Mevagissey Live Cam

History

The history of Mevagissey, a charming fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall, dates back to the early medieval period. It is thought that the name "Mevagissey" originates from the Cornish language, with "Mew" meaning a seagull and "Gissey" referring to the river or stream, a fitting tribute to the village's deep connection to the sea. Mevagissey’s development as a port can be traced to the 14th century, with the first known references to the village appearing in historical records in the early 1300s. However, it was during the 18th century that the village saw significant growth due to its booming fishing industry.

At the heart of Mevagissey’s prosperity lies its bustling harbour, a vital hub for the local fishing community. The village grew alongside the rise in demand for fish during the Industrial Revolution. Fishing, especially for herring, mackerel, and later pilchards, was the lifeblood of the town, with many local families depending on the sea for their livelihood. The town’s port soon became home to a large number of fishing boats and a thriving fish market, creating a lively atmosphere that persists in the village today.

The 19th century marked a period of expansion in Mevagissey, with new infrastructure being developed to accommodate the growing population and trade. The arrival of the railways in the mid-1800s boosted the village's economy, allowing goods to be transported more efficiently across Cornwall. This period also saw the construction of the Mevagissey Harbour as we know it today, which continues to serve as an iconic feature of the town's identity.

Despite the decline in the fishing industry in the 20th century, Mevagissey has retained much of its historical charm, with cobbled streets, historic cottages, and old shipyards offering a glimpse into its storied past. Today, the village still celebrates its fishing heritage, with an annual fish festival that brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the sea’s bounty and its importance to the region’s history.

Climate

The climate in Mevagissey is typical of the Cornish coastline, characterized by mild temperatures and relatively high rainfall throughout the year. Due to its location along the English Channel, the village enjoys a temperate maritime climate, which means the weather remains relatively moderate even in the winter months. Average temperatures in the summer hover around 18–22°C (64–72°F), while in winter, they rarely dip below 5°C (41°F), with the coldest months of December and January seeing average lows of around 3°C (37°F).

Mevagissey’s proximity to the ocean means that it can experience sudden changes in weather. Winds from the southwest are common, particularly during the autumn and winter months, as the village lies directly in the path of prevailing westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal location also leads to a higher incidence of fog and overcast skies, especially in the cooler months. While rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, it tends to be heavier in the winter months, contributing to the lush greenery that surrounds the village.

The best times to visit Mevagissey weather-wise are from late spring to early autumn when the village experiences its warmest and sunniest conditions. However, it’s important to be prepared for a little rain and wind even during these months. Summer is an ideal time for enjoying outdoor activities, such as walking along the South West Coast Path, a famous trail that runs right through Mevagissey and offers breathtaking views of the rugged Cornish coastline.

Despite the somewhat unpredictable weather, Mevagissey’s climate contributes to its unique charm. The misty mornings and dramatic skies over the harbour create a magical atmosphere, particularly in the winter months when the village feels peaceful and unhurried. The occasional stormy days can add to the excitement, giving visitors the chance to witness the power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean from the comfort of a warm cafe or pub overlooking the harbour.

Geography

Mevagissey is located in the southern part of Cornwall, nestled within the picturesque St Austell Bay. The village is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, steep cliffs, and lush greenery, creating a stunning contrast with the bright blue waters of the English Channel. Its location makes it an ideal spot for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of Cornwall, offering panoramic views of both the countryside and coastline.

Geographically, Mevagissey is situated on the southern tip of the Cornish Peninsula, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The village lies about 12 miles southeast of St Austell, one of Cornwall’s larger towns. The area surrounding Mevagissey is characterized by steep terrain, with narrow lanes winding through the village and leading up to the surrounding hills. These hills are heavily wooded and provide a habitat for local wildlife, including a variety of bird species, rabbits, and foxes. The South West Coast Path, a renowned long-distance trail, passes through Mevagissey, offering spectacular views of the coastline, including the jagged cliffs and rocky outcrops that define this part of Cornwall’s geography.

