What to do in and around Mevagissey

Table of Contents

FOOD

SHOPPING

EATING OUT IN MEVAGISSEY

Mevagissey has a wide range of places to eat out, catering for both lunchtime and evening menus.

Restaurants.
Mevagissey has a choice of Restaurants offering a range of cuisines, including French, Portuguese and those specializing in fish dishes.

Takeaway food.
There are two fish and chip shops within Mevagissey and a Chinese Takeaway. There are also other outlets supplying sandwiches and pasties.

Public houses.
Mevagissey has ‘Tavern style’ and ‘Pub’ style public houses offering sit down dining and/or bar snacks.

Tearooms and cafes.
Mevagissey boasts a traditional Tearoom serving ‘Cornish Cream Teas’ and light meals during the daytime, highly recommended and in our opinion serves the best cream tea in Mevagissey. There are also cafes offering snacks and specialty coffee.

SHOPPING FOR FOOD OR FOR PLEASURE

Whether you wish to shop for you groceries or to while away the hours browsing, Mevagissey and the surrounding towns will cater for all your shopping needs.

Stocking up the larder.
Should you wish to purchase your groceries from a large supermarket, the nearest can be found in St. Austell town. However most necessities can be found within Mevagissey.

Art galleries, curios and souvenirs.
Mevagissey has a range of interesting small shops and galleries to browse for souvenirs. Fowey, a short distance along the coast and reachable by car or ferry, also has many small shops and galleries to browse.

Surf wear and surfing.
The main surfing beaches can be found on the North coast of Cornwall. Many of the larger beaches have surf equipment hire facilities and some also have surf shops selling surf wear and equipment. Newquay is the main area for surf shops and surf hire equipment. However, most towns have retail outlets offering surf branded clothing.

Interesting shopping opportunities.
In addition to browsing the local towns, where a mixture of high street chain stores and small shops can be found why not take a visit to Par Market. Par Market, a short distance from St. Austell is currently open on weekends and Wednesdays and is a large indoor market where many bargains can be found. Trago Mills at Liskeard is another well-known shopping destination for locals and tourists alike. This huge shop sells almost everything!

SUN SEA AND SURF

Cornwall has many beautiful coves and beaches. Guides to beaches can be found at tourist information centers and in local shops.

The North Coast.
The north coast of Cornwall is where the main surfing beaches are found. Newquay is considered to be the surf capital and has a choice of beaches with lifeguard patrol, surf hire and beach facilities. Many surf competitions are held in Newquay and there are often other events held in the summer season. However, during peak season Newquay can become crowded and parking may be a problem. Just north of Newquay is Watergate bay, where the extreme sports academy can be found. Watergate bay has a good facilities and a choice of beach, extreme sport and water based activities.

The South Coast.
The south coast also has many good beaches, the larger ones having lifeguard patrol. Surf is not as reliable on the south coast but a range of other beach and water activities can be found. The nearest lifeguard-patrolled beaches are at Pentewan (approx 1 miles) and Carlyon Bay (approx 5 miles) beach activities on offer include kayaking and windsurfing.

ACTIVITIES IN THE LOCAL AREA

In addition to the beaches and surfing (see above) there are lots of activities on offer in the local area.

Walking.
One of the best ways to appreciate Cornwall’s magnificent coastline is to walk the coastal paths. However, the coastline can be rugged and dangerous in parts so it is highly recommended that you purchase one of the many publications available to choose a safe walk suitable for your capabilities. Guides and maps can be purchased from local shops and tourist information centres. An alternative to coastal walking is the Camel trail, which can be accessed at Bodmin covering mostly flat terrain and is popular with both walkers and cyclists.

Cycling.
Bicycles can be rented at many places in Cornwall, the nearest being at Pentewan. There are cycle trails within the Pentewan area and the Camel trail is also very popular (see walking).

Fishing.
Sea and fly-fishing are available locally. Sea fishing trips can be booked from Mevagissey harbour and also from Fowey. Fly-fishing can be found at Innis Inn, Penwithick just outside St. Austell. Equipment can be hired for both.

Riding.
There are a choice of riding schools locally, which offer qualified instruction and countryside hacking all year round.

Canoeing.
There are a number of canoe hire shops locally, the nearest being at Pentewan. Guided tours for sea and river Kayaking can be booked From Fowey.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Cornwall has many attractions to visit. A selection of those local to Mevagissey is below.

The Eden Project.
The Eden Project is Cornwall’s biggest Tourist Attraction. It is situated at Boldelva, St. Austell approximately 7 miles from Mevagissey. Tickets can be purchased in advance from within Mevagissey, at Tourist information centres and From St. Austell Bus Station as well as from Eden itself.

Museums and Aquarium.
Mevagissey has a small aquarium on the quay. Mevagissey museum is on the East Quay and there is a model railway museum in Meadow Street. In addition there is the Wheal Martyn china clay museum at Carthew, St. Austell. The new National Maritime Museum is in Falmouth approx 20 miles away.

Gardens and Stately Homes.
There are many beautiful gardens open to the public. The nearest is the Lost Garden of Heligan at Pentewan (approx 2 miles) which is highly recommended. Another popular garden with stately home (National Trust) is Lanhydrock, which is well worth a visit.

Transport.

If you don’t have a car, most of the above places can be reached by Public Transport.

Buses.
Regular buses run from Mevagissey to St. Austell. Once in St. Austell most major towns can be reached by bus. The bus Station is located in St. Austell next to the Train station. Eden project buses run regularly throughout the day direct from the bus station.

Trains.
The train station is situated in St. Austell next to the shopping area. It can be accessed via High Cross Street or via Trevarthian road over the railway bridge. Tickets can be bought from the main building.

Coaches.
Coaches also run from St. Austell bus/train station. There is a small ticket office within the area, which sells tickets for all major destinations.

Last revised: October 2008.