Gardens and grounds
Spice up your meals with fresh herbs plucked from pots scattered across the expansive main terrace, seemingly suspended above Mevagissey’s rooftops. Linger a while, fire up the gas barbecue with choice cuts from Lobb’s Farm Shop, and soak in the scene—palm trees and purple-flowered vinca whispering that you’re on the Cornish Riviera. Squint, and you might just mistake it for the Med.
Garden lovers, take your time here. Start with coffee on the smaller terrace by the garden cottage, then follow winding paths through lavender, choisya, and myrtle beds. Wander further past rosemary, jasmine, and sculpted yews leading to the old schoolroom, where a tranquil fish pond, cool slate seats, and a flourish of passion flowers and camellias await.
Living spaces
You might just embrace Mediterranean-style outdoor living when you set eyes on the vast, glass-balustraded terrace, perched high above Mevagissey’s rooftops. Make a feast of it—fire up the barbecue with prime cuts from Lobb’s Farm Shop and raise a glass of fizz from Experience Wine or Polmassick Vineyard.
Inside, unwind with two 42” smart TVs—just don’t forget your streaming passwords. Dock your iPod into the Bose radio, dive into the DVD collection, and after a long day on the beach, toast your toes by the log-burning stove. Bring your dog to curl up by the flames. Need more space? The Garden cottage is just next door, take a look at Penpol.
Cooking and dining
Love to cook? You’ll relish the four-oven electric Aga and the open, sociable space for stirring and simmering. Prefer to let someone else take the reins? White Radish Catering can handle everything from a one-off celebration to a fully catered retreat. Pick up fresh meat and veg from Lobb’s Farm Shop—or go all out with a hog roast.
For a taste of Cornwall’s best, try The Atlantic Fryer Fish and Chip Van, serving up fish straight from the harbours at Newlyn, Looe, and Plymouth. Or let Kerra’s Catering craft a just-so spread for a special occasion. Dine indoors in the country-style kitchen or out on the terrace with sweeping harbour views.
Stock up locally at major supermarkets and Lobb’s Farm Shop. Sip English wine from Polmassick Vineyard and grab takeaways from Mevagissey Spice or The Fishermen’s for classic fish and chips. For a proper pub experience, head to The Harbour Tavern for bay views, live music, and hearty meals from breakfast through dinner.
Step back in time at the 15th-century Fountain Inn, family-run for 30 years, with standout fish and chips and mixed grills. Book a table at Salamander for baked crab, hake, and scallops followed by crème brûlée or sticky toffee pudding. Or savour Portuguese flavours at Alvorada, where fresh seafood kebabs and scallops take centre stage.
Bedrooms
Sleep will come easy here, with your window cracked open to the call of gulls and the gentle slosh of the harbour waves—like a sleep app, but real. Penpol welcomes eight guests across three bedrooms, each with a TV, sofa or chairs, and ample storage.
The master suite boasts a super-king bed, breathtaking harbour views, and a luxurious roll-top bath with a separate shower. On the first and second floors, bedrooms two and three offer equally stunning views, each featuring a king-size bed that can be split into twins and elegant en-suite bathrooms with Victorian roll-top baths and showers.
Autumn, Winter and Christmas in Mevagissey
Mevagissey is still just as charming in winter. Boats bob in the harbour and the cottages are beacons of colour along the quiet, winding streets. The fish and chips are still to die for and the pubs and restaurants glow with a warm welcome.
Wrap up for a walk on a beautiful, deserted beach. Enjoy tennis, golf, shooting and sailing on crisp, clear days. Make the most of Cornwall’s many attractions, including the Eden Project and St Ives Tate, when the maddening crowds are far away.
Change the scene at Christmas to a coastal escape. Come together as a family, with wood on the fire, lights on the tree and festive films on the TV. The wind might howl outside, the waves might lash at the town’s defences, but Penpol is a cosy Cornish haven of warmth and winter wonder.
After popping open the champagne, feasting on turkey and pud and unwrapping the presents, stroll along Mevagissey’s twisty street and the harbour wall to admire the stunning sea view before returning to enjoy Christmas cake in front of the fire.
What people say
Sand, seals and sharks
Get sand between your toes at Portmellon, Portloe, or Polstreath, or wild-swim Talland Bay. Watch for seals and dolphins on the ferry to Fowey. Go sharking on the Bessie Vee, bouldering at Tide, and pigeon-popping at Cruggan Farm. See Europe’s largest garden-restoration project. End the day with cocktails at The Sharksfin.
