Holidays in the historic fishing village of Porthleven Cornwall
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 life, Tobias Roberts battled with Admiralty and locals alike to ensure there was a harbour of safe refuge to avoid such an incident in the future.. Being a man of determination Porthleven Harbour was constructed and then improved at a later date. It took two acts of Parliament before the harbour became what it is today, home to a much reduce number of fishermen, no commercial traffic of any size and small number of pleasure craft.
However, the harbour still plays a major role attracting visitors from all over the world. Of course the village received the attention of the media when it was hit by a hurricane in December 1989. Television coverage was worldwide, showing the destructive storm with its monster waves spraying seaweed and shingle over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven’s clock tower, part of the Institute Buildings. Over the years village has attracted film and television programme makers helping to promote Porthleven’s natural unspoilt attraction.
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.
Television coverage was worldwide, showing the devastating storm with spray from monster waves reaching heights over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven’s land mark, the clock tower forming part of the Institute Buildings. The village has attracted film and television programme makers all helping to advertise Porthleven’s natural unspoilt attraction.
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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