If you’re looking to get inspired for your next staycation, then you may want to consider one UK village so beautiful that poet Dylan Thomas named it the ‘loveliest village in England’. 

Nestled along the Cornish coastline, approximately three miles south of Penzance within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies the village and fishing port of Mousehole.

Dylan Thomas spent considerable time in the unspoilt seaside hub, including his honeymoon, and reportedly cherished the winding, cobbled lanes and fishing harbour. Today, visitors continue to be captivated by the charm of this tranquil haven, with its sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, alongside an array of cafés, shops, and galleries. 

Mousehole, which is actually pronounced ‘Mowzel’, boasts a rich history stretching back to the 1300s when it served as a significant harbour and the principal port for Mount’s Bay. Pilchards were shipped to France, with this trade flourishing until the late 1880s. Like other coastal villages, Mousehole suffered a Spanish attack in 1595. The sole structure to survive the assault was the local pub, the Keigwin Arms.

Today, it functions as a private home bearing a plaque commemorating the former owner, Squire Jenkyn Keigwin, who perished whilst defending his property. Today, picturesque granite cottages characterise the labyrinthine narrow lanes, accompanied by independent art galleries, boutique gift shops, and various dining establishments.

The Grade II listed Lobster Pot hotel, where Thomas celebrated his honeymoon, has since been converted into a private home and holiday rental. Nevertheless, its unobstructed coastal panoramas, which so captivated the poet’s creative spirit, can still be appreciated from neighbouring pubs and eateries.

The Ship Inn, another establishment Thomas regularly patronised, offers seasonal, locally sourced fare including fish and chips, mussels, and traditional Sunday roasts, and sits right across from the harbour, providing an ideal location to relax and refuel. Within the harbour lies a compact sandy shore, kissed by translucent waters, where youngsters can try their hand at crabbing or construct elaborate sandcastles.

Renowned for its vibrant community spirit, Mousehole plays host to numerous festivals and is particularly celebrated for its festive illuminations throughout the winter period. Each year on 19 December since 1981, the lights are ceremonially switched off in remembrance of the eight lifeboat crew members who perished during a rescue operation amidst hurricane-strength gales.

Tom Bawcock’s Eve is observed annually on 23 December, commemorating the conclusion of a 16th-century food shortage. This celebration gave rise to the distinctive stargazy pie, characterised by fish heads protruding through the pastry crust.

Those who’ve recently explored Mousehole have been captivated by its peaceful atmosphere and enchanting character, with one visitor enthusing on Tripadvisor: “Mousehole is a very beautiful place. You can snap off photos all day and never capture all of its quirkiness, quaintness and sheer beauty. As someone with an interest in photography, I found so much to capture.”

Another visitor remarked: “This village is absolutely stunning and well worth visiting, it’s truly gorgeous.”

A third was particularly impressed by the family-friendly beach and local establishments: “A lovely little harbour with small sandy beach. Safe for children to play. Very picturesque with little cottages surrounding it. The Mousehole is an excellent gift shop with friendly staff. We also visited Jessica’s Dairy to get a cup of tea,” they revealed.