There’s something quite special about Mevagissey. It doesn’t get the unbearable hordes of visitors like some more famous Cornish towns. Thankfully here you will find a proper working Cornish fishing village. Still filled with locals, artisans and no chain stores or cafes, just independent businesses.

I’ve been coming here since I was a child and brought my Italian husband here when we were dating as I insisted he learned more about the UK than just London! He fell in love with it too and we have continued to return with babies, toddlers, and now a 6 year old and a 2 year old!

We visit Cornwall every year and keep adding little hidden gems to our list of favourites such as Trecan Farm Cottages in Looe, Port Issac, Polperro and Gorran Haven!

Today though we’re chatting about Mevagissey and what fabulous things you can do here and close by.

What I love about coming here is finding wonderful small businesses to support who are incredibly passionate and entrepreneurial and they don’t even realise it because it’s just a way of life.

Everywhere you go you can meet the owner, the person who made your cake, who sewed the gift you are purchasing, the maker of the ceramic mug that you can’t walk past in the shop window. In Mevagissey you meet them all. You can ask questions, commission something that suits you and really learn about the inspiration behind their business.

So where you should you go in Mevagissey?

1. Moore's Greengrocers

If you’re looking to stock up on supplies when you arrive in the village head to Moore’s Greengrocers. As they say themselves, Moore's offers a lot more than just fruit and vegetables. You’ll find local Cornish meats, cheeses, fresh bread, eggs and incredible vegetable displays. They are also now stocking some cut flowers and potted plants.

Laura and her husband took over the business two years ago and are so passionate about developing it and offering high quality produce. They work in the shop 6 days a week around their little 22 month old daughter!

2. Teacup Tearoom

 I visited Lis and David their first week of opening the Teacup Tearoom and was so impressed. The tearoom is beautiful, in a building they are restoring and offers delicious locally sourced produce with very Instagrammable decor! They cater for every type of party including those with furry friends! 

3. The Roberts Gallery

 The Roberts Gallery is a brilliant Gallery shop on Mevagissey High Street. It's run by 7 artists who create their work and then sell it themselves in the shop. So you always meet a creator when you visit! They sell gifts, paintings, jewellery and much more! Read all about the stunning pieces they craft here.

4. The Fisherman’s Chippy

 You can’t go to Cornwall and not have fish and chips at least once! I had heard about this fish and chip shop before I even arrived in Cornwall it was rumoured to be so good. So in the interests of providing value to my readers (hehe) we had our first dinner of the holiday here.

It really is one of the best fish and chip meals I’ve had in Cornwall. It wasn’t at all greasy, the chips were cooked properly and not hard in the middle and cremated on the outside. The fish itself is delicious and wonderful in perfect big flakes.

The children loved it and actually ate the last of mine when I was too full! There is often a queue here for good reason so try and go a bit early. They have also been nominated for the 'Favourite Chippy in Cornwall' . Fingers crossed they win!

5. Digby's sweets

If you’re looking for gifts with a difference while you’re in Mevagissy or just want a nostalgic treat head over to the very cute Digby’s Sweet Shop.

Digby’s is a traditional sweet shop with walls lined with every sweet you imagine from your childhood and all the ones you could never afford with your pocket money at the time! 

To help those with special diets they also have no sugar, vegan, gluten free and many other types so no one is left out.

You can buy them as gifts, treat the children to the same penny sweet experience from your own childhood or buy in bulk so you don’t miss out in the coming months.

Owner Dave is very particular about the quality of the sweets he sources and takes great pride in the business he’s been running for 7 years.

So cast your mind back to gobstoppers, sherbet lemons, strawberry bootlaces and raid your piggy bank! 

Digby’s can be found at 2 River Street, Mevagissey.

6. Kellys of Cornwall

Kelly’s ice cream is no longer a small business. It’s now found in supermarkets and shops all over the UK but it actually has very humble beginnings.

Started by an Italian Joseph Staffieri and his Cornish wife, the company is still run by the fourth generation of the Kelly family. The ice cream is made with Cornish Clotted Cream, if you’ve tasted this already I needn’t say any more as you will understand how amazing and luxurious this is.

The very thick nature of the cream makes it a unique taste that is only found here in Cornwall. So while you are strolling round the Harbour, or rolling round it after all this food! Have a Cornish gelato as well!

7. Model railway

This fantastic little place is owned by Paul Catchpole and you can find it on Meadow Street behind the High Street.

My children and Husband loved this as not only is there a vast landscape of model countryside with working trains, fairgrounds, and interactive lights and sounds there is also a child's train area where the children can use some controls to drive the trains.

Add in a bit of Thomas the Tank and teddies in carriages and you can picture how popular it was! My two didn't want to leave! 

Children go free and adult tickets are £5 each.  

8. Aquarium

The Aquarium is a gorgeous sky blue building on the walk way towards the harbour walls.

It’s small and perfectly formed but you can easily lose a good 20 minutes in here with the children looking at crayfish, bass and crabs.

Mine loved it and we had to go twice in one day and buys some sharks teeth from a little machine.

There is no entry fee but they ask for donations quite rightly to keep it open.

9. Big Belly Deli

Paula the owner of the Big Belly Deli moved to Cornwall in July 2015. Her lovely store stocks delicious fayre from Cornwall and around the world.

Here you will find lovely cheeses, chutneys, charcuterie, honey and much more.

The store is also dog friendly so you don't have to worry about shopping with man's best friend!

Paula will also try and source anything for you that you can't find and offers seasonal gift vouchers and boxes. You can find Paula's wonderful shop on Facebook here or on Instagram. 

10. Gorran Haven

After all that food and entertainment you will need a little walk! So why not take a stroll along the South West Coast Path and enjoy the beach at sweet village Gorran Haven.

It's great for exploring, sunbathing and visiting possibly the smallest library in England... which is inside a traditional red phone box!

These are just 10 places to try in Mevagissey but there are many more. The Eden Project is close by, we visited at Easter. Have a read about our day here. You can also visit the beautiful nearby Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Pinetum Gardens at St Austell. 

Wherever you shop or eat you will hopefully find comfort in supporting a small business and enjoying the unique qualities of Mevagissey!

Tell me have you been to Mevagissey? Where do you love to go in Cornwall?