The Mousehole Cat

Product Information

If you wanted to reach Mousehole on public transport you can easily access the village from Penzance by bus. From the Ship Inn that was a favourite of Dylan Thomas, to the Old Coastguard with their board games and the King’s arms with a beer garden.

The weaving streets are narrow and historical, and there are charming buildings to admire at literally every step. Mousehole used to be known as Porth Enys, which translates to “port of the island,” and it has a rich fishing tradition. Until the 16th century, it was the primary port in Mounts Bay, and it was there until the 13th century. If you are in Mousehole during Christmas time and like seafood, make sure to visit the Ship Inn on the 23rd December to try Stargazy Pie. Another spectacular spot you can visit in south Cornwall is Marazion, pronounced Maraz-eye-un’, which is home to St Michael’s Mount. This is a version of a Cornish story about a brave cat called Mowzer and his owner, Old Tom. When faced with disaster, they find strength in each other to save their town from hunger after a great storm leaves them unable to catch fish.In the graveyard, you’ll also see headstones from various naval disasters over the years, which hammers home how dangerous Mousehole’s sea can be. Penzance is very close to Mousehole – you can easily walk there in under an hour – and it is the furthest west major town in Cornwall. Although it’s not quite as touristy as charming Mousehole, it’s a nice place to soak in local life.

If you’re interested in visiting Cornwall in the winter, here’s a complete guide. Walk to Paul and find the grave of Dolly Pentreath Between its high headlands lie tiny sheltering harbours where the fishing boats hide when the winter storms are blowing. A beautifully illustrated book, which mingles history and legend to tell a stirring story of heroism and storms at sea and a very special cat. Audience members will be allowed to leave through two exits at the end of the performance to reduce crowding.The A30 connects to the M5 at Exeter (which you can take for Bristol or Birmingham) or the A303 at the end, leading to the M3 and M25 (for London). He then fed it to the villagers and saved them from starvation. It’s mentioned in the children’s book The Mousehole Cat! Dorothy Hartley described Stargazy Pieas “like a fishy sausage roll with heads protruding”. To me, it doesn’t sound all that appetising, but hey, it’s a Mousehole staple! Visit art galleries The beauty of Mousehole is not lost on many and even figures in the literary world were captivated by its charm.

Mousehole’s entire history centres around its seafront location, so the best way to learn about it is definitely getting out into the sea! One of the sweeter things to do in Mousehole with a good cause is the Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and Sanctuary. Don’t go to St Clement’s Island, even if you have a kayak or boat – locals have advised against it, as it upsets animal life. However, there are boat tours that you can do to see the wildlife safely and responsibly (more on that below). Mousehole Harbour Beach In the 17th and 18th centuries, Mousehole was a hotbed for the smuggling trade. The most smuggled item in Cornwall was – would you believe it – salt, because it was heavily taxed, and regular people needed it to salt their pilchards to be able to preserve them for longer. Last outpost for the Cornish language Antonia Barber really knows about ballet - her daughter studied ballet from the age of three and attended the Royal Ballet School junior associate classes at Sadler's Wells. Antonia is well-known for such best-selling picture books as The Mousehole Cat (with Nicola Bailey) and Catkin (with J P Lynch). Her novel, The Amazing Mr Blunden, was runner-up for the Carnegie Medal. Antonia lived in Kent.

A beautiful, new, midi-sized gift edition of a picture book favourite. "Beautifully, carefully written ... a book to wallow in, read and re-read, for any age from five or so to the very grown-up" The Sunday Times In the seaside village of Mousehole, Cornwall, Mowzer the cat lives happily with old fisherman Tom. Their life is a happy one – until one terrible winter the Great Storm-Cat comes clawing and leaping at the harbour walls so that no boat can go out to sea to fish. Soon, with Christmas coming, there is no food left in Mousehole. It is then that Mowzer and Tom set out to brave the fury of the waves, and discover that it might just need a cat’s perspective to understand – and tame – the ferocious ways of the Great Storm-Cat sea… In a beautiful new midi gift size, and with golden foil on the cover and spine, this is an irresistible edition of a moving, stunningly illustrated tale inspired by Cornish legend. About This Edition ISBN: There is no lifeguard service at Mousehole Harbour Beach, but the water is very calm in the harbour – just watch out for fishing boats. You can also enjoy the historic harbour by taking a kayak or stand up paddleboard out. The South West Coast Path spans along the Cornish coast and it is one of the best things to do in Cornwall.