Bessie Ellen due in Charlestown, and cameras are coming too

A historic vessel is on her way to one of Cornwall’s best-loved harbours. The only thing nobody can say yet is exactly when she’ll turn up.

Charlestown Harbour has shared the news in its very first newsletter, sent to around 800 people who signed up to hear more about visiting boats, events and everyday life on the quays.

It has been a busy first summer in Charlestown, with a new lock gate in action, boats being welcomed into the harbour and music on the quays. And the team says there’s plenty more to come as autumn arrives.

Bessie Ellen is heading for Charlestown

Bessie Ellen, a beautiful historic vessel, is due to come into the harbour soon.

There’s no confirmed arrival date yet. The harbour says it will let people know once that’s settled, hopefully with enough notice for anyone who wants to come down and watch her arrive.

“As ever with boats, the weather and tides have their say!”

Christmas markets, lights and a tractor parade

Christmas plans are taking shape, with markets planned for the first two weekends of December. They’ll sit alongside the village lights switch-on and the tractor parade, which raises funds for Little Harbour Children’s Hospice.

Expect festive stalls, lights around the harbour and something warming to drink as you wander.

The harbour is also looking for makers, artists and traders to join the markets. To register your interest, email [email protected] with a little about what you sell. Dates, timings and more details will follow as everything comes together.

Filming behind the scenes this winter

The quieter months are a busy time for the harbour team, with essential maintenance and shipwright work keeping things moving.

This winter, some of that work is expected to be captured on camera, with filming planned to follow life behind the scenes at Charlestown. The harbour says that’s all it can share for now.

Weddings and winter berths

For couples starting to plan, the harbour’s latest blog, Weddings at Charlestown: The Autumn Edit, looks at ceremonies and celebrations with the Cornish coast as the backdrop.

“There’s something about autumn at Charlestown,” it says. “Soft light across the granite, a fresh breeze coming in from St Austell Bay and the prospect of gathering somewhere warm as the afternoon draws in.”

The Round House on the Outer East Pier hosts intimate ceremonies for up to eight people, while outdoor spaces beside it or on the Outer West Wall take around 40 guests. Larger receptions can be held in marquees on the quays, and couples can bring in their own caterers, florists and even vessels, subject to approval.

Boat owners have news too. A few winter berthing spaces are still available, with discounted rates for classic vessels. Traditionally designed sailing and motor boats, wooden boats and historic workboats all count as classics.

The new folding lock gate is 10.7m wide and can take vessels up to 57m long. Every movement is managed by harbour staff and has to be booked in advance by phone.

In the meantime the harbour remains open, and autumn brings the boats, the changing light and a little sea air for anyone passing through.