Charming Cornish seaside village ranked among the very best in England

A beautiful seaside village in Cornwall has been named one of the very best in the country. The South West is a favourite holiday destination for many, thanks to its charming towns and breathtaking coastlines.

Sitting just three miles west of Penzance, this historic fishing village has been included in Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the top seaside spots in England for 2025.

The guide praised it as “one of the county’s most picturesque fishing villages” and the ideal escape from the busy pace of city life.

This hidden gem is known for its stunning harbour and small sandy beach. Visitors will also find cosy cafés, art galleries, gift shops and traditional places to eat.

Photo © David Bagshaw (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The village has kept much of its historic charm. Its narrow streets are lined with old cottages and buildings, with some dating back as far as the 13th century.

For walkers, the route from Mousehole to Lamorna offers amazing sea views. Parts of the path require climbing over big granite rocks, so a little preparation is advised.

Visit Cornwall said: “Mousehole is considered one of Cornwall’s prettiest fishing villages, with two small sandy beaches inside its harbour walls, only accessible at low tide, and a long pebble beach stretching east towards Penlee Point.”

Photo © Mr Eugene Birchall (cc-by-sa/2.0)

For swimmers, the Mousehole Rock Pool is a highlight. This natural tidal pool is perfect for a refreshing dip in the sea and even gives visitors the chance to spot seals in the bay.

There are plenty of parking options too, including car parks near the harbour, free roadside spaces on the way into the village, and a regular bus service from nearby Penzance.

The village has gained glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Tourists say it’s a wonderful place to visit, with plenty of sights and activities to enjoy.

One reviewer, Lampwicke, wrote: “A lovely little harbour with a small sandy beach. Safe for children to play. Very picturesque with little cottages surrounding it.”

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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