Polstreath Cottage

Polstreath Cottage enjoys a wonderful location in the centre of the seaside town of Mevagissey. This lovely town is sprinkled with narrow streets, steep valley sides and gorgeous houses that lead down to the distinctive twin harbour where you will discover colourful fishing boats bringing in their daily catches of skate, lobster, plaice and sole. It looks as pretty as a postcard with the harbours surrounded by pubs, cosy cafes and delightful galleries. The town is named after two Irish saints, St Meva and St Issey with the village dating back to at least 1313. During the 1800’s Mevagissey prospered from the abundant supply of pilchards and today you will find many seafood restaurants nestling along its maze of streets. It is lovely to tuck into local scallops and mackerel, washed down with a chilled bottle of wine followed by a harbour walk enjoying the twinkling lights. Shoppers delight in the shops which range from jewellery, glassware and paintings to delicious Cornish pasties.

You will want to visit the amazing Lost Gardens of Heligan which sit within walking distance of the town. They are romantic and very pretty. After World War I the gardens fell into ruin and the rejuvenation has created two hundred acres of bliss. The award-winning gardens allow you to journey across the world with historic rhododendron boughs of Sikkin, Maori carved tree ferns, an Italian garden and an Alpine inspired ravine. The jungle experience offers intimate pathways edged with sub-tropical planting along with watercourses, a rope bridge, bamboo tunnels and gigantic rhubarb and bananas. There is a woodland walk where you can relax with bird song and look out for woodland sculptures, ancient woodlands, and grazed pastures. The Heligan Kitchen offers a delicious lunch menu, and the tearooms offer hearty home-cooked meals and Cornish cream teas.

Taking a trip of the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry is popular. You will cross the sheltered St Austell Bay to Fowey Estuary, passing peaceful coves, hidden beaches and probably some dolphins and seals. The pretty town of Fowey is on one side of the Fowey River with Polruan on the other. It is a bustling small port with commercial and leisure boats. During the Second World War, Fowey was the centre for air-sea rescue and one of the places from which the D-Day invasions were launched. St Catherine’s Point is on the Fowey side of the harbour entrance where it functioned as a lighthouse in medieval times. St Catherine’s Castle below was built during the reign of Henry VIII to defend the harbour entrance. It is accessible when walking from the pretty Readymoney Cove. Fowey has a fascinating history. On Fore Street you will find the Old House of Foye, a medieval house built in 1430. It is now a shop but the walls, beamed interior and fireplace are pretty much the same. During the summer, Fowey Town Hall opens as a museum and small aquarium. Fowey is a delight with craft shops, galleries and cosy restaurants lining the narrow streets. Daphne du Maurier is the most famous former resident of the town. She is celebrated with the Du Maurier Festival each May and at the Literacy Centre next to the church. A car ferry crosses the river to Boddinick. The ferry house was originally the du Maurier family home and later the home of Angela du Maurier, Daphne’s sister. The Fowey Estuary is stunning with boat trips galore.

Mevagissey boasts excellent walks inland and along the coast path. You can walk between Pentewan and Mevagissey and on to Chapel Point enjoying stunning scenery. Above, you will discover oystercatchers, gulls, cormorants, and the odd kestrel hovering over the cliff. The paths are lined with wildflowers in the spring and early summer.

Fishing is popular in the town. You can hop aboard a deep-sea fishing boat and hook into some of Cornwall’s bigger species including sharks, cod, eels and of course mackerel. If you are into cycling, the Pentewan Valley Trail is only two miles from the town. It is a maze of cycle trails through woodland with scenic streams and lush swamps.

The Eden Project is based in one of Cornwall’s clay mining pits behind St Austell and should not be missed. It is a world-famous attraction that is best known for its tropical and Mediterranean biomes. You will learn about biodiversity hotspots in the world and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the biomes on a long zip wire. There are many special events including an ice rink over the Christmas period. Alternatively, Caerhays Castle, designed in the 19th century by John Nash is less than twenty minutes away, set within rolling hills and gardens. Caerhays Beach is lovely too so you can combine it with a beach day.

The old market town of St Austell is another charmer, famous for its china clay mining industry. Today it offers beautiful beaches, sub-tropical gardens and a fantastic range of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. On the edge of town, the St Austell Brewery offers tours and tastings. St Austell Bay enjoys the stunning beaches of Porthpean, Carlyon Bay Pentewan, Polkerris with its water sports and Charlestown, a historic port that is often used as a film location.

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When it comes to natural good looks, Cornwall sets the bar for UK holiday destinations. From long stretches of sand to the jaw-dropping scenery, this coastal county makes a fabulous retreat for anyone looking to escape the city scene. But most importantly, you quickly realise that you don’t have to fly around the world to seek adventures. With forests, castles and beaches for days, Cornwall is the ultimate staycation - perfect for all ages.

In recent years, Cornwall has come on leaps and bounds and found a newfound style. That being said, discover our range of beautiful large holiday homes in Cornwall to start planning your next holiday!

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