Just three miles from Penzance, the lovely traditional fishing village of Mousehole is the perfect bolthole to explore west Cornwall. Enjoy a slower pace as you wander the cobbled streets and discover all the things to do in this gorgeous slice of Cornwall.
There are plenty of things to do without ever leaving Mousehole! Wander along the harbour walls, enjoy our small, but safe and sheltered beach or relax in the natural sea pool. Stroll the narrow, cobbled streets and discover galleries and shops, whilst keeping an eye out for historic plaques that bring Mousehole’s history to life.
The Mousehole Christmas lights have drawn visitors from wide and far for more than 50 years. With an estimated 7000 bulbs, they truly are a spectacle to be seen! More than 30,000 people come to see the lights each year, creating quite a carnival atmosphere. And of course, the Ship is the perfect place for dinner and a warming tipple afterwards!
Just a few miles away, Newlyn is the South West’s largest fishing port. You can walk there from Mousehole (just follow the path alongside the beach). Get there early to experience the bustling fish market.
At just under five miles, this stunning walk takes you inland through Kemyel Crease nature reserve and back to Mousehole through some stunning cliff-top farms and even a granite quarry. And because we’re a dog-friendly pub and hotel, you can take Rover with you before you head back to put your feet up with a well-deserved drink!
View the full routeThis iconic rocky island makes a fantastic day out for all the family. You can reach the island on foot at low tide and by boat at high. Discover a medieval church and castle that has been home to the same family for more than 650 years, all set in terraced subtropical gardens and set off by stunning views across Mounts Bay.
Discover moreThe Mousehole Bird Sanctuary has been caring for sick and injured birds for nearly a century. The Sanctuary is open for visitors, and admission is free, although donations are always welcome. Meet one of their 100 permanent residents and see how they care for birds from all over the world.
Find out moreJust a twenty minute drive away lies one of Cornwall’s most stunning man-made wonders - a theatre carved from the cliff tops! The Minack Theatre hosts an array of shows throughout the year, all with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, but it’s definitely worth booking before you go as tickets tend to sell out fast. It’s also open for visits during the day.
Visit the websiteThe area is home to several impressive ancient monuments and you can spend a full day seeking them out. There’s an amazingly intact iron-age village at Chyauster, a 12-tonne, 5 metre long Dolman at Lanyon Quoit and some intriguing stone circles at Boscawen-Un, the Merry Maidens and Mên-an-Tol.