A picturesque coastal village has been crowned the 'loveliest village in England ' and is being touted as a must-see for travellers.

Situated roughly 2.5 miles south of Penzance on the western shore of Mount's Bay, this fishing village boasts a modest population of around 544 residents, according to the 2021 census.

Mousehole, pronounced 'Mowzel', takes its name from the Cornish term 'Moeshayle', meaning 'young woman's brook'. However, some speculate that the name simply derives from the village's original harbour resembling a mousehole.

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Nestled within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - affording it the same protection and status as a National Park - Mousehole served as a humble fishing village from the 14th to the 20th centuries. Indeed, the rocks between the Newlyn and Mousehole harbours remain a prime spot for Conger fishing.

Famed Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas described Mousehole as 'the loveliest village in England' back in 1930, and it seems little has changed in this charming Cornish hamlet since it received this prestigious accolade. It's thought that Mousehole even inspired Thomas' radio drama Under Milk Wood. Notably, acclaimed Canadian author Charles de Lint has set several of his popular novels in the village, reports Cornwall Live.

The last native speaker of the Cornish language, who was fluent in it, is believed to have been born and raised in Mousehole during the 18th Century. Her name was Dolly Pentreath, and she is widely recognised as the last recorded speaker of the Cornish language according to official records. It's reported that a memorial to her exists within the village.

Mousehole, a small village, has a history punctuated by significant tragedies. In 1595, the Spanish, led by Carlos de Amequista, launched an attack on Mount's Bay, resulting in the near-total obliteration of the village as it was almost entirely razed.

Another catastrophic event took place on 19 December 1981, when the Penlee lifeboat disaster occurred off the coast of Cornwall. The lifeboat Solomon Browne, attempting a rescue in hurricane-force winds, was lost along with its eight-man crew.

Both vessels involved in the incident were lost, and the death toll reached 16. Every year, the village turns off its Christmas lights on December 19 in remembrance as a mark of respect.

Upon arrival in Mousehole, visitors are greeted by a peaceful bay, complete with a quaint harbour, serene beach, and rows of traditional stone cottages. Many of these dwellings feature thatched roofs and granite exteriors, enhancing the idyllic charm of the village.

The streets are adorned with whitewashed houses and vibrant flowers, all adding to the captivating appeal of Mousehole. The village's narrow, cobbled lanes are brimming with delightful shops, art galleries, and restaurants, all meandering away from the harbour.

The crystal-clear waters are perfect for a swim. Mousehole also boasts a small beach with a mix of sand and shingle, which is safe for bathing and particularly favoured by families, paddleboarders and kayakers.

There's a wealth of lovely walks, boat tours, dining spots and pubs, as well as other water-based activities like surfing to enjoy on Mousehole beach.