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Sheltered in its cliff inlet Polperro is a picturesque jumble of fishermen's cottages. Winding through the traffic-free streets to the small harbour
are the paths where barrows of fish were once carted and, under cover of night, brandy casks and tobacco bales were carried to the eager recipients. This peaceful fishing cove was once a thriving centre for the area's
smuggling. Wagon loads of contraband left here, some heading across Bodmin Moor en route to London. The "Freetraders" have long since sailed into folk history and the shining shoals of pilchards have gone, but
a visit to the smuggling museum brings this rich heritage back to life. Today, in cellars where artful smugglers once dodged the Customs Men's muskets, you can see displays of local crafts and fishermen's smocks, or you
can dine in style at some of Polperro's excellent restaurants. |
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Sailing into Polperro from the sea is a wonderful experience. Fishing trips or pure pleasure cruises are easy to arrange from the
quayside. Or take the cliff path to explore the secluded smuggling coves of Talland and Lantivet Bay, with its protected inner harbour full of colourful boats. Polperro is still a working fishing village,
although tourism provides the main source of income. Attractions include a Museum of Smuggling and a Model Village. |
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One of the most popular places in Cornwall, the village of Polperro is one of the prettiest. Packed tightly into a steep valley on either side of the
River Pol, the quaint colour-washed cottages and twisting streets offer surprises at every turn: the Saxon and Roman bridges, the famous House on Props, the old Watch House, the Fish Quay, and the 16th century house
where Dr. Jonathan Couch lived, naturalist and grandfather of the celebrated writer Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, who lived in Fowey.The picturesque village of Polperro is famous throughout the world, and a must for
visitors. Last year the village organised its own Arts Festival and it was such a success that it is being held again this year with an extended programme over a week. Polperro, being one of the most beautiful villages
in the country has always been a draw for artists, so art exhibitions featuring work by local painters, as well as local scenes by visiting artists will be mounted in galleries, pubs, restaurants and other venues
throughout the village. |
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The coastline here is part of the 80 mile South Cornwall Heritage Coast, and from Polperro beautiful walks extend to Talland in the east
or Lansallos in the west, both with beaches and interesting churches. These and other secluded coves have, over the centuries, provided ample opportunities for smuggling. |
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Between Polperro and Lantivet there is a three and half mile stretch of coastline, with superb views, full of tiny coves and inlets, little beaches
and caves. You can walk the coastal footpath if you have the energy, or reach some of the beaches down narrow lanes. They include Lansallos, which is reached by walking through a pleasant woodland path from the village
above (there is a National Trust car park). There are other small coves, many accessible only down steep paths, unsuitable for young children and the elderly. |
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