Click here for the latest information on Mount's Bay
Mounts Bay has been officially acclaimed as one of the 'Most Beautiful Bays in the World'. It is praise that is richly deserved by this vast stretch of glittering water and its spectacular coastline that runs in a great arc from Land's End to Lizard Point. At the heart of the inner bay lies the magnificent St. Michael's Mount, a rocky island crowned by a romantic castle with a vibrant history.
On the shores of Mount's Bay lies the ancient sea port of Penzance with its neighbouring communities of Marazion, Newlyn and Mousehole, each one rich in Cornish tradition and colour.
Newlyn is the heart of the Cornish fishing industry, a busy modern port that is still the most successful in England. Newlyn supports over one hundred families and fifty boats of all types that supply its lively market with a variety of fish.
Beyond the historic quays and the colourful bustle of the harbour lie narrow cobbled lanes and surviving fragments of the historic fishing village that inspired the Victorian Newlyn 'School' of painting. A fascinating glimpse can be had at the Pilchard Works in Newlyn Coombe and at the fishing exhibition at Newlyn's Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen building at the entrance to North Quay.
Newlyn's artistic tradition is maintained by the Newlyn Art Gallery which stages national and international contemporary exhibitions and which displays general work of accomplished local artists.
At Penlee House Art Gallery and Museum in Penzance there is a fine collection of Newlyn School paintings.
The village of Mousehole, (pronounced 'Mowzel'), lies on the western edge of inner Mount's Bay, a mile or so from Newlyn. Here, in this enchanting little port, terraces of old cottages rise in tiers from a small, granite-walled harbour. There are many craft shops and art galleries in Mousehole and the village has lively pubs and fine restaurants. The famous Mousehole Bird Hospital cares for injured and oil damaged birds.
On the high ground above Mousehole is the village of Paul which is reached by a steep lane from Mousehole. Paul's handsome church of St. Pol de Leon dominates the surrounding countryside and the village retains many of its old buildings including the popular King's Arms Inn.
Marazion retains its strong traditions as an ancient market town and maintains its historic connections with the nearby St. Michael's Mount. The name Marazion derives from the Cornish Marghas Byhgan, meaning 'small market, an indication of Marazion's origins as the trading centre of the Mount's Bay district. The town's fascinating past is brought to life at a local museum situated at the town hall. Marazion is noted for its antique shops and art and craft galleries and for its traditional pubs and restaurants.
Marazion Beach is one of the safest in West Cornwall and the waters offshore, with their stunning backdrop of St. Michael's Mount, are the venue for international, national and regional championships for both sailing and windsurfing. Behind the beach lies the extensive Marazion Marsh Nature Reserve.
Mount's Bay and St. Ives Bay have been elected to 'The Most Beautiful Bays in the World' club. The prestigious world-wide association currently has 28 bays in membership and Mount's and St. Ives Bays are the only Bays (at the time of writing) in England to qualify.
Along with others, Mount's and St. Ives Bays are now promoted in appropriate literature listed along with Cape Cod and San Francisco Bay in the USA; Paria Bay, Venezuela and Santorin Bay in Greece.