Mousehole is a tiny village, small in stature but with the authenticity and character to make a lasting impression. An inspiration for author and poet Dylan Thomas’s drama Under Milk Wood and the ultimate romantic Cornish retreat, the harbour, landscape and luxury cottages really are food for the imagination. 

A year-round destination, the summer welcomes visitors to bask in the sunshine on the sheltered beach whilst in winter the world-famous harbour lights illuminate waterside restaurants, tearooms and one of Cornwall’s oldest piers. Trace the seaside streets and fill your lungs with salty air as your mind clears and spirit soars.

Upon your return to your cosy nest, put your feet up in front of the wood burner, glass of wine in hand, and regale your loved ones with the much-loved tale of the Mousehole Cat, Antonia Barber’s children's book based on the legendary Cornish fisherman Tom Bawcock and the famous stargazy pie.

You are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to delicious cuisine in and surrounding Mousehole, including the lovely Old Coastguard. When your tum begins to growl, one of your first stops has to be 2 Fore Street. A relaxed and stylish bistro-style harbourside restaurant with stunning views across Mount’s Bay, everything from the food and service to the views and ambience is divine. We particularly love the secluded garden, perfect for spending hours munching, daydreaming and getting away from the world.

Another time, head to the Rock Pool café for fluffy scones and a hot pot of tea in mismatched vintage china cups, perfectly accompanied by outstanding views of St Michaels Mount. If you’re there at the right time you can watch the Scillonian ferry glide past (the Penzance to Isles of Scilly water link). At chillier points of the year it’s the best place in Cornwall to relax with coffee and cake whilst watching the Atlantic heave and swell in the winter winds. There is also always the Ship Inn, a proper pub serving hearty grub right on the doorstep of your luxury cottage in Mousehole.

Keep your holiday in Mousehole authentic with some five-star refreshment made in the fair county with Hole Foods Deli. Pick out some Kernow-made beers, wines and spirits to take back to your boutique accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening in. Meanwhile, nearby Penzance proffers even more choice in the form of the Cornish Hen Deli and Lavenders Deli & Bakery. From perfectly crimped Cornish pasties and Cornish pressés to the spongiest home-made cakes with hot tea, you can make the most of your luxury self-catering cottage in Mousehole with the most heavenly treats.

For the best hot chocolates in Cornwall, head to Marazion’s Copper Spoon café or for tea in elegant bone china cups, make your way over to the Old Pilchard Press Café. Of course, sometimes there’s no better place to sup a hot drink than bundled up in blankets on the South West Coast Path or spread out on the beach after a dunk in the crystal-clear waters lapping the West Coast. Bottle up your beverage of choice and let the infectious calm wash over in waves.

Mousehole is also home to the Sea Salts and Sail Festival, a celebration of maritime heritage with historical photographs, crab-pot making, smoked fish, barbecues, cakes and an almighty hog roast with beers, lagers, ciders and wine by the gallon. Held in summer, it’s definitely one for the bucket list.

Enjoy the walk from Mousehole to Penzance or pick up the 6-mile circular ramble to picturesque Lamorna Cove (voted one of Britain’s best walks by The Telegraph) which beautifully showcases the area’s jaw-dropping coastline. Follow clifftop paths or head to Kemyel Crease woodland for a dash of shade, before heading back to wind down in one of our many luxury cottages Mousehole.

The 23rd December welcomes Tom Bawcock’s Eve, where a lantern procession through the streets celebrates the much-loved tale of fisherman Tom braving treacherous seas to feed the village when no one else would dare. Sit back and watch the parade with a creamy hot chocolate and the world-famous Mousehole Lights illuminating the harbour, bringing goodwill to every man, woman, child, cat and mouse.