Inside information on Mevagissey, Cornwall
If you’re planning a visit somewhere new, get the lowdown from the locals! This month, a historic harbour in Cornwall
Who are you?
Paul Critcher, Deputy Editor of Practical Caravan. I’m a regular visitor to England’s wonderful south-west. Unsurprisingly, Cornwall has become something of a second home to me – it simply has so much to offer caravanners.
Why are you a local authority on Mevagissey, Cornwall?
I love this part of Cornwall and have visited here many times – a few years ago I organised several scuba diving festivals in the local area.
What do you love about it?
The coastline – its craggy headlands, small coves and harbours, and baize-green hills are breathtaking. Mevagissey itself is a bustling (especially in summer) seaside town with a traditional working harbour. It remains one of Cornwall’s busiest fishing ports.
What’s your favourite place to visit in the area?
The beautifully restored Lost Gardens of Heligan are only a few miles away – forgotten and neglected for years, these splendid botanical gardens were rediscovered and restored by a group of enthusiasts, including Tim Smit, creator of the Eden Project.
I also love the 30-minute walk north across the hills from Mevagissey to Pentewan Beach.
I recommend taking the Mevagissey passenger ferry (www.mevagisseyferries.co.uk) over to Fowey. It’s a 40-minute crossing and gives you the chance to see the beautiful coast from the water.
If you’re lucky, you might spot passing porpoises or leaping dolphins. Incidentally, if attractions below the water also take your fancy, there is plenty of scuba diving to be enjoyed locally. For example, you could try viewpointdivingcornwall.co.uk.
Fowey itself is beautiful and once there, you’ll find excellent shopping to be had and a selection of great places to eat. You can also visit St Catherine’s Castle, which Henry VIII had constructed in the 16th century, to defend Fowey Harbour.
Which local campsite would you recommend, and why?
Pentewan Sands (pentewan.co.uk) has lots going for it – a wonderfully wide, long, sandy beach, an indoor Seahorse Centre with pool and play area, watersports, a laid-back beach shack and on-site fish and chips make this is a great spot for all the family!
What food and drink is the area well known for?
It’s Cornwall, so naturally, pasties feature high on the list. But it’s the fresh fish that takes top spot and deserves the plaudits – not surprising, given that it’s a fishing port. Nearby St Austell is famous for its brewery of the same name; try the light but hoppy Tribute ale.
Tell us somewhere great to eat!
The aforementioned Hubbox beach shack, at nearby Pentewan Sands, is great for its barbecue grill. You are spoilt for choice in Mevagissey itself – try the pasties at The Cornish Bakery, or afternoon tea at Tea on the Quay. For a bit of a treat, Roovray’s offers modern European cuisine, including that supremely fresh fish. The Ship Inn, in Pentewan village, does a good curry.
Where can you get spare kit?
White River Outdoor in St Austell (whiterivercamping.co.uk) has a good range of caravan accessories and outdoor equipment, and is open seven days a week.
Where can you find the cheapest petrol/diesel in the area?
Asda at St Austell, on the A390, is competitively priced.
Where should you avoid when you’re in the area?
In summer, avoid driving in Mevagissey: the streets are narrow and packed with tourists. Save the hassle and use local transport and taxis if you have to.
Share a secret highlight that only a local would know…
Mevagissey has its very own troupe of pirates! The Pirates of St Piran is a charity fundraising group – don’t be surprised if you come across 20 or so of the brigands in full regalia, parrots and all!
‘Mevagissey is a bustling town with a traditional working harbour’