Introduction
These are our thoughts from a visit to Cornwall. It was a few years ago, so some places might have changed a little, but the heart of any of these places does not change. They are all working harbours.
Port Isaac
Not having seen Doc Martin on television, we were unprepared for the tourists flooding into Port Isaac. It was difficult to park on the main town car park (we only found one) and there is no room for two cars to pass on the narrow, winding streets in the old village. We eventually found that parking was allowed on the beach at low tide for a very reasonable price.
As we visited on a Sunday, some places were closed and to be honest, there is little to see apart from the harbour and places where the television show was filmed, but it is a charming village.
Since our visit, we learned of the weekly concert by Fishermen’s Friends http://www.fishermansfriendsportisaac.co.uk/, which would have been a real treat had we not had to get off the beach to avoid the incoming tide and get back to our camp.
This is not a place to visit if you have mobility problems, as the mostly cobbled roads are so steep and narrow and can be slippery when wet
Mevagissey
A picturesque little harbour with the usual selection of eateries and pubs, as also favoured by the local population. We parked at a car park on the outskirts of the village and walked in. Not always easy where pavements disappear and cars drive very close to you, as they have to in these old villages.
Our visit was to see the model railway shop http://www.model-railway.co.uk/ but were disappointed to find we had to search it out at the rear of a shop away from the town centre. This is really a shop for the aficionado, especially as you are required to pay for entry to the exhibition, which is the biggest part of the premises.
Visitors can also find a number of antique shops, but there is very little by way of leisure if you don’t like antique shopping, or sitting by the harbourside.
The harbour and town are pleasant, but do not expect much entertainment.
Charlestown
Charlestown
Is mainly a residential town, but we visited to see the harbour, which is home port to several old tall ships and a very good little museum dedicated to them which can be reached by conventional means, or via a tunnel of the type that would have been used by sailors in the days when the tall ships were new.
There are places for a weary traveller to be refreshed; we had a good meal in the Captain’s Cabin, but there are other places.
It is very pleasant to explore the tiny harbour and even walk on the sand when the tide permits, but be very aware of the tide. Well worth it for the lovely seascape views.
The harbour area is outside the main village area so, because of limited time, we did not see if there was much else in the place
http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/restormel/charlestown.htm for more details
Padstow
Padstow
Like him or hate him, you do not get far in Padstow without encountering the Rick Stein phenomenon. With several eateries and other outlets, visitors might be forgiven for thinking that Rick seems to have taken over.
However, the harbour is home to a fishing fleet and several private pleasure boats of various kinds.
The village is not entirely aimed at tourists, and hungry visitors who have been tempted by the thought of freshly caught fish will not find it hard to discover somewhere to satisfy their appetites. Although I must confess that on separate visits there, we tried Stein’s Brasserie and the fish and chip shop on the harbour, coming away from both well contented and we were not charged for the name at either.
The fish dock has a wonderful little attraction that is a must see – the lobster hatchery where local fishermen take queen lobsters that they accidentally catch so that the eggs can be harvested and hatched. It is possible to see all stages of the process up to the point when the baby lobsters at about two inches long are ready to be released into the open sea. I never thought I’d say “awww” about a lobster.
More details at http://www.padstowlive.com/
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