POLPERRO CORNWALL
The picturesque village of Polperro is famous throughout the world and a must for visitors. It offers wonderful coastal walks on the South West Coastal Path, boat trips and shark fishing.
Sheltered from the ravages of time and tide in its cliff ravine it's an enchanting jumble of cottages.
The cottages were mainly built by local fishermen who wanted a place on shore to store their gear and pilchard catch and over that a loft divided into rooms like the cuddy of a boat. They reached the ground by means of stone or wooden steps like a ship's gangway.
Pictured right is the Three Pilchards, the oldest pub in the village.
Wending your way through the traffic-free streets to the small harbour you're treading the paths where barrows of fish were once carted and under cover of night brandy casks and tobacco bales were carried into their hideouts. This peaceful fishing cove was once a thriving centre for the area's smuggling.
Wagonloads of contraband left here, some heading across Bodmin Moor en route to London. The 'freetraders' have long since sailed into folk history and the shining shoals of pilchards have gone but a visit to the smuggling museum brings this rich heritage back to life.
Today, in cellars where furtive smugglers once dodged the customs men's muskets you can see displays of local crafts and fishermen's smocks. You can dine in style at one of Polperro's excellent restaurants.
Sailing into Polperro from the sea is an unforgettable experience. Fishing trips or pure pleasure cruises are easy to arrange from the quayside or take the cliff path to explore the secluded smuggling coves of Talland and Lantivet Bay.
Every year the village organises its own Arts Festival with an extended programme over one week including street entertainment and music from local bands. Polperro being one of the most beautiful villages in the country has always been a draw for artists, so art exhibitions featuring work by local painters as well as local scenes by visiting artists will be mounted in galleries, pubs and restaurants throughout the village.
Polperro is not just about the summer months. It is a wonderful place to visit in the autumn and winter months when the locals come out to play. All the pubs stay open and welcome you with roaring log fires. Many of the restaurants, gift and craft shops remain open plus accommodation rates are much lower this time of year. Kevin and Maike charge just £250 a week for their lovely holiday home at Granite Henge and this price includes all heating and electricity. Easter, Christmas and New Year still only £250 and of course FREE parking.
You have not seen a firework display until you have witnessed the spectacle the village of Polperro puts on in November. It is awesome. The display is held on the cliffs overlooking the outer harbour and the whole area is lit up under an array of a myriad of colours, sights and sounds.
Polperro is ideally situated for exploring the rest of magical Cornwall. The world famous Eden Project is only a 30 minute drive away. There are many National Trust properties to visit and beautiful gardens such as The Lost Gardens of Heligan. In May the nearby village of Fowey hosts the very popular Daphne du Maurier festival. The spectacular surfing beaches of Newquay are an easy drive away and make an unforgettable day trip.
No matter what time of year you visit the wonderful village of Polperro a warm welcome always awaits you.
For more information about Polperro and videos of pubs, restaurants, shops, cottages and things to do please watch our video tour of Polperro below and then after looking through our website please visit www.enjoypolperro.com
