Mousehole, pronounced 'mowzel', aptly named,it is believed after the mouselike sized harbour entrance, which offers protection to the harbour from stormy weather. Or is it named after the fact that a few hundred yards along the coast from the village lies a huge cave which - so some people say - gives rise to the name of the village?

St Clement's Isle can be seen from the harbour, a small rocky islet once the home to an ancient hermit!

Mousehole developed around its harbour (and of course the fishing fleet that sustained it) appearing in the record books as an important fishing port from as early as 1266, in fact, part of the south quay originates from 1390 - possibly the oldest pier in Cornwall. The fishing industry has declined drastically over the last 100 years, but a few fishing boats maintain the long heritage and tradition of a working harbour, whilst the majority of vessels now lying at anchor are pleasure craft.