Paul is situated approximately one mile by road above the picturesque fishing town of Mousehole. The village is dominated by the grandiose Paul's Church of St. Pol De Leon. A Welsh missionary, St. Paul Aurelian, founded the church in the fifth century. Most of the church of today is circa fifteenth century, although Norman foundations are documented. The church was very badly damaged by fire in 1595 during the course of an attack on Mousehole, Paul, Newlyn and Penzance by the Spanish who landed by boat. Burn marks from the fire can still be seen on the masonry work within the church building itself.
The church exhibits a number of fine features that are certainly worth a visit.
The fine granite stonework of the village cottages is the same as that of the church. On the northern side of the churchyard is Hutchens House, a restored almshouse dating back to the early eighteenth century. The King's Arms Public House is a popular traditional Cornish pub with bed and breakfast facilities that dates from the eighteenth century.
All around the West Cornwall coastline, the sea is fresh, clean and clear and its beaches regularly receive accolades for their facilities and cleanliness. Most of the beaches are idyllic for families with children, with wide-open sand gently sloping into the water, and lifeguards patrol most of these popular beaches during the summer. For water sport enthusiasts, there are excellent facilities for both surfing and windsurfing, while sailing is very popular in Mounts Bay with many championship events being held for a wide variety of boat classes. There's something for everyone in Cornwall for the holidaymaker or day-trip visitor. The village of Paul, Penzance beckons you!