Narrow streets and steep valley sides lead down to the centre of the old Mevagissey. Named after two Irish saints, St Meva and St Issey, the village dates back to at least 1313 and during the 1800s Mevagissey prospered on the back of the abundant source of pilchards out to sea.

Mevagissey is situated on the south Cornish coast a short distance from St Austell, and the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan is nearby. This unspoilt fishing village has a colourful history of smuggling and boat building and is set amongst the steep hill sides that surround the twin harbours where fishing boats come and go with their catch; the town has many good restaurants, pubs and cafes where you can try the local produce.

Around the maze of streets you’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants that the village is renowned for and there is nothing more sublimely Cornish than tucking into some local scallops and mackerel and ending the evening with a walk along the harbour wall with lights of the village twinkling on the water.

Of particular note is the converted lifeboat house on the harbour which has had many uses since the 1930s, including a cafe, shop and gun emplacement manned by the Home Guard during WWII. In the mid-1950s it was turned into an aquarium which provided 50 years of enjoyment before being refurbished and reopened in 2006. To learn more of the town’s history, visit the local museum; the exhibits are housed in a building that was constructed in 1745.

There are many beautiful beaches and attractions nearby, including the Mevagissey Model railway museum where more than 30 trains travel through detailed, but imaginary scenes. Spot the harbour with a film set, wedding, maze and snow covered Alpine landscape!