Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Holidays in the historic fishing village of Porthleven Cornwall

By Mike Carter

The historic Cornish village of Porthleven is the most southerly working port on the UK's mainland. It is just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by new visitors. The harbour was constructed after the wreck of HMS Anson on Loe Bar during a ferocious December 29th 1807. Tobias Roberts, a hero of the day, swam through violent dangerous seas out to the Anson. A rope was tied around Tobias enabling him to create a link between ship and shore, a lifeline for those on board. Although he successfully reached the ship, over one hundred including the ship's Captain Lydiard perished.

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.

Today, the harbour still plays a major role attracting visitors from all over the world. During the early 1990's whilst serving on the local council, it became obvious that Porthleven's economic future would become more and more reliant on attracting visitors. With this in mind the village's first commercial website was introduced which is attracting visitors from around the globe.

Whilst serving on the local council in the early 1990's it became clear that the economic future of Porthleven would become more dependent on holiday trade. Following this idea, Porthleven's first commercial website was established which continues to attract visitors from around the world. The annual Discover Porthleven leaflet was produced to help publicise the village in addition to tourists signs being introduced.

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 are a variety of places to eat such as The Blue Haze Restaurant a recent asset to the village and quickly building an excellent reputation with both locals and visitors alike. Kota Restaurant and B&B located on the harbour head produces a well presented and varied menu. Both restaurants have chefs with a passion for cooking local sourced food. In addition there are two fish and chip shops, a Chinese take-away. Real Cornish Pasties from the Horse and Jockey Bakery (we believe these are the best in Cornwall) and then there is Nauti but Ice where visitors can sit and watch the fishing boats whilst consuming a variety of ice creams and other mouth watering treats.

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