Mousehole Beach
Two small sandy beaches inside Mousehole's granite harbour quays, reachable at low tide, with a long pebble beach running east toward Penlee Point.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
No
Parking
Nearby
Access
Moderate (steps/path)
Swimming
Generally safe
Activities
Stay near Mousehole Beach
Closest cottage just 100m away
Set within the granite harbour of Mousehole (pronounced “Mowzle”), a fishing village close to Penzance, Mousehole Beach is made up of two small sandy patches inside the harbour quays. They can only be reached at low tide, and the quays keep the water calm, which suits families with young children.
At low tide you can walk between the two sand patches. Outside the harbour a long pebble beach runs east toward Penlee Point. There is no lifeguard cover on either beach, so take care and check tide times before you settle in.
Parking in the village is tight and the roads are narrow. Use the car parks around the harbour or on the edge of the village, or take the bus from Penzance. Visit Cornwall says dogs are allowed on the beach except between 10am and 6pm in July and August, but check the signs. The Mousehole Rock Pool, a volunteer-built tidal pool, is a short walk south, and the village lanes and pubs are close to the harbour. See the Mousehole page for more.
Make a day of it
Things to do near Mousehole Beach
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take my dog to Mousehole Beach?
- Dogs are welcome on Mousehole's beach except in July and August, when a seasonal ban applies between 10am and 6pm (Visit Cornwall). Council rules for the harbour quays and beaches have varied, so read the signs on arrival.
- Is Mousehole Beach lifeguarded?
- No, Mousehole Beach does not have RNLI lifeguard cover. Take extra care when swimming and check tide times before your visit.
- Is there parking at Mousehole Beach?
- There is no car park directly at Mousehole Beach. Several car parks sit in and around the harbour, there is free roadside parking on the road into the village (limited), and a regular bus runs from Penzance.
- Where is Mousehole Beach?
- Mousehole Beach is on the west coast of Cornwall, near Penzance.
- How do I get to Mousehole Beach?
- Set your sat nav for Penzance and follow local signs from there. The nearest car park is a short walk from the sand. Cornwall beach car parks fill early in peak season, so aim to arrive before mid-morning in summer.
- Where can I stay near Mousehole Beach?
- There are several holiday properties near Mousehole Beach, with the closest just 100 metres away. Prices start from £722 per week.
