When you think of a picturesque Cornish fishing village, most people would agree that Mousehole (pronounced Mowzel) is likely what you will be imagining. This page gives you a complete guide for visiting Mousehole, including on all the very best things to do in Mousehole, its amazing restaurants and what Mousehole is most famous for! Its small yet picture-perfect authentic Cornish harbour is surrounded by quaint granite-built houses, there is plenty of things to do in Mousehole including shops, attractions and galleries.

When visiting Mousehole make sure the locals don't hear you pronouncing the name the way it looks... 'mouse' 'hole' the correct pronunciation is 'mow - zel'. This cosy seaside harbour is 3 miles West of Penzance and a great place to visit when in Cornwall!

The small working harbour has been standing strong since the original walls were built in 1392, with the addition of the Southern pier added later in 1887 giving more protection to the inner harbour against the harsh Atlantic seas, the harbour sees quieter days now the need for the fishing industry has slowed and Mousehole sees most of its income from tourism, find out all the best things to do in Mousehole below!

Take a look around Mousehole Cornwall from above!

The Mousehole harbour is a historic fishing harbour with a sheltered sandy beach, it is approximately 2.5 miles from Penzance and we think it's top of the list for things to do in Mousehole! Records show that Cornish pilchards were being exported from Mousehole to France from as early as the 14th century! The original quay walls were built in 1392 and still stand strong today with the edition of the Southern & Northern piers added in 1887, the harbour moves at a more relaxed pace these days, the harbour is surrounded by great shops, cafes and restaurants bringing in locals and tourists, the town gets extremely busy during summer months! Watch the video below to view a drone video of the Mousehole harbour 

Video credit:​UK Drone Adventures

The Best things to do in Mousehole

​1. View the stunning coastline by boat tour
With huge charm and character the shoreline is the best vantage point to view all that Mousehole has to offer, ‘Cormorant Cruising’ offers trips that often encounter basking sharks, dolphins, grey seals and a few seabirds along the way! Book your tour here:
www.cormorantcruising.co.uk

2. Kayak around West Penwith
Grab a kayak from Kernow kayak hire and go exploring! They will deliver and collect kayaks to your chosen destination, the best views of Mousehole harbour are from the water! Book your kayak hire here:
www.kernowkayakhire.co.uk

3. Walk the coastal path to Newlyn 
​Enjoy stunning views of St Michael's Mount and Mounts Bay nearly all of the way from Mousehole to Newlyn, the walk is 2 miles and should take around 25 minutes.​

4. Browse the art galleries 
​There are four independent galleries dotted around Mousehole; The Mowzer, The Tyler Gallery, The Little Picture, The Joel Gallery and Hallard Studio, so take your pick or visit them all!

5. Visit the Mousehole bird hospital 
​This great organisation has been caring for over 1000 birds due to injury, sickness and orphaned birds since 1928. Visit their website to find out more:
​www.mouseholebirdhospital.org.uk

6. Explore Mousehole harbour on foot (Guided) - One of the top things to do in Mousehole if you want to learn a bit about its history is to take a guided tour. Learn about the local legends, tales and stories of this quaint Cornish village. Reserve your spot on the next tour here:
​www.tripadvisor/mousehole.co.uk

7. Pick up a souvenir
​Just Lily, which opened in February 2022 is located in the centre of the harbour and offers an extensive range of handmade jewellery, blankets, cushions, candles & diffusers, clocks as well as home and gift ideas from independent makers. 
​www.just-lily.co.uk

Best restaurants in Mousehole

We have covered all the best things to do in Mousehole now we are helping you visit all the top restaurants in Mousehole, we have listed all the top spots to eat and drink during your holiday in Cornwall. Many of the restaurants and cafes in Mousehole enjoy amazing harbour views, paired with the freshest local seafood and great Cornish produce the perfect match! To find out more about the place, view menus and book a table just click on your restaurant of choice below:

The Rock Pool Café (Stunning sea views, classic café food and cocktails)
2 Fore Street (Harbour views, fresh local seafood)
The Old Coastguard (High end seasonal pub food)
Hole Foods (Café serving deli meals and snacks)
Ship Inn (Amazing harbour views, classic pub menu)
Webbs Dairy Ice-Cream (Cornish dairy ice-cream served on the harbour front)

2 Fore Street Restaurant

The Ship Inn

Webb's Ice Cream

Why is Mousehole famous...

The Mousehole Christmas Lights

The Mousehole harbour lights are a wonderful Cornish Christmas tradition. The tradition has made Mousehole famous for more than 50 years, the port has been illuminated by the bright Christmas lights spreading festivity throughout the town, each night from the 16th December until the 5th January. This display is free to enjoy, making it one of the best things to do in Mousehole, though donations are welcome as the lights are self-supported and mainly rely on public donations. Visit the Mousehole Harbour Lights website to find out more about this tradition:
​www.mouseholelights.org.uk

If you only do one thing...

Have a Webb's Ice Cream on The Beach

What says Cornish holiday more than an ice cream on the beach? We recommend 'Webb's Ice Cream' set right on the harbour front, who have been making proper Cornish ice cream in Mousehole since 1991. Choose your flavour and head down the harbour beach to enjoy!

Say Hello

For all questions and enquiries to do with your holiday in Mousehole, our properties or joining us with your holiday let - Please don't hesitate to get in touch, we really look forward to hearing from you.

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