Penzance Travel Guide - Mousehole, Cornwall

Mousehole is located just three miles westward around Mounts Bay from Penzance and is one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Britain. Happily, it has remained largely unspoiled by the developments of the 20th Century and it continues to present the image of the classic Cornish fishing village of bygone days. The village, whose name is pronounced "Mowzel", is centred around a nearly circular harbour protected from the force of the sea coming across Mounts Bay by two sturdy breakwaters. Today there still remain some fishing boats based in the harbour while these are augmented by pleasure craft to make the vista of the harbour peaceful and idyllic. It was in Mousehole that lived Dolly Pentreath, reputedly the last person who spoke the Cornish language as her natural tongue, which died with her some 200 years ago. A memorial to her is to be found in the churchyard at Paul, a small village just above Mousehole. In recent years, this ancient Celtic language has undergone an enthusiastic revival.

In winter, the harbour entrance is closed by sturdy wooden beams to keep the force of the sea at bay and to protect the village. In past times, the villagers have suffered the effects of winter storms on their harbour and one of these events is commemorated annually shortly before Christmas on "Tom Bawcock's Eve" where a monstrous fish pie is baked and consumed by the patrons of the Inn on the quayside. This event, which becomes a major village party, attracts visitors from both the surrounding district and from all over the world.

Just offshore outside the harbour is St Clement's Isle - a small rocky islet where once an ancient hermit was said to live. A few hundred yards along the coast from the village lies a huge cave which - so some people say - gives rise to the name of the village (Mouse Hole!). While this is unlikely, the origin of the name continues to be a topic of much curiosity. A small and very safe beach is located in a sheltered part of the harbour which is popular with families, particularly those with small children. Beyond Mousehole, the road from Penzance heads off inland, while the Coastal Footpath continues on towards the narrow cove of Lamorna, thence to Penberth and Porthcurno.

While there is road access to Mousehole via Newlyn, car parking in the village is extremely limited and the roads are very narrow. Consequently, visitors are encouraged to park on the outskirts of the village and to walk in. There is a regular bus service from Penzance into the village - to the astonishment of many visitors in view of narrowness of the road entrance to the village.