I can’t resist going to Mousehole whenever I’m near. I’ve been to the Cornish fishing village on numerous occasions. Stayed there for a weekend with Mr Word Loft, and holidayed there for a week in an adorable stone cottage when our son and daughter were young. And the Christmas lights are amazing; the most magical ever.
Interestingly, Mousehole is pronounced Mow-zel.
It hadn’t lost any of its charm and was full of happy memories when I was there recently. The first stop was The Mousehole Gift Shop, which is a lot larger inside than it appears from the outside. After making purchases, I was eager to walk my personal ‘Mousehole Cat’ literary trail around the harbour.
Antonia Barber based her children’s book on a Cornish legend about old fisherman Tom and his black and white cat, Mowser, who rescued villagers from the great storm cat. I love to go in search of buildings and nooks illustrated by Nicola Bayley. For example, Tom’s cottage is still painted white with blue window frames and front door that are depicted within the pages. I’m looking forward to introducing the story to my grandson over the Easter holidays, especially since he has a kitty-cat remarkably like Mowser.
Susan Sallis is another author who set some of her novels in Cornwall and referred to a village called Keyhole, pronounced Key-all in one of them. I read the book years ago. Engrossed in the narrative, I recognised settings around Mousehole. I’ve enjoyed many of the writer’s stories, but I think the one I’m talking about is called ‘Daughters of the Moon’.
Galleries and more shops needed browsing along the narrow cobbled lanes, with a mixture of palms and country garden flowers on steps and bijou gardens.
It’s a strange season to buy a Christmas tree ornament, but a cute cat popping out of a Christmas stocking meowed out to be bought. It will be a fond reminder of Mousehole when the decorations go up in December.
With it safely tucked in my pocket, we wandered down to the tiny haven of a beach. Saltiness blew in the wind, and a kite soared into the sky. A family flew it skilfully, laughing with excitement as it fluttered higher. It reminded us of the fun we had on our holiday when our two had sailed along the same shoreline in an inflatable dingy.
It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.
Until next time,
Sue. X
Mousehole truly does feel like it’s stepped out of a storybook—your mention of the ‘Mousehole Cat’ trail brought back memories of reading that book with my kids. It’s lovely how certain places hold layers of meaning across time, from family holidays to quiet solo visits. Thanks for sharing such a warm, personal glimpse into a place that clearly holds your heart.
Good morning. It’s good to hear from you; I’m pleased you enjoyed reading my Mousehole blog post. It was a joy writing it – I could have written so much more. I’m already planning another visit there again soon. Best wishes, Sue.