- Take in the stunning views from the promenade
- Enjoy a meal at one of the award winning pubs and restaurants
- Go on one of the many walking routes to enjoy the breath taking scenery
A quaint town nestled on the South Cornwall coast, Fowey is a charming corner of the county. With a busy working harbour littered with pretty sailing boats and yachts, some of the finest views and scenery the region has to offer, as well as award winning restaurant and pubs owned by top celebrity chefs, Fowey makes for a perfect place to spend a relaxing few days.
A vital historical port with a past littered with famous names, from Daphne Du Maurier to Sir Francis Drake, exploring the history of the town is fascinating. A great base for exploring South Cornwall, Fowey boasts excellent transport links, making trips to the Eden Project, China Clay Country Park and the nearby towns of St. Austell, Lostwithiel, Looe and Par effortless.
Food and Drink
Fowey is packed with culinary options, from cosy pubs to top local restaurants owned by celebrity chefs. If it’s fine dining that you’re looking for, the Old Quay House is an award winning restaurant that is listed in the Good Food Guide. A menu with British, Italian and French influences is sure to enchant all who dine there. Nathan Outlaws restaurant offers a fantastic a la carte menu packed with locally sourced seafood, while The Other Place is listed as one of Rick Steins ‘Top 5 in Cornwall’ and offers a fine selection of local crab, oysters, squid and muscles.
But if you prefer a cosy tavern for some real ale, look no further than The Ship Inn, one of the oldest buildings in Fowey, offering a fine selection of pub grub. Another option is the King of Prussia, a flagship St. Austell breweries Inn, with a friendly atmosphere and great selection of seafood, while the Galleon Inn comes complete with riverside location and a sun drenched patio, perfect for lazy summer afternoons.
Family Attractions
Fowey boasts a number of options to keep the family entertained. The town itself plays host to a Museum and Aquarium, which make for a fascinating day exploring the towns past and harbour. A short drive will take you to the Eden Project, with its huge biomes filled with exotic plant life. Nearby St. Austell also houses the China Clay Country Park, where you can learn how China Clay helped to literally shape Cornwall, The Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre, packed with ancient tales and interesting exhibits, and a tour of St. Austell Breweries, complete with samples!
The Monkey Sanctuary at Looe and Porfell Animal Land at Liskeard are both full of fascinating creatures to captivate the kids.
Shopping
With a varied selection of shops and boutiques, Fowey is an interesting place to shop. The main streets of the town are littered gift shops, boutiques and antiques stores, it gives the place a very quaint, classic feel. Fish mongers and bakers make self-catering easier, while a short trip to St. Austell will bring you to supermarkets and a new shopping centre, should you require larger high street stores during your stay. For the most part, though, Fowey town will have everything you need during your stay. Fudge shops and coffee houses offer the perfect place to refuel after a busy day spent sightseeing.
History and Heritage
Fowey was, and still is, a major port of Cornwall. Crucial to the launch of galleons and warships for critical battles of history, including ships setting sale for the Calais Blockade, and Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh both setting sail from the port. It was also crucial in the expansion of the China Clay industry, exporting to all corners of the globe, and today still exports 1.2 million tonnes of China Clay across the globe. The architecture of the area is also heavily influenced by history, with blockhouses still on the quay, initially intended to prevent unwelcome ships from entering the harbour, and St. Catharine’s Point is a lighthouse and fort from Tudor times, designed to defend the harbour entrance.
Activities
Walking enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Fowey, with a number of routes including the popular Hall Walk around the estuary, the coastal path and Saints Way, a route from Padstow to Fowey, as well as guided tours of the town during the summer months. Keen golfers will have to travel a little way to St. Austell to be greeted with a choice of three courses, all offering 18 holes and some beautiful scenery. Fishing charters leave regularly from the harbour, while river fishing is available by permit, if you fancy catching your own supper.
Events and Entertainment
A May visit will coincide with the annual Daphne Du Maurier Festival, which is a grand celebration of her work and includes guided walks, readings and coach tours. The summer Lifeboat Week is a celebration of the intrepid lifesavers, and boasts a host of fundraising events, including a spectacular helicopter exercise.
Regatta week in August is one of the most important sail meetings in the region, and the week benefits from a beautiful fireworks display, a carnival and numerous races, all making for a fantastic seafaring event.
The Christmas Market plays host to over 70 stalls packed with innovative crafts and produce for some Christmas gift inspiration. For the latest releases, head to the White River Cinema in St. Austell, while the Eden Project often hosts a number of themed events.
Beaches
Fowey boast three excellent beaches in and around the town. Polridmouth Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand, gently sloping and perfect for families. Dogs are allowed all year round, so you can bring your canine companion along too. Readymoney Cove is a traditional English beach, with a swimming platform, a large expanse of sand, perfect for strolling along with ice-cream in hand.
Whitehouse is perfect for children to play on, with its shelves of sand and large rocks. It even comes complete with its own paddling pool, ideal for first time swimmers.
Travel
Driving to Fowey is relatively straightforward; simply follow the A390 off the M5 and the route to Fowey is well signposted. By rail, Par or St. Austell are the nearest stations, with the 25 bus taking you the rest of the way. Cornish public transport is affordable and reliable, with regular services taking you around the county. The nearest airport is Newquay, which is roughly 30 miles away from Fowey, and a bus service will take you to Fowey.