Holidays in the historic fishing village of Porthleven Cornwall
The historic village of Porthleven, Cornwall is the most southerly working harbour in mainland UK. The harbour exists today due to HMS Anson being wrecked on Loe Bar on December 29th 1807. Tobias Roberts, a hero that day, swam through stormy seas out to the Anson. A rope was tied around Tobias enabling him to create an escape route for those on board. Although he successfully reached the ship, over one hundred crew perished including the ship’s Captain Lydiard.
Appalled by the loss of live and to avoid such an incident in the future, along with locals alike, Tobias Roberts battled with the Admiralty to ensure there was a harbour of safe refuge. Being a determined man, Tobias got Porthleven Harbour constructed and then improved at a later date. Home to a much reduced number of fishermen, no commercial traffic of any size and a small number of pleasure craft, it took two acts of parliament before the harbour became what it is today.
However, the harbour still plays a major role attracting visitors from all over the world. Of course the village received the attention of the media when it was hit by a hurricane in December 1989. Television coverage was worldwide, showing the destructive storm with its monster waves spraying seaweed and shingle over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven’s clock tower, part of the Institute Buildings. Over the years village has attracted film and television programme makers helping to promote Porthleven’s natural unspoilt attraction.
In addition, brown tourist signs were introduced and publicised the village in a variety of ways including the Discover Porthleven leaflet which is now reproduced annually. Of course the village received media attention well beyond affordable advertising when it was hit by a hurricane in December 1989.
Porthleven has a number of quality self catering cottages, B&B and hotels situated around the harbour, above the beach and within the village. Many accommodate commanding views of the bay, the harbour or surrounding countryside. The village also has a small drop in caravan and camp site. Porthleven has three Inns, the oldest being the Ship Inn. In these you will discover good food, good ale and friendly locals. According to local legend and the BBC the Ship has a few resident ghosts.
There is a great variety of places to eat in Porthleven with restaurants such as the Blue Haze Restaurant, a recent asset to the village, quickly building a great reputation with both locals and visitors alike. Kota Restaurant and B&B is located on the harbour head and produces a well presented and varied menu. Both restaurants have chefs who have a great passion for cooking with locally sourced food. There are also two fish and chip shops and a Chinese takeaway.
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