Mevagissey & Gorran Haven in Cornwall

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Mevagissey

Latitude/Longitude: 50.2702° N, 4.7874° W
Postcode: Mevagissey harbour, the Quay PL26 6QU
Postcode: Willow Car & Coach Park PL26 6SB
(postcode is for sat-nav purposes only)

The fishing village of Mevagissey and the still smaller haven of Gorran are the very essence of a Cornwall which has remained true to its roots and embraced change only slowly. Both names belong to 6th century Irish missionaries.

Mevagissey's labyrinth of tiny streets twist and turn past ancient dwarf buildings of cob and slate but inexorably for the twin harbours which are its nerve centre, a place to watch the fisherman land their catch and mend their nets as they have since John Trewollas built the first pier in 1430.

By the 19th century, the most important catch was pilchard, some 40 million a year of which were salted in special cellars you can still see and packed into barrels for export to France and Italy.

Earlier still, some of the crew doubled as smugglers or privateers, but today their secondary role is to introduce visitors to inshore fishing for mackerel or deep-sea shark-hunts. The full range of fish in local waters can be seen at the Aquarium, converted from the old lifeboat house.

Mevagissey is renowned for the soaring switchback walks that whet the appetite for its seafood or help to walk it off. From Polkirt Hill you can look out over the Medieval street plan, the fishing boats in the harbour and the yachts in the pool, to the golden sweep of Polstreath Beach and St Austell Bay or south to the inlet that shelters Portmellon Beach and to the scenic coast path over Chapel Point to Gorran Haven. Less than three miles separate the two, but the contrast is sharp.

Mevagissey is a working harbour, Gorran Haven a small picturesque anchorage, dozing on its sandy beach in the lee of the spectacular 400 foot high Dodman Point. Good swimming and snorkelling are its assets with, for sailors, a protective hard. Visit the distinctive landmark of its 15th century church with 110 foot tower or simply enjoy the quiet and privacy.

Mevagissey Fowey Ferry Service

A seasonal ferry service has been established between Mevagissey Harbour and Fowey. The Bessie James, a 12m GRP Ferry, runs a regular 'daily' service across St Austell Bay and round Gribben Head into the Fowey Estuary takes approximately 35 minutes.

This trip enables you to visit two beautiful Cornish harbours, each with their own unique qualities. The service runs between April and September 30, with between 3 and 5 return trips each day.

The coastal scenery is stunning and there is plenty of sea life on view during the trip - depending upon the season. Tickets are sold on board the Ferry - return tickets are available. Dogs are welcome onboard but - cycles are by prior arrangement only. The service can be affected by weather conditions, with cancellations broadcast on BBC Radio Cornwall. Click here for Prices and Timetable or telephone 07977 203394

From Mevagissey, the ferry departs from Mevagissey Lighthouse Quay, approximately 400 metres from the village centre. This is along the left hand side of the harbour ( Eastern Edge).

In Fowey, the ferry to Mevagissey departs from Whitehouse Point Quay, 400m west of Fowey town centre and Town Quay, From the Town Quay, you walk past the Aquarium and a short way up Lostwithiel Street , turn onto the Esplanade, and walk a short distance past the Marina Hotel. Access is by a fairly steep ramp and steps.

Car Parking in Mevagissey

You enter Mevagissey via valley Road. There is the large Willow Car & Coach Park on the left hand side Valley Road, just before you enter the heart of the Village. There is a smaller carpark (Sunny Corner parking in Chapel Square PL26 6ST) as well as parking on the harbour, available. For visits to Mevagissey, we always use Willow Car & Coach Park, as it is easily accessible and just a short walk from the harbour. The streets in the village around the harbour are very narrow.

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GORRAN HAVEN

Latitude/Longitude: 50.2397° N, 4.7932° W
Postcode: PL26 6
(postcode is for sat-nav purposes only)

Gorran Haven a small picturesque anchorage, dozing on its sandy beach in the lee of the spectacular 400 foot high Dodman Point (once an Iron Age fort).

A sheltered out of the way location with good swimming and snorkelling are its assets with, for sailors, a protective hard. The village revolves around a cluster of fishermen's cottages, nestling around a secluded cove which remains much the same as in years gone by.

The village's 15th century church with its 110 foot tower is a very distinctive landmark that is well worth a visit. The two village beaches are ideal for family days out with fine golden sands that are amongst the safest in the County.

The main beach is accessible to all, and all facilities are close by including beach shop and toilets. Gorran Haven has a large 'field' Canton Car Park is a large 'field' style carpark located in the village just 5 min. walk from the beach. Gorran Haven harbour is sheltered by a stone quay to the west. Regular fishing trips depart from the quay during the season. Visitors moorings are available for the boating enthusiasts.

Dodman Point, one of the highest land marks along the coast, lies just to the southwest of Gorran Haven. The peninsula was once a large iron-age promontory fort.

From Dodman Point, there are spectacular views of both St Austell and Veryan Bays. The Dodman can be reached via the cliff path or from Lamledra and Penare (PL26 6NY) car parks.

VAULT BEACH

Latitude/Longitude: 50.2319° N, 4.7944° W
Postcode: PL26 6JS
(postcode is for sat-nav purposes only)

Vault Beach situated to the east of the Dodman Point offers a mile of silver sand enabling the visitor to enjoy this remarkable unspoilt beach.

The beach is a 15 minute walk along the coastal path - clearly signposted from the village. Alternatively the beah can be reach via a short walk along the coastal footpath from the small National Trust car park, at Lamledra on the headland on the western edge of Gorran Haven. Lamledra Car Park,Lamledra Hill, Gorran Haven PL26 6JS.

Vault Beach

The path between Gorran Haven and Vault Beach is not suitable for push chairs etc, and sturdy footwear is recommended; one section is quite steep, where it winds its way through the rocky outcrops of the headland. There are no facilities at he beach, so be sure to take provisions.

The coastal footpath from Portmellon to Caerhays is usually done in three stages Portmellon to Gorran Haven, Gorran Haven to Dodman and Dodman to Caerhays.

Caerhays Castle, Beach and Gardens.

Latitude/Longitude: 50.2396° N, 4.8467° W
Postcode: PL26 6LY
(postcode is for sat-nav purposes only)

Located to the west of Gorran Haven; Caerhays beach is sheltered with golden sands, beach cafe and ample car parking (charge applies). The gardens are open, in the spring, to the public and boast a breath taking collection of tropical plants in an idyllic setting.

Parking is at Caerhays Beach Car Park, East Portholland (PL26 6LY) a large car park, with a charge payable between May and September

The coast between Gorran Haven and Port Holland has an excellent variety of beaches including, Hemmick Beach, reached via winding, impossibly narrow lanes, the beach is a treasure trove of rock pools and sheltered coves; ideal for those who prefer seclusion.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, "The Gardens that time forgot"

The Lost Gardens of Heligan is the largest garden restoration in Europe, and has now become one of the fastest growing visitor attractions in the West.

Caerhays Beach and Caerhays Castle