Polperro, Cornwall

Polperro

A picturesque fishing harbour in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Polperro is a vibrant village with a wonderful sense of community, traditional pubs, restaurants, cafés, galleries and quirky shops, which welcomes visitors all year around.

Polperro’s name probably originates from the Cornish Porthpyra, meaning Pyra’s cove, and its earliest mention dates to 1303. Many of the packed fishermen’s houses, clustered along narrow lanes, retain their original features, creating the impression that time stands still. Traditionally, the main source of income for local families was fishing and much of the harbour still reflects that. Polperro’s fishing industry depended on the pilchard, most of which was exported to France and even Italy. Pilchard shoals dwindled during the 20^thcentury and Polperro’s fishermen now mostly land monkfish, pollock, sea bass and mackerel, as well as lobsters, crabs and scallops.

A significant chapter in Polperro’s history was smuggling. In the late 18^th century, high taxes on luxury goods, introduced to fund the war against America and France, gave local population an opportunity for additional income. The lanes, beaches and coves of Polperro could tell many tales of men passing in the night with their precious cargo and much of this heritage is now kept alive by Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing.

Those same beaches and coves are now protected and looked after by the National Trust as part of South Cornwall Heritage Coast. Polperro sits right on the Southwest Coast Path, which provides endless opportunities for stunning walks either in the direction of Talland Bay and Loo to the north or Lansallos, Polruan and Fowey to the south.

Because of all this natural beauty, history and welcoming atmosphere, holiday makers, walkers, artists and photographers have found Polperro simply irresistible. Returning year after year, they have renamed Polperro “their happy place”.