Mousehole ("Mowzel"), described by Dylan Thomas as the prettiest village in England, is set around a tidal harbour and tiny beach, once home to the traditional pilchard-fishing fleet. Full of winding paths and picturesque cottages, it is now largely a conservation area.  

The Ship Inn, Coastguard Hotel and Cornish Range Restaurant (opposite the cottage) all provide excellent food - various teashops/restaurants, shops and galleries are open according to the season. The grocery/newsagent sells good hot pasties, Quirkys fish and chip shop is opposite you driving in from Newlyn.

In December and January the spectacular harbour lights and traditional Tom Bawcock celebrations (the legend brought to life in Antonia Barber's book "The Mousehole Cat") make Mousehole a magical place. Occasional south-westerly storms can send waves crashing over the harbour walls, whilst the harbour itself is protected by its winter barrier.

The Penwith Peninsula has a wealth of beautiful coastline, rugged walks, long sandy beaches, and unspoilt villages. Some of its loveliest spots are in easy reach of Mousehole - hidden coves like Penberth; the Minnack Theatre at Porthcurno; Land's End and the wild north-west coast; St Ives with its Cornwall Tate Gallery (and if very lucky a sighting of seals off the harbour); Marazion with its artists' galleries and the causeway to St Michael's Mount (a photographer's dream at sunset or in moonlight).  

Walks from Mousehole include to the neighbouring villages of Paul (beautiful church, good pub) and Sheffield, or further afield to Lamorna Cove and The Wink Inn. Regular minibuses run to the fishing port of Newlyn (buy local crab and fish, visit Newlyn Art Gallery) and to Penzance - plenty of shopping and eateries. Penzance has a mainline rail station; good bus services to St Ives, Marazion, etc.; the "Scillonian" ferry to the Isles of Scilly; and a heliport with trips around the coast - so there are plenty of car-free options.

Caroline Cottage is a deceptively spacious listed granite cottage, situated on the main street and backing onto Keigwin Square some 50 yards from the harbourside. The bedrooms and bathroom are at street level and the living areas upstairs. From the open-plan lounge and balcony there are wonderful views over the rooftops (complete with seagulls) and St Clement's Isle and across Mount's Bay to St Michael's Mount. The spacious kitchen/dining room has a traditional Cornish range and a well-equipped wood-fitted kitchen. Our separate self-contained studio-room, "The Dungeon", is at lower level on Keigwin Square. 

2001 was our first letting year - we continue to run bookings ourselves so that we can respond in person to your queries. After your stay we welcome any suggestions for added comfort. Our aim is that you find the cottage both beautiful and homely, to make your holiday a real pleasure - and hopefully one that you will look forward to repeating!

Caroline Cottage sleeps 6 (double + basin, twin + basin, small bunk room). The Dungeon annex (sofabed plus small futon, simple kitchen facilities, shower/loo) will be available separately or to rent alongside the main cottage.

Please do contact us for more details. Whilst Mousehole is ideal for children we would stress that they need good supervision around the harbour walls and rocks, and of course on all beaches as the waves and currents can be very strong.