Mevagissey Day Out: Must-See Attractions from Treveague
- ged367
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Where Is Mevagissey In Cornwall ?
Mevagissey in Cornwall is a picturesque, historic fishing village located on the south coast, nestled comfortably in St Austell Bay. For guests staying at Treveague Campsite, this gem is practically on your doorstep.
We love Mevagissey. It has a real community with lots of our friends working as fishermen here, meaning we often have fresh fish and seafood in the Cafe.
Distance from Treveague Campsite: Just 2 miles (approximately a 5-minute drive) separates our campsite from the harbour walls.
Route: The short drive takes you through rolling countryside with glimpses of the coastline before descending into the heart of the village. Alternatively, it is a scenic walk via the South West Coast Path. In a car or van go back towards St Austell and then follow the signs - the main car park is clearly sign posted and can accommodate campervans and motorhomes. There is a cycle route as well - but there is one big hill near Port Mellon.
Geographical Context: Mevagissey sits strategically between the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the open sea, with St Austell to the north and Fowey to the east.
What Makes It Special: It is the second-largest fishing port in Cornwall. Unlike many tourist spots that shut down in winter, Mevagissey remains a working village year-round, boasting over 60 active fishing vessels in the harbour.
Top Reasons To Visit Mevagissey
Mevagissey’s blend of a working industrial harbour, historic streets, and friendly locals creates a truly memorable atmosphere. Here is why it should be top of your list.
Harbour Highlights
The village centres around its iconic double harbour walls, the outer of which was built in 1774.
Fishing Activities: Visit between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to watch fishermen unload their catch of mackerel, crab, and lobster.
Photography: The inner harbour is a photographer's dream. At high tide, the water reflects the colourful cottages; at low tide, the boats sit uniquely on the harbour floor. "Very Insta"
Pubs: great local pubs many of which do food as well.
Mevagissey Museum: Located on the harbour wall, this museum (free entry, donations welcome) showcases the village’s history, including a cider press and an original apple crusher.
Quaint Streets And Shops
The village is a maze of narrow alleyways designed long before cars were invented.
Notable Streets: Wander along Church Street and Polkirt Hill. Be aware that some streets are only 2.5 metres wide in places!
Shop Variety: You won’t find many high street chains here. Instead, discover independent gift shops, art galleries featuring local painters, and craft stores.
Artisan Products: Look for handmade jewellery, Cornish pottery, and locally produced fudge—a perfect gift to take home.
Local Seafood And Dining
With the ocean literally yards away, the seafood here is as fresh as it gets—often landed less than 6 hours before it reaches your plate.
Top Restaurants: Try The Sharksfin for harbour views or The Fishermen’s Chippy for classic fish and chips to eat on the quay (just watch out for the seagulls!).
Cornish Treats: Don’t miss a traditional Cornish pasty. A proper steak pasty has a distinct "D" shape and is crimped on the side, not the top.
Dining Options: Choices range from affordable takeaways to fine dining, many with outdoor seating areas. Ask us for our favourites in Reception - but we love Alvorada (must book as it only has about 10 chairs in the place), One Polkirt Hill and The Lighthouse Cafe.
Top tip: If eating outside watch out for the Sea Gulls - not as agressive as elsewhere but it is the only place I've ever lost a pasty to the wildlife !
Boat trips
Whether it is site seeing or a fishing trip there are loads of options here. Fishing trips can be booked in advance, and if there are enough of you you can often have the boat to yourself. We have posters for some of the boats in Reception, but Matt on Diligence is one of them.
Sea Safaris: you can go out looking for local wildlife, often seeing Dolphins, Seals and even Tuna.
Fishing: Lots of boats will take you out fishing for mackeral, sea bass, pollock etc. Why not bring back your supper and cook it on a BBQ. We can show you how to prepare the fish if you need some help.
Local bay tours: There is lots to see from Port Mellon across the bay to Fowey. Par harbour still shows off its' industrial past with the China Clay drying sheds and the dock where we used to export Engligh China Clay across the world.
Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry (see here for more information and timetable): Takes about 35 mins to get to Fowey across the bay, it's a brilliant to see wildlife
(Dolphins, Tuna etc) and see the lovely town of Fowey. Great (and we mean great) food and drink, cool shops, walks along the harbour and up to the Gribbin head if you are feeling energetic. Fowey needs a write up in its own right. You get your return ticket when you board. Get there early in summer - the queues do build up.
Mevagissey Aquarium
I love this place. It was there when I was a child and has free entry. It's a small, charitable marine attraction located in the historic fishing village of Mevagissey on the south coast of Cornwall. Unlike large commercial sea life centers, this is a "bijou" facility run by the
Mevagissey Harbour Trust. Its primary mission is to bridge the gap between the local fishing industry and the general public, raising awareness of the diverse marine life found in the waters directly off the Cornish coast. The aquarium focuses exclusively on local species, many of which are caught by local fishermen and donated to the aquarium.
Local Species: Displays include dogfish, bass, pollack, and rockling.
Crustaceans & Invertebrates: You can expect to see lobsters, crabs (including spider crabs), and starfish.
The Conger Eel: A highlight for many visitors is the resident large conger eel.
Conservation Focus: The aquarium operates with a focus on education and sustainability.
Feast Week Traditions
Usually held in late June, this is the village's biggest annual celebration, dating back to 1754.
Activities: The week features parades, live music, boat races, and a massive fireworks display to end the festivities.
Food: Local stalls pop up selling seafood and festival treats.
Practical Tips For A Great Mevagissey Day Out
Best Time to Visit: May and September offer the best balance of mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are vibrant but busy.
Parking Options: There are two main car parks (Willow Car Park (say high the Matthew) and Sunny Corner), offering roughly 500 spaces combined. You can also charge your EV car here.
Public Transport: The Gorran Bus (G1) connects Treveague Campsite and Mevagissey regularly.
Accessibility: Be advised that Mevagissey is built on a valley slope. The harbour is flat, but exploring the backstreets involves steep climbs.
Budgeting: Walking the harbour walls is free. Boat trips typically range from £10 to £25 per person.
Plan Your Next Getaway Near Mevagissey
Treveague Campsite is perfectly placed for easy day trips to Mevagissey and the surrounding attractions. After a day exploring bustling harbours and sub-tropical gardens, return to our spacious pitches, hot showers, and peaceful rural setting.
If you’re dreaming of Cornish adventures, Book now to secure your spot for the season and make Mevagissey your local village!
Frequently Asked Questions About A Mevagissey Day Out
How far is Treveague Campsite from Mevagissey?
Treveague Campsite is just 2 miles from Mevagissey. It takes about 5 minutes to drive, or you can take a scenic walk along the coast path (which takes about 2 hours to get there along the coast road, or 45mins via the shortcut to Port Mellon).
What can I do in Mevagissey when it rains?
On rainy days, visit the Mevagissey Museum, browse the covered art galleries, or relax in a cosy café or traditional pub like the Fountain Inn or The Ship Inn.
When is Mevagissey less crowded?
To avoid the peak crowds, visit before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. Seasonally, April, May, September, and October offer a much quieter experience than the school holidays
Comments