Relax and reinvigorate in Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole, Cornwall is the home of Fallen Angel. Dylan Thomas declared Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel," not "mouse hole") “Britain’s loveliest village”. And we may well be biased but we have to agree.
Built around a natural harbour carved over millennia by glaciers and the sea today’s harbour wall creates a unique “mouse hole” entrance affording the village protectio from the wild storms that whip-up in the Atlantic Ocean from time to time. Just 7 miles east of Lands End, 3 miles west of the market town of Penzance (with a main line station linking direct to London amongst other major cities) and 2 miles from the fishing port of Newlyn. On first glance, it’s a picture postcard, but look again and you will find real depth of beauty and soul.
Think cobbled streets lined with traditional stone cottages, a maze of art galleries, local shops and eateries, sea views from tiny alley ways and the the expanse of the waterfront: endless sky in one direction and the Lizard peninsular in the other. Sit on a bench a while and go with the flow of the clear water washing over a surprisingly sandy beach. Once a pilchard port, you’re more likely to see colourful kayaks, pleasure boats and artists and easels around the harbour than any serious fishing. The other side of the harbour wall you’ll find a small pebble beach often adorned with “rock art” stacks and offering access to the Mousehole Tidal Rockpool. Above the Rockpool, you’ll find the Rockpool Café – with a wonderful menu of local treats including: cream teas, crab sandwiches and cocktails that you can enjoy on their terrace looking out to sea. Look carefully and you'll spot seals and the odd dolphin, and even the occasional whale!
Rich in history, the village can be traced back to the 1300s when it served as a significant harbour and the primary port for the Mount's Bay area. The village witnessed its fair share of action during the Spanish invasions in the 16th century, when soldiers assaulted the coast amid the conflict between the two nations. Thankfully, things are rather more peaceful these days. The only boats you are likely to see are local fishing boats heading in and out of Newlyn Harbour.
Around the harbour gastronomical delights await such as eat-in and take away options from the delicious Mousehole Deli and Kitchen or an afternoon tea or cocktails and vegan delights at Orange Café Bar. 2 Fore Street is an all day and evening affair offering breakfast, lunch and evening meals. The Ship Inn, completes the harbour view line up, serving real ales ( St Austell Brewery) good pub grub like scampi and chips, rump steak and fish pie with crowd pleaser desserts including sticky toffee. The Ship Inn has a TripAdvisor Travellers Award and a four out of five rating on TripAdvisor.
The Old Coastguard - a view that deserved sparkles AND cake
No stay in Mousehole would be complete without a visit to the Old Coastguard Hotel. They have a beautiful sea-facing beer garden with uninterrupted views as well as a beautiful bar and restaurant overlooking this. You can go for breakfast, lunch or dinner – the food is outstanding. They have one of my favourite wine lists of all time, a fabulous choice of gins and a rotating choice of real ales and larger on tap. All in all too good to miss.
Christmas is magical in Mousehole. The famous Christmas lights that sit in and around the harbour are an annual tradition that coincides with Tom Bawcocks Eve on December 23, when the local delicacy Stargazy pie is prepared. You can join in the fun by going to The Ship Inn where Stargazey Pie is served to make this night each year. Expect Cornish male voice choirs and lots of fun! The lights are respectfully switched off on December 19th in memory of the lifeboatmen from the village who tragically lost their lives in the 1981 Penlee lifeboat disaster.
When you stay at Fallen Angel, all this is on your doorstep and there really is no need for a car unless you want to venture further afield. Fallen Angel combines modern architectural creativity with interiors worthy of a magazine feature set against this idyllic backdrop.
Mousehole is the perfect location to recharge your batteries. It’s also the perfect base to explore hidden treasures nestled within its winding lanes. Come and be enchanted by Mousehole and enriched by what you find here. See more here.
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