Fowey Bucket List

The riverside town of Fowey, famous for its fascinating architecture and bustling quay, lies on Cornwall’s captivating east coast.

Home to an enticing list of Toad Hall holiday cottages, this picturesque parish continues to capture the hearts of all those who visit, which is why so many of our guests return year-on-year. If you’ve booked a holiday cottage in Fowey and you’d like to know more about what’s on offer in the town, this blog is a good place to start.

From coastal walks and boat tours to displays and exhibitions, our list of things to see and do in Fowey is certain to whet your appetite.

14 Things to do in Fowey

Readymoney Cove Beach

This popular sandy beach sits at the mouth of the estuary. Sheltered by cliffs, it’s a lovely, safe spot for families to laze in the sand and swim in the sea. There’s a boat-free area and swimming platform, plus there are plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. Readymoney Cove is only a 20 minute walk from the town centre, but there’s a handy seasonal beach shop on hand for ice creams and cold drinks.

St Catherine’s Castle

Perched on the headland above Readymoney Cove, St Catherine’s Castle was part of Henry VIII’s coastal defences, a show of force against Catholic Europe. During centuries gone by, this artillery fort helped guard the Fowey Estuary against marauders and was placed back into service during the Second World War. Today, it serves as a fine example of changing military architecture as well as boasting unrivalled views of Fowey harbour from its terraces. Only a short deviation from the South West Coast Path, the castle provides a welcome detour for walkers.

Fowey Aquarium

Home to an array of sea creatures, many of which inhabit the local shores, Fowey Aquarium is one of the town’s leading ‘all-weather’ attractions. What better way to learn about the Cornish coast’s incredible marine life than by exploring the sea water tanks and touch pool. This family-friendly venue continues to attract glowing reviews and can easily be squeezed into a morning or afternoon. Perfect for those wet days.

Polruan Ferry

The working Polruan Ferry is a regular sight on this idyllic waterway, operating to and from Fowey Town Quay, Whitehouse Pier and Polruan Quay. This busy boating company runs trips all year round, a fleet of four passenger ferries able to cater for small parties and large groups.  Hop aboard and spend an afternoon exploring Polruan’s pretty tangle of steep streets and stop for lunch at the Lugger Inn. If your stay in Fowey coincides with a special occasion – perhaps a landmark birthday, wedding day or anniversary – a private river cruise could be just the ticket.

Canoe Trips & Kayak Hire

Chart the gentle River Fowey and discover its secret inlets and creeks with a little help from Encounter Cornwall. A Cornwall Tourism Award winner, this Golant based outdoor adventure company offers guided paddle tours and kayak hire for all those keen to explore the stunning estuary. Expect to see some exciting wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants, and maybe even seals and dolphins. A wonderful family activity that will comfortably fill a morning or afternoon with some fun and adventure.

Fowey River Trips & Sea Cruises

Explore the enchanting Fowey River and sparkling estuary waters with Fowey River Trips & Sea Cruises, a well-established and experienced cruising company. The harbour tour passes Daphne du Maurier’s former residence on its way to Wiseman’s Reach, accompanied by local tales and pearls of wisdom from the local skipper. Longer trips include a tranquil river run to the timeless village of Lostwithiel, or a leisurely ‘chug’ up Lerryn Creek, believed to be the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s classic story, The Wind in the Willows. The boat will moor up at Lerryn village where you’ll be able to enjoy a cream tea on the green or a quiet pint at the waterside pub. Both trips are dependent on the tides. Dogs are welcome and can travel for free.

Fowey Boat Hire

If you like the idea of skippering your own vessel, ‘Self Drive Steve’ at Fowey Boat Hire is the man you need to see. Steve operates from his blue hut on the Town Quay and his prices include fuel and safety equipment. His fleet of Cat 400s are ideal for novices and can seat up to seven people. You can hire a boat for half an hour or for an entire week, he’ll even show you the ropes if you’re a bit nervous about getting behind the wheel. Explore the wends of the river or venture toward the big blue sea, the choice is yours.

Fowey ‘Hall Walk’

Fowey is surrounded by exhilarating tracks and trails, and is an ideal destination for all those seeking to explore the world-famous South West Coast Path. A much-loved local stroll is the ‘Hall Walk’ which combines sun-dappled woodland paths and stunning estuary views. This circular route includes a ferry trip across the sparkling harbour and will take approximately two-and- a-half-hours from start to finish. A great way to work up an appetite. Don’t forget your camera!

Fowey Town Tours

Take in the sights and sounds of Fowey when you hitch a ride with Fowey Town Tours. Visit the town’s history-steeped backstreets and have your imaginations captured by some of Fowey’s most engrossing stories involving marauding pirates, musket-bearing invaders, buccaneering seafarers, and even giant pandas! Fowey’s medieval and Celtic past make it rich in heritage and culture. A Fowey Town Tour is a cgreat way to get acquainted with this characterful town.

Daphne Du Maurier Literary Centre

Literary enthusiasts will be enthralled by this popular exhibition dedicated to the life and works of celebrated author Daphne du Maurier. Her connections to Fowey date back to the 1920s and her family home in the neighbouring fishing village of Bodinnick. This beguiling corner of east Cornwall has been the inspiration for many authors over the years and the centre also showcases some of Du Maurier’s contemporaries.

Fowey Museum

Located in the Town Hall on Trafalgar Square (one of Fowey’s oldest buildings), Fowey Museum is full of artifacts and relics from the community’s colourful past. This small venue offers an insight into Fowey’s riveting medieval and maritime history, as well as local art and literature. Amongst its many treasures is the cape worn by Garibaldi during his military campaign. A visit to the museum is a great way to understand the heritage and culture that helped shape this seafaring parish. You’ll be amazed at what’s been packed into just one room!

Fowey Parish Church

Appreciators of medieval history and architecture will enjoy a visit to the town’s church. This attractive Norman structure has endured a turbulent past, having twice been rebuilt; first in 1328 after it was destroyed by pirates, and again during the 15th Century following revenge attacks from French troops. The centuries that followed saw the church undergo major renovations, including work on the tower which is reckoned to be the second highest in the county and houses six bells and a chiming clock. The intricate workmanship behind the stone arches and octagonal piers is greatly admired.

Fowey Valley Cider

Nestled into the vale of Golant, a pretty village just outside of town, are the apple orchards of Fowey Valley Cider. This flourishing independent cidery offers courses and tours for all those keen to learn more about some of the ancient traditions behind Cornish cider making. A bottle of Fowey Valley Cider is three years in the making, from picking, milling and pressing to fermenting and bottling, you’ll be amazed at the delicacy and detail behind the process. Once you’ve finished learning about the sweet science of apple brewing, you’ll be able to concoct a flagon of cider of your own to take home. While the magic of fermentation ensues, you’ll be able to draw upon your newfound knowledge to make it fizzy, clear, cloudy, sweet, dry, strong and scrumpy or fine.

The Bird Lady of Fowey

A trip to the Owl Field on Lescrow Farm, on the scenic outskirts of Fowey, is a must for all wildlife lovers. Here, you’ll meet The Bird Lady of Fowey and her menagerie of owls and flacons. It’s a rare opportunity to get up close to these majestic creatures and learn all about their incredible flying, hunting and sensory skills. You can also experience handling them under their keeper’s watchful eye. A truly unique experience in a beautiful outdoors setting.

Take a look at our growing list of holiday cottages in East Cornwall, from handsome town houses and beachside apartments to characterful fisherman’s cottages and historic farmhouses.