Riviera Holidays, you will be provided with a discount code, too.
More Information to be provided by the school.
Details
Porthmeor Beach, Porthminster Beach01736 793938
Cape Cornwall Golf Club
Cape Cornwall Golf Club is positioned right on top of the Cornish cliff tops and is just a short stroll from the beautiful headland known as Cape Cornwall. Although Cape Cornwall golf course is quite short by today’s standards, the difficult fairways and man-made obstacles will always make for a tricky round. The green staff have been making many fantastic improvements in recent years and you would very play on temporary tees or greens. Cape Cornwall Golf Club is stunningly beautiful, well-kept and always a very enjoyable experience for every standard of golfer.
Details
St Just, Penzance, TR19 7NL01736 788611
Kitesurfing in Mount’s Bay
Mount’s Bay is renowned for its kitesurfing. If you are new to this and would like advice or lessons, it probably is best to speak to a nearby kitesurfing school, such as The Hoxton Special which is based on Longrock beach with an onsite café overlooking the beach.
Take a dip in the Mousehole Rock Pool
So noteworthy that a few years back it warranted a double-page spread in National Geographic, Mousehole Rock Pool is a tidal swimming area just below the village. Sat atop the rocks and shored up with a cemented path that goes around it, this pool is a great spot for swimming with kids away from the waves and currents. There is a pleasant café situated a few convenient steps away, too.
St Michael's Mount
Explore the amazing island world of St Michael’s Mount and discover legend, myth and over a thousand years of incredible history.
Stroll across the causeway off Marazion where a legendary giant once walked. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims. Boat hop to an island where modern life meets layers of history. Discover a mediaeval castle, a sub-tropical paradise and a close-knit island community. Delve into the history of a fortress, a priory, a harbour and a home.
Details
Marazion01736 710265
Mousehole, Cornwall Boat Trips
There are a variety of boat trip companies departing from the Harbour that can take you on a trip to see St Michael’s Mount or head out the other way towards Porthcurno to see the Minack Theatre from the sea. You may be able to see porpoises, seals and dolphins from the boat too.
Details
Mousehole Harbour
Walks around Mousehole
There are a wide selection of walking routes in the area, either on the South West Coast Path or on the inland public footpaths. Below are our suggestions:
The walk to Lamorna
From the top of steep Raginnis Hill in Mousehole, you can walk to Lamorna. This picturesque hike takes in cliffs, enchanting woods and finishes in the neighbouring (and much smaller) coastal village of Lamorna. Newlyn and Mousehole people traditionally took this walk on Good Friday, but it’s perfect any time of year – especially if you finish at Lamorna Wink pub for tea or a tipple.
The walk to Marazion
The walk on the South West Coast Path to St Michael’s Mount is also a favourite for many, as you can stop for refreshments on the way or at the end and take the bus back to Mousehole.
The walk from Sennen Cove to Nanjizal
Drive to Sennen Cove and take the South West Coast Path around Land’s End to Nanjizel. Enjoy the stunningly rugged rock formations and cool off with a dip in Nanjizal Cove before heading back across the fields to Sennen Cove.
Horse-riding near Mousehole
Ever wanted to go swimming with a horse? Well you can with Cornwall Swimming Horses based at Long Rock, Marazion. For experienced riders only.
Details
At the Peep Out, Longrock07460 865167
Cycling around Mousehole
You can hire a Beryl Bike and the parking station for the bikes is just outside Mousehole by the car park next to The Old Coastguard.
Experience Tom Bawcock’s Eve
Another winter highlight, Tom Bawcock’s Eve is an annual festival held on 23 December remembering the efforts of a legendary resident who saved the village from famine by going out to fish in a storm. Sample stargazy pie (a fish, egg and potato pie with protruding fish heads) and look out for the lantern procession. About as local as a festival gets.
Mousehole carnival
The annual summer carnival is great fund with family friendly entertainment such as the biggest sandcastle, swimming and canoeing, bouncy castle and even a Punch and Judy. All really good fun! In the evening there is live music and a drinking the yard competition for the adults.
Sea, Salt and Sails Festival
A biennial festival which is all about the sea! Wooden hulls, spars, topsails and canvas are framed against the majestic beauty of Mounts Bay, transporting visitors back in time.
Preserving the identity of Mousehole as a working fishing village and to celebrate its maritime history, the festival continues to recreate the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era, when Tom Bawcock and his famous Mousehole Cat would have fished these waters.
In a nutshell, Sea Salts provides an abundant feast for the senses for all the family!
