welcome to
J ust three miles from Penzance, the picture-postcard fishing village of Mousehole is the perfect bolthole for exploring West Cornwall. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you wander the cobbled streets and discover a vibrant mix of things to see and do within this gorgeous slice of the county. The Ship Inn’s hotel-style accommodation in Mousehole balances character comforts with luxury. Better still, we’re right on the waterfront, giving you a front-row seat to it all.
NEED A LITTLE INSPIRATION?
You’ll find a wealth of things to keep you busy without ever needing to leave Mousehole. Wander along the harbour walls, enjoy our small yet safe and sheltered beach, or relax in the natural sea pool.
You’ll never tire of strolling the twisting, narrow streets here, with curious nooks on every turn. They’re also frequented with fascinating art galleries and independent shops. Be sure to keep an eye out for historic plaques along the way which bring the village’s rich history to life.
Mousehole Christmas lights have drawn visitors far and wide for some 55 years. Utilising an estimated 7,000 bulbs, they truly are a spectacle that needs to be seen to be believed!
More than 30,000 people flock to see the lights each year, creating quite a carnival atmosphere. And of course, the Ship is the perfect place to settle down for the night. You can book a room, have dinner with us and enjoy a warming tipple.
Located just a few miles away, Newlyn is the South West’s largest fishing port. You can walk there from Mousehole, just follow the path alongside the beach. Get there early to experience the bustling fish market and gaze at the hustle and bustle of fishing trawlers setting off and returning with their latest catch.
It’s also home to Newlyn Filmhouse. This wonderful independent cinema has two screens which show the latest art-house and blockbusters, alongside classics and theatre productions. Perfect for a night out, the Filmhouse has a popular cafe bar and operates a no-food policy during screenings, so you won’t be distracted by any rustling.
At just under five miles, this stunning walk takes you inland through Kemyel Crease nature reserve and back to Mousehole through some stunning cliff-top farms and even a granite quarry. What’s more, because we’re a dog-friendly hotel in Mousehole, you can take Rover with you before heading back to put your feet up with a well-deserved drink.
This iconic rocky island is a fantastic day out for the whole family. You can reach it on foot at low tide by crossing the ancient causeway from Marazion Beach. This cobbled pathway is completely submerged come high tide, but the journey by boat is equally easy on the eye. If you’re crossing during the summer months, you may even spot dolphins and curious seals along the way.
Discover a medieval church and castle that has been home to the same family for more than 650 years, all set in terraced subtropical gardens with the backdrop of stunning views across Mounts Bay.
The Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and Sanctuary has been caring for sick and injured birds for nearly a century. More than 1,000 birds are treated here each year.
The sanctuary is open for visitors and admission is free, although donations are always welcome. Meet one of their 100 permanent residents and see how they care for birds from all over the world.
One of Cornwall’s most stunning man-made wonders lies just 20-minute drive away. Carved into the clifftop overlooking Porthcurno, this unique open-air theatre has to be seen to be believed. It’s hard to imagine a more impressive backdrop to a stage production.
Shows run daily throughout the summer season, with the theatre also open for visitors during the day where you may even catch a rehearsal if you’re lucky!
The area is home to several impressive ancient monuments and you can spend a full day seeking them out. Immerse yourself in Cornwall’s ‘Wild West’ by taking a map and exploring the scenic moorland along the way.
There’s an amazingly intact iron-age village at Chyauster, a 12-tonne, 5 metre long Dolman at Lanyon Quoit, and some intriguing stone circles at Boscawen-Un, the Merry Maidens and Mên-an-Tol.