The harbour itself is a central feature of Mevagissey’s landscape, offering shelter to local fishing boats and pleasure craft. It is surrounded by steep slopes that lead up to residential areas and provide dramatic viewpoints overlooking the sea. The village's geographical position also means it is vulnerable to coastal erosion, with the cliffs around Mevagissey constantly shifting due to the powerful forces of wind and water. Despite this, the village has maintained its distinctive charm and character, with its old cottages and narrow streets continuing to captivate visitors.

Mevagissey is part of the larger Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the surrounding landscape is protected to maintain its natural beauty and biodiversity. The area boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, with wildflowers such as primroses and bluebells blooming in the spring, and the rugged cliffs providing shelter for seabirds like puffins and guillemots. The rich geology of the area, which includes cliffs made of granite and slate, adds to the village’s allure for those interested in exploring Cornwall’s unique geological heritage.

For those seeking an adventurous experience, the coastline around Mevagissey offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Kayaking, boating, and fishing are popular pastimes, and the nearby beaches are perfect for those wanting to enjoy the sand and surf. The region’s diverse landscape, from the moorland to the coast, also attracts hikers and cyclists who wish to explore the area’s natural beauty. Mevagissey’s geography, with its unspoiled scenery and combination of sea and land, makes it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Tip: If you want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Mevagissey, consider hiking along the South West Coast Path, which offers some of the best coastal views in Cornwall. The path also allows you to discover hidden coves and dramatic cliffs that many visitors miss by staying within the village.

Interesting fact: Mevagissey was once home to a thriving pilchard fishery, and in the 19th century, the village exported large quantities of salted pilchards to the Mediterranean. In fact, the local population even developed a special pilchard canning industry, which remains an important part of the village’s history.

A Guide to Surfing in Cornwall

A travel trip to Cornwall is believed to be incomplete without a surfing adventure as there are very few places in the world that enjoy the constant wind and miles of magnificent coastline that is present at Cornwall making it a surfer’s dream. Avid surfers planning their next surf trip here are sure to discover an unexpected travel gem that is known all over the world for its best and unspoilt coastlines with mild climate and excellent beaches. Known as the surf capitol of the UK, Cornwall’s stretch of the coast directly faces the Atlantic Ocean making it ideal to pick up a lot of swell.

Most of the inspiring coastline here is consistent almost all the year through. However, you need plan your surf trip well in advance and get to know the weather conditions that are here. Cornwall is ideal for amateur surfers as it is for the professionals. If you are waiting for glorious weather conditions with the perfect tides, September and October are the ideal months with warm waters. The place is also known for its pro-surf competitions that are considered to be the biggest in Europe.

Surfing in Cornwall

Cementing its reputation, most of the beaches in the county are easily accessible through many of the hotels that provide wet suits and surfboards for keen surfers. Further to carry the boards easily, consider renting a van in Cornwall to avoid the inconvenience of transporting the surfing gear from the hotels to the beaches. People who are not ready for surfing might as well consider body boards or just sit on kayaks to enjoy the fun activities at the beaches. Another activity that you cannot miss in Cornwall is Paddle-boarding that is one of the fastest growing water sports. There are many hire centers that offer you just the right Paddleboards to show off some of your newly-learned skills.

For beginners, places like Watergate Bay can be ideal with their low tides. The place is also very near to Newquay which generally is crowded most of the times with surfers. There are also some canters here that teach surfing.

What you need to know before you go

If you want to avoid dreadful traffic on your way to Cornwall, it is always suggested to avoid points including Bristol, London and some northern points. Once you reach Cornwall and are all set to enjoy the best surfing experience ever, know that many of the beaches have dangerous rip currents around low tides. So swimming and surfing under guarded beaches and taking local advice is as important as enjoying the surf trip.

The place is also known for its rich heritage with internationally renowned sculptors, painters and potters. So try not to miss any of the rich experiences that the place has to offer when you are planning your next surf trip here.