Cornwall is famous for its fishing history and these traditions are reflected in the many quaint and historical villages scattered along the coast.
Through your stay in one of our holiday cottages, you will have easy access to bus stations, train stations and car parks, giving you the freedom to travel to the nearby fishing villages to drink in the Cornish countryside, immerse yourself in the culture of the area and eat some of the freshest of fish straight from the sea!
Fishing towns in Cornwall
No two fishing towns or villages in Cornwall are ever the same, meaning that with every trip you take, you’re guaranteed to find something new and discover a hidden treasure of the county that had gone overlooked before.
1. St Ives
Of course, no list of fishing villages in Cornwall would be complete without the iconic St Ives, a cultural haven that draws visitors from all over to bask in the sunlight on one of the many beaches, taking to the waves on a surfboard or enjoying one of the many art galleries that give St Ives its quintessential character.
As an old fishing town, that history is reflected in its many restaurants and cafes where you’re sure to find a menu of locally sourced seafood that will help to immerse you in the coastal lifestyle.
2. Mousehole
On the opposite coast to St Ives, you’ll find the charming fishing village of Mousehole, complete with picturesque scenes of boats floating in the harbour.
There are many things you can do in this historic fishing port, including taking a historic tour and learning about the Spanish invasion and old smuggling routes. A walk along the harbour or down by Mousehole Beach will always give you the opportunity to keep a lookout for local marine life and no trip to the village is complete without sampling their famous traditional Stargazy Pie. Why not stay in the Old Post Office with its enviable harbourside location?
3. Mevagissey
Mevagissey is one of the most attractive vistas in the county that still draws in trade as a fishing port today, with fishing trips just one of the many activities you can partake in. You can take a scenic train route through the Cornish countryside or if you want to get there quicker, it’s an hour by car from St Ives.
The trip is well worth it though for the scenery and the opportunity to see as much of the Cornish coast as possible. There are plenty of galleries and craft workshops for the more creative holidaymaker and for those looking for a more relaxed and romantic getaway, you can head up to the enchanting Lost Gardens of Heligan nearby or enjoy a quiet tour around the local aquarium.
4. Boscastle
An hour and fifteen minutes up the coast, the fishing village of Boscastle is nestled in the crook of the lush Cornish countryside, protected by a natural harbour and is a great spot for fishermen and pleasure crafting.
Boscastle is the perfect spot for anyone who wants the escapism of the rugged Cornish countryside. Take a walk down the coastal path to the historic Tintagel Castle or explore the wildlife and cliffs in the surrounding area, perfect for a romantic day out.
5. Mullion
Right down on the Lizard, the fishing village of Mullion is bursting with character and scenic views with a working harbour and fishing cove. The nearby Pollurian Cove is popular with surfers, making this a great spot for both a quiet getaway and an adventurous stopover for anyone doing a checklist of all the best surfing spots in Cornwall.
The village is packed with shops, galleries and cafes as well as a golf course, meaning there’s always something to do in between drinking in the sights. It’s easy to spend a whole day wandering the village and nearby coves and beaches so try not to forget about this little gem when planning your trip.
Best harbour in Cornwall
When you’re taking a trip around the fishing villages of Cornwall, it’s only natural that the harbours are one of the main attractions, bursting with life and activity and offering a range of scenic views.
Whether you’re looking for an attractive harbour like the twin inner and outer harbours in Mevagissey or the rugged natural beauty of Boscastle’s harbour, you’re sure to find something to love.
Never forget to look closer to home on your holiday though and make the time to visit St Ives’ harbour and beach, fronted by a picture-perfect view of the ocean and backed by a wide range of cafes and restaurants that immerse you in the culture of the area.
Rent a Cottage to Tour Fishing Spots in Cornwall
Having a base of operations for your tour of the fishing villages of Cornwall is always a good idea and we offer a number of cottages and apartments for you to stay in for the duration of your holiday, giving you a haven to return to after a long day travelling the coast.
Several of our properties come with parking such as Step ‘N’ Sea, 13 Carrack Widden and Windjammer, making it easy for you to travel from coast to coast with your car and control your schedule to suit you.
We also have a number of properties with sea views so you can enjoy the most of fishing in Cornwall right on your doorstep. Some of these properties are right on the Harbour, including Sandhamn, Crow’s Nest, 1 Sunnyside and 3 Sunnyside. They all offer striking views out over the Harbour and the bay, putting you right near the beach and the heart of the action.
Making the Most of Sea Fishing in Cornwall
Whether you’re looking for a quiet fishing spot to partake in some fishing yourself, want a romantic day out at a hidden gem in the depths of Cornwall or looking for a little action and adventure to spice up your trip, you’re bound to find the right fishing village for you.
Bursting with history and culture, Cornwall’s fishing villages are little known, secret hideaways just waiting to be discovered and with St Ives as the home base for your holidays, you’ll be able to find yourself immersed in the world of Cornish fishing from the get go.
