Sea, Salts & Sail Festival

Mousehole, our 500-year-old, beautiful fishing village, hosts a biennial festival called Sea, Salts & Sail (SS&S). It's a unique event put together by dedicated folk from the local community, aimed at preserving Cornwall's maritime history. SS&S is held over a three-day weekend in early July, with the next festival running 3–5 July 2026.

We invite scores of historic vessels to fill the harbour, recreating the sights, smells and flavour of what was once an important, vibrant fishing port. Traditional wooden vessels — from Mounts Bay to Falmouth and Brittany — are rigged with spars and tan sails and line the harbour walls, before setting out for an impressive "parade of sail" over the three days, a sight that stirs the heart of even the most hardened landlubber.

This is a very photogenic event, drawing tall ship skippers and maritime enthusiasts from across the region each edition — check the official Sea Salts and Sail website for details of this year's festival opener and guest vessels.

Stalls are set up on the quay selling gifts and local produce, there's a traditional fish smoker and a local man demonstrates the art of making traditional willow lobster pots. There are food stalls, children's activities and bands playing everything from shanties to rock, long into the night.

Apart from around 20 classic vessels in the bay, there's an opportunity for kids to make Corkers (small model yachts) and race them across the harbour. Also of interest: the Surf Action charity team carving maritime figures from wood, sea-weed foraging walks and talks, or a dozen or so ropes to practise your knot-tying skills.

On a typical day, the harbour, quay and beaches are packed with excited families awed by the sights and sounds — eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, and taking pictures. It brings together all age groups, educating and inspiring a new generation in a fun and hands-on way.

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• Cornwall Tourist Information
• Tourist Attractions and Family Days Out in Cornwall

All information given in good faith — for use as guidance only.