Mevagissey

Mevagissey is one of the most charming fishing ports on the South Cornish Coast, its white and colour-washed dwellings perched on the slopes of the hills encircling the two harbours. Many of the old fish cellars in the picturesque village have been converted to modern use but their old strong walls and the unspoilt appearance of the narrow streets retain the character of old Mevagissey which is so enchanting to the holiday visitor.

A short drive west of Mevagissey, and only a mile south of St. Ewe, is the hamlet of Polmassick, home to Cornwall’s first commercial vineyard. Polmassick Vineyard is a small family-run vineyard first planted in 1976, to take advantage of the ideal conditions of a sheltered inland valley, steep south-facing slope and coarse stony ground.

This perfect combination has led to the production of a fine selection of white and red Cornish wines, as well as Kea Plum Wine, a dessert wine made from the local plum. With wine available by the glass and off-licence sales available throughout the year, a visit is not just a great opportunity to see a working vineyard, but an excellent chance to sample a real taste of Cornish sunshine. Evening guided tours are available by appointment and Vines, with free planting advice, can be purchased.

Continue up through St. Ewe and you will find signs to the award-winning Lost Gardens of Heligan. Asleep for more than seventy years, Heligan was the scene of the largest garden restoration project in Europe. Today the nation’s favourite garden offers 200 acres for exploration, which include extensive productive gardens and pleasure grounds, sustainably-managed farmland, wetlands and ancient woodlands and a pioneering wildlife conservation project.

'Melon Yard at Heligan' by Lorna Tremayne

Located next to the famous Lost Gardens of Heligan Lobbs Farm Shop, voted ‘National Best Farm Retail Newcomer 2007’ by FARMA and acclaimed Cornwall’s ‘Local Retailer of the Year’ for 2005 and 2006, is stocked with an abundance of the best of Cornish and West Country produce.

The butchery retails the family’s own produced beef and lamb which graze their Cornish pastures. The well hung meat is of the highest quality, succulent, full of flavour and can be prepared to customers’ requirements by their experienced butchers. The delicatessen specialises in local cheeses and cold meats, a range of homemade produce is available, along with Cornish gifts, ales and fresh seasonal vegetables.

North westerly towards the A390 Truro - St. Austell road at Lower Sticker, life takes on a much slower pace, at The Tortoise Garden run by Joy Bloor and her husband, Geoff. They provide a sanctuary for the rescue, care and conservation of most breeds of Tortoises and with over 20 years experience with these most wonderful creatures, you can guarantee a most fascinating visit to the Garden.

A first meeting with a tortoise in a pet shop some 38 years ago sparked Joy’s interest in tortoises - she had actually gone in to find a kitten. At that time the importation of tortoises was uncontrolled and thousands died from unsuitable climate and poor welfare. Joy became a strong campaigner for the species and since 1984 their import has been banned by Act of Parliament.

Joy set up the sanctuary to house tortoises whose owners were no longer able to look after them (they live to a great age), those sent to her by the RSPCA and illegal imports confiscated by Customs and Excise. No tortoises are re-homed - they all live out their days in this delightful Cornish sanctuary.