Polperro

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Polperro Harbour

Polperro, with its famous picturesque fishing harbour is magnificently situated within a steep sided valley which meets the sea on the south east coast of Cornwall.

Polperro in History

Renowned for its association with smuggling, shipwrecks and fishing, Polperro has a fascinating history stretching back over centuries. The village was already well established by the early 14th century.

Pilchards would have been the mainstay of the fishing industry in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, the harbour is still a bustling place with its fishing boats continuing to ply their trade. Tiny narrow winding streets and alleyways lead to the harbour, some barely 1.5 metres wide.

Famous People born in Polperro

Jonathan Couch, Doctor and Author, was born at Polperro in 1789. He spent his life here and published the History of Fishes of the British Isles in 1865. Couch's History of Polperro was found in manuscript form and published after his death by his son, Thomas Quiller Couch.

Every June Polperro holds a festival which lasts for around nine days. For details see Events link.

Film and TV in Polperro

Several films have used Polperro as a filming location.

Another Time, Another Place (1958)
Behemoth, the Sea Monster (1959)
Break in the Circle (1955)
Doomwatch (1988)
The Hour of Living
The Manxman (1929)
Miranda (1948)
Scenes in the Cornish Riviera (1904)

Where to Stay in Polperro

One of the many famous and interesting buildings in the village is the 19th century cottage now known as The Shell House, which is much photographed. The shells covering the house were collected from around the world by Mr S Puckey a retired sailor who began his shell decorating in 1937.

General Information

Polperro has good local facilities and a wide range of holiday accommodation available. A large car park is available.

Polperro Harbour for boat owners and visiting yachtsmen

The Polperro Harbour Trustees, The Mawdsley Rooms, The Warren, Polperro, Cornwall
Tel: +44 (0)1503 272423

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Location:
Located in South East Cornwall between Fowey and Looe. Easily accessed by road and well signposted.

Road directions to Polperro

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Polperro

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