Mousehole cottages

Relax and unwind in the picturesque village of Mousehole

This charming fishing village may look small, but behind its picture-perfect coves and tiny, bobbing boats lies a mighty history full of tales and legends. From the Mousehole Cat to smugglers, invasion stories, and Stargazy Pie, dive into the magical allure of Mousehole, woven into its cobbled streets. 

Rows upon rows of cottages, dotted with a traditional bakery or paper shop, form the backdrop to Mousehole’s two sandy coves and working harbour. Holidays in Mousehole invite you to scour the shores for unique shells and pebbles before settling into a sunny corner with a Cornish ice cream in hand, watching the fishermen bring in nets of pilchards, later to be served by a log fire in one of the village’s cosy pubs. 

For a day’s activity, try crabbing in the scattering of rock pools or climbing the steep hillside to visit the town’s bird sanctuary. When the sun has settled beneath the horizon, curl up in your retreat, delighting in the sounds of fishermen packing up after a day’s catch. Self-catering holidays in Mousehole were made for moments like these. 

Visit Mousehole in winter to see the village’s fables come to life in its famous Christmas light display, best viewed wrapped in a woolly scarf, with a mulled wine in hand. Or, for more adventure all year round, explore the surrounding South West Cornwall. 

Penzance’s promenade, lido, and shops are a short drive away. At low tide, head to Marazion and walk the causeway across to St Michael’s Mount, pack a picnic blanket, juice, and scones to enjoy at the iconic Minack Theatre, or spend the whole day on Porthcurno Beach. 

Choose one of our holiday cottages in Mousehole this year and make your stay truly memorable. 

Browse our last-minute availability for a serendipitous beach getaway. 

Interested in alternative locations in Cornwall? Experience the beauty of Praa Sands with our collection of self-catering holiday cottages or look at our full collection in West Cornwall.

Beach life

Mousehole Beach

While Mousehole lacks a large sandy beach, its small harbour beach, with pebbles and rock pools, can be enjoyed at low tide, making a lovely spot to relax and watch the bobbing boats. 

Porthcurno Beach

About 6 miles from Mousehole, Porthcurno Beach is a stunning sandy beach nestled between high cliffs, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

Dogs

Dogs are welcome along the harbour, with the exception of the outer quays and beaches (Mousehole is still a working, albeit small, fishing port). 

Lifeguards

Mousehole does not have a lifeguard service. Porthcurno Beach is lifeguarded daily between 13 May and 24 September.

Where to eat and drink?

The Ship Inn

Tucked away on the harbour’s edge, The Ship Inn is an ideal spot for a relaxing post-swim beer, dinner as the sun sets, or a lazy lunch by the crackling fireplace. 

2 Fore Street

Located just a short stroll from the harbour, 2 Fore Street offers a breezy and casual space for all-day dining. 

Jessie’s Dairy

This little cafe is ideal for takeaway bites such as Cornish pasties, rolls, homemade pies, or a classic Cornish cream tea. 

Mousehole Deli & Kitchen

This restaurant, takeaway, and deli is based in the heart of the village, overlooking Mousehole Harbour, and serves simple but perfectly prepared dishes that are locally sourced.

Coastal walks

Mousehole to Penlee Point (0.5 miles)

This tiny headland extending from Mousehole was once home to the Penlee RNLI Station, and the launching site of the lifeboat tragically lost in 1981; it offers gorgeous sea cliffs and sweeping views. 

Mousehole to Lamorna Cove (2 miles)

Slightly more demanding, the trail to picture-perfect Lamorna Cove leads through a National Landscape. Follow the valley stream to a rugged cove dotted with massive boulders, a pebbled beach, and crystal clear blue waters.

Beach Retreats recommends:

• Spot seals sunbathing on the shores of St Clement’s Island, just off the coast. 
• The village has a number of art galleries and studios featuring works from local artists, while the popular Newlyn Art Gallery is only a 2-mile drive away. 
• Visit the Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and learn about the important rescue work undertaken by the team. 
• Embark on a boat trip from the harbour with Cormorant Cruising and enjoy Mousehole and its surroundings from the water. 
• Book a guided walking tour around Mousehole or explore the coast in an expert-led coasteering session. 
• Visit the stunning open-air Minack Theatre, built into the cliffs and overlooking the sea. You can book to see a play (be sure to bring a cushion to sit on and a blanket to wrap up in on cooler evenings) or simply purchase a day ticket to visit the theatre.