Newlyn to Lamorna

Newlyn is the premier port in the country for prime fish, which makes it a real working village rather than a picture postcard visitor attraction. However, long overlooked by visitors, it is a fantastic slice of Cornish life, its rough immediate exterior hiding a myriad of picturesque back streets and traditional Cornish cottages. Loved by artists for over 150 years.

With over 40 acres of harbour, it is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the United Kingdom. The industry provides a significant contribution to the Cornish economy each year and all sorts of fishing vessels can be seen in the harbour - beam trawlers, long liners, crabbers and even small open boats used for hand-lining for mackerel in the Bay.

Obviously there is lots of fresh fish for sale in Newlyn; particularly wonderful is Trelawney’s Fish Shop, on the Strand. It’s more of an exotic deli than just a fish shop, with the most exquisite ingredients and recipes. Trelawney’s run a 24 hour fish delivery service anywhere in the country, so even when you go home you can still get fresh prime Cornish produce.

The company was established in 1982 and has a fleet of three trawlers, so guaranteeing really fresh fish. They are only 500 metres from the quayside and the famous Newlyn Fish Market so there is a minimum of handling and transportation. In the Delicatessen there are over two hundred products to choose from so they can provide the right ingredients for most dishes.

As one of Cornwall’s most exciting contemporary art galleries, “Expect the unexpected” when you visit Badcocks Gallery, also located on the Strand. Gallery artists include: Jessica Cooper, Alice Mumford, Kristin Vestgard, Simeon Stafford, Daphne McClure, Luke Frost.

In addition Badcocks show a large collection of limited edition prints, as well sculpture, ceramics and jewellery. During winter the gallery is open, Tuesday to Friday 11am - 4pm and Saturday 11am - 4.30pm and Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm in summer.

Newlyn Art Gallery, just on the road as you come into Newlyn from Penzance - is a must. Interesting and sometimes controversial, whatever your view be sure to write it in the visitor book, which always makes entertaining reading! Admission is free and there are weekend courses for kids.

Travel south on the road that leads to Lands End (B3315) and for those visitors looking for a relaxing time, Lamorna Pottery is most certainly the place to visit.

Here, you can enjoy tempting specialities such as Bermuda Fish Chowder or award-winning Cream Teas served in the garden surrounded by woodland or in the large conservatory, whilst also having the chance to browse amongst a beautiful collection of unique gifts including their own range of pottery.

All hand made by resident potters Linda and Ben Craig, it is well known for its range of colours, which reflect the surrounding landscape - blues, browns and a hint of green. Experience some of the inspiration for those colours on the woodland walk from the pottery to Lamorna Cove, where you can join the coastal footpath to discover beautiful beaches and rocky coves.

Apart from the natural beauty of this small cove, Lamorna is perhaps best known for the Post-Impressionist artists who came to stay here in the early part of the twentieth century. One of them, Lamorna Birch, even took his name from the place.