|
|---|
Mousehole |
||
| “The prettiest village in England” Dylan Thomas With a profusion of narrow streets, blind alleys and history at every turn, Mousehole is the epitome of a picturesque Cornish fishing village in a quite beautiful setting. Here, in this enchanting little port, terraces of old cottages rise in tiers from a small, granite-walled harbour Located just three miles westward from Penzance around Mounts Bay, and centred around an almost completely circular harbour, Mousehole has largely resisted modern day trappings and remains unspoiled by 21st century developments. Working fishing boats are still based in the harbour, protected from the might of the Atlantic by two sturdy breakwaters, (Cornwall’s earliest and begun in 1393) and today are accompanied by visiting yachts and pleasure craft, making the panorama of the harbour truly peaceful and idyllic. Just offshore outside the harbour is St Clement's Isle, a small rocky islet where an ancient hermit is said to have once lived. There is a small, safe and truly charming beach located in a sheltered part of the harbour which always proves popular with families, particularly those with small children. The town itself is a veritable maze of granite and slate cottages, winding narrow streets and cobbled alleyways which have a magic and mystery all of their own. Virtually unchanged by time, its natural beauty and charm still attracts many artists, drawn by its unique atmosphere and beautiful light. The famous National Trust cliff walk round the Land´s End Peninsula starts at Mousehole. One of its most beautiful stretches is from the village to Lamorna Cove to the south, and the Coastal Footpath continues on towards Penberth and Porthcurno. The whole walk is full of breathtaking scenery and the immediate and surrounding coastline is officially designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ by the National Trust Mousehole has a fine selection of craft and gift shops and small art galleries and in addition to some excellent pubs and restaurants (which serve the freshest fish you will ever enjoy, landed and delivered daily from nearby Newlyn), there is an enviable choice of tearooms serving quite delicious Cornish cream teas and fresh crab sandwiches. |
||||||
|