Mevagissey is a working Cornish fishing harbour 8 km south of St Austell, with the Lost Gardens of Heligan on the slopes above. The streets can be very busy with cars, so plan to park on the edge and walk.
The village sits in a small valley facing east onto Mevagissey Bay. The inner harbour dates from an Act of 1775 and an outer harbour was added in 1888. It is run by a charitable trust, with pleasure boats berthed beside working fishing boats, and it is the second-biggest fishing port in Cornwall. Pilchard fishing and smuggling were the early trades. A harbourside aquarium and museum are charities, and the museum is free. The homes are all close to the village and harbour, mostly small and sleeping around four, and some have a garden. None have a private pool. Quiet beaches lie along the coast path in both directions, and the village is a good winter base too.
About 1.5 miles north-west of the village and 250 feet higher, 80 acres of restored 19th-century gardens with a tree-fern area called The Jungle.
A 140-acre garden estate, home to the Williams family and known for its major magnolia collection.
A summer passenger ferry links Fowey and Mevagissey in about 30 minutes, which makes a day out without the car.
About 8 km north, where mainline trains stop, with a regular bus down to Mevagissey harbour.
Newquay Airport is about 45 minutes' drive. Mainline trains stop at St Austell, 8 km north, with a regular bus onward. Most visitors drive, using the A390 to St Austell. Use the large car park at the village entrance, as the streets can be very busy with cars.
Feast Week falls in the week containing 29 June, with a carnival, music and raft races. In July and August, hour-long trips around the bay run on local fishing boats, and the summer ferry to Fowey adds another way to get about. Winter is a good time to visit, and many villagers dress up and tour the pubs over New Year. Book early for summer.
The large car park at the village entrance is the easy option, and the harbour car park offers the best value because its fees support the harbour charity. The streets can be very busy with cars, so leave the car and walk.
Quiet beaches lie along the coast path in both directions from the village, which is first of all a working fishing harbour. Plan a walk to reach them rather than expecting sand beside the quay.
About 1.5 miles to the north-west, and roughly 250 feet higher. Heligan is mostly in the neighbouring parish of St Ewe. The walking route is about 2.9 miles and takes just under an hour, and an hourly bus also runs.
Yes. Mainline trains stop at St Austell and a regular bus runs from there to Mevagissey. In summer a passenger ferry also runs from Fowey.
It takes place each year around 29 June, the feast of St Peter, with a carnival, live music, processions and raft races. Expect the harbour to be very busy that week.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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