Mousehole

Pronounced "Mauzil" locally, this is one of Cornwall's gems. Said to have been named after the nearby sea cave - "The Mouse Hole", it’s a tightly packed fishing village set within an old stone harbour, where the waters always seem to be azure blue and the views stretch west over Penzance for your first glimpses of the fairytale sight of St Michaels Mount.

Tiny streets and lanes of colourful granite cottages lead you to the harbourside, a jumble of fishing boats protected by its impressive double breakwater. Wandering the twisting back lanes you will find a handful of galleries, gift shops and restaurants along with several welcoming inns, while in the harbour itself there’s a safe sandy beach at low tide popular with families.

In times past Mousehole was in fact the principal port of the bay long before Penzance grew, but it was almost totally destroyed by the Spaniards in 1595 - only one building survived that attack and Mousehole never fully recovered its status in the bay. Today the harbour offers the most relaxing end to the Lands End Way, and for those that prefer a quieter and more atmospheric last night’s stay it makes sense to stay here instead of Penzance.

Mousehole marks the end of the off-road section of the Coast Path from St Ives - the 3 mile walk from here into Penzance has great views and a lot of interest as it passes through Newlyn Harbour BUT the walking is now along the seafront for the final stage.

There are plenty of buses running between Mousehole and Penzance for those that want to stay overnight here in these peaceful surroundings and leave next morning from Penzance station.