The historic Cornish village of Porthleven is the UK mainland’s most southerly working port and is just waiting to be found and enjoyed by new visitors.
After the wreck of HMS Anson on Loe Bar during a ferocious December 29th 1807 the harbour was constructed. A hero on that day, a man by the name of Tobias Roberts, swam through violent dangerous seas out to the Anson. They created a lifeline for those on board by Tobias tying a rope around his-self, enabling him to create a link between ship and shore. Over one hundred including the ship’s Captain Lydiard perished, even though he successfully reached the ship.
Appalled by the loss of life, Tobias Roberts knew that a harbour of safe refuge was urgently needed. Being a man of determination he won the battle and Porthleven Harbour was constructed and then improved at a later date. Once a hive of commercial activity including imports and exports, boat building and fishing, trade declined leaving Porthleven harbour supporting a reduced number of commercial boats, pleasure craft and sports.
Today, the harbour still plays a major role attracting visitors from all over the world. During the early 1990′s whilst serving on the local council, it became obvious that Porthleven’s economic future would become more and more reliant on attracting visitors. With this in mind the village’s first commercial website was introduced which is attracting visitors from around the globe.
During the early 1990′s whilst serving on the local council, it became obvious that Porthleven’s economic future would become more dependent on the holiday trade. With this in mind the village’s first commercial website was established and this continues to attract visitors from around the globe. In addition tourist signs were introduced and we publicised the village in a variety of ways including the Discover Porthleven leaflet now produced annually.
Porthleven has a number of quality self catering cottages, B&B and hotels situated around the harbour, above the beach and within the village. Many accommodate commanding views of the bay, the harbour or surrounding countryside. The village also has a small drop in caravan and camp site. Porthleven has three Inns, the oldest being the Ship Inn. In these you will discover good food, good ale and friendly locals. According to local legend and the BBC the Ship has a few resident ghosts.
There is a great variety of places to eat in Porthleven with restaurants such as the Blue Haze Restaurant, a recent asset to the village, quickly building a great reputation with both locals and visitors alike. Kota Restaurant and B&B is located on the harbour head and produces a well presented and varied menu. Both restaurants have chefs who have a great passion for cooking with locally sourced food. There are also two fish and chip shops and a Chinese takeaway.
{ 0 comments… add one now }