Newlyn in Cornwall

Lat 50.1030Β° N, lon 5.5430Β° W●Cornish village

NewlynPenzance

Newlyn is a seaside town and fishing port on the shore of Mount's Bay in west Cornwall.

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Newlyn at a glance

Newlyn: a working fishing port on Mount's Bay with harbourside pubs and a famous art gallery

Newlyn is a seaside town and fishing port on the shore of Mount's Bay in west Cornwall. It lies just south of Penzance on the B3315, the road to Land's End, and is part of Penzance parish. Mousehole and Paul are a short way to the south.

Fishing is still the main industry, and Newlyn is described as the largest fishing port in England by tonnage. The first harbour commissioners were elected in 1884 and the North Pier opened in 1894. Fish markets were built in 1908 and 1988. Yachts and pleasure boats share the harbour with the fishing fleet.

In 1915 the Ordnance Survey set up a tidal observatory in the harbour. Its readings gave Ordnance Datum Newlyn, the mean sea level that heights across Great Britain are still measured from. A plaque on the Old Quay says the Mayflower stopped here for fresh water in 1620.

Artists settled in Newlyn from the 1880s and became known as the Newlyn School, including Stanhope Forbes and Norman Garstin. Newlyn Art Gallery opened in 1895, paid for by John Passmore Edwards, and shows mainly paintings and drawings. Its sister venue, The Exchange, is in Penzance, and Penlee House in Penzance holds the largest collection of Newlyn School work.

The town has several old pubs close to the harbour. The Tolcarne Inn is known for local fish, and the Swordfish Inn faces the fish market. The Newlyn fish festival brings live music, cooking demonstrations and local produce to the harbour.

Planning questions

Frequently asked questions about Newlyn

Where is the Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn?

The Tolcarne Inn is at Tolcarne, Newlyn, TR18 5PR, beside the sea wall near the fishing harbour. It is a 300 year old inn with beams and a wood burning stove. The menu centres on fish and shellfish, much of it landed in Newlyn, and it is listed in the Michelin Guide. It is closed on Mondays.

Where is the Swordfish Inn in Newlyn?

The Swordfish Inn is on The Strand, Newlyn, TR18 5HN, opposite the fish market. It has one long bar, a lounge and four double en suite rooms. There is live music on most Fridays, and dogs are welcome.

Is the Red Lion in Newlyn open?

The Red Lion is on Fore Street, Newlyn, a pub of about 300 years with views over the harbour and Mount's Bay. CAMRA currently lists it as closed long term while new tenants are sought. Check locally before you visit.

What pubs are there in Newlyn?

Newlyn's best known pubs sit close to the harbour. The Tolcarne Inn is known for seafood, and the Swordfish Inn on The Strand faces the fish market and has rooms. Both are listed as dog friendly by CAMRA.

Can you visit Newlyn harbour?

Yes. Newlyn is a working fishing port, and yachts and pleasure boats share the harbour with the fishing fleet. A plaque on the Old Quay marks the Mayflower's reported stop in 1620. The harbour is also home to the tide gauge behind Ordnance Datum Newlyn.

Where is Newlyn Art Gallery?

Newlyn Art Gallery is in Newlyn, on the bus route from Penzance, with its own bus stop. It opened in 1895 and shows mainly paintings and drawings. Its second venue, The Exchange, is in a former telephone exchange in Penzance.

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