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All you need to know
The waterside town of Fowey really is a fantastic base for an escape to Cornwall, with plenty to see and do, plus a great choice of places to eat.
Fowey (pronounced “Foy”) is an inviting waterside town steeped in history. It stretches for a mile or so along the banks of the River Fowey and is a magnet for sailing enthusiasts. This vibrant place is a real joy to explore; whether you want to shop, sail, go to the beach, walk the South West Coast Path or simply watch the world go by whilst enjoying a pint.
Literary fanatics will be familiar with Fowey as it is synonymous with Daphne du Maurier. The author (famous for novels including Rebecca and Jamaica Inn) moved to the town with her family aged 20 and soon began writing short stories. A few years later, her first novel was published and she continued as a successful writer inspired by Fowey and the surrounding Cornish landscape.
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fowey enjoys fantastic views across the water to Polruan. It also has a sheltered, family friendly beach at Readymoney Cove from which you can walk to St Catherine’s Castle, which is the remains of a small fort built during Henry VIII’s reign to defend the harbour entrance.
There’s never a shortage of things to see and do in the town, with annual events such as the Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature in early May, and the Regatta in late August, both being colourful and lively events worth adding to your calendar.
A holiday cottage in Fowey really is a fantastic base for an escape to Cornwall, with plenty to see and do, plus a great choice of places to eat. And if you fancy venturing out of the town, why not take the ferry across the river to Bodinnick and drive on to the idyllic fishing village of Polperro, or the family and dog-friendly beaches at Talland Bay.
At the Mechanical and Design Museum, affectionately known as MAD, you’ll find two floors full of quirky machines to delight all ages, a paradise for budding inventors and inquisitive minds.
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Fowey is a delightful, historic town in Cornwall and its aquarium is a chance to glimpse marine life from the Cornish coast up close. Small but perfectly formed, the aquarium is brimming with opportunities to learn, playing host to a wide range of fish from the tiny gobies and shannies from the shallows, up to conger eels which inhabit deep wrecks. First established in 1952, the aquarium still retains many of the original tanks. Fresh sea water is pumped in daily at high tide and the filtration is minimal, while the majority of fish are obtained locally from fishermen and anglers. A joy for children and adults, opening times vary so check the website before you visit, and prices start at £4 for adults and £2.50 for children.
allow yourselves at least 10 minutes to ensure you see it all !
October 2021
What a cute little place this is! When the children were younger we stayed in Fowey every year, and the first thing they always wanted to do was visit the aquarium. It has a small touch pond as well. But - it is TINY - literally in one large room. So as long as you understand it is what it is, you won't be disappointed. A nice way to spend 30 mins when in Fowey but don't go just for this.
September 2017
What could be better than a day out on the water during your holiday in Fowey. Offering a range of trips taking in the beautiful Fowey Harbour and beyond with experienced skipper John Barker. Family and dog friendly.
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Explore beautiful Fowey Harbour, visit Polruan, explore unspoilt creeks and backwaters and lots more by hiring a self-drive motorboat from Fowey Boat Hire. Tuition, safety gear and fuel provided. Call Steve on 07989 991115
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Enjoy exhilarating rib rides and fascinating bird and wildlife trips along the magnificent South Cornish coast with Cornwall Seafari.
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Enjoy freshly prepared food and drink, including breakfast, cream teas and their ‘world famous in Fowey’ crab sandwiches. Family and dog friendly.
The Lifebuoy Café, 8 Lostwithiel St, Fowey PL23 1BD (T: 07715 075869)
Get a real taste of Cornwall in this waterfront café serving excellent locally sourced food. It is family friendly and dogs are welcome on the terrace and in the restaurant in quiet periods.
The Toll Bar, 1 Lostwithiel St, Fowey PL23 1BD (T: 01726 833001)
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As the oldest pub in Fowey, The Ship Inn has been a focal point for visitors and locals alike for more than four centuries. The menu makes full use of the fresh seafood and superb produce from nearby farms. This is all washed down with Cornish ales, a fine wine selection or real coffee.
The Ship Inn, Trafalgar Square, Fowey PL23 1AZ (T: 01726 832230)
Friendly welcoming pub serving excellent food
June 2022
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Laid back and family friendly, Brown Sugar is the place to enjoy fresh coffee and delicious cakes against the backdrop of Fowey Harbour.
Brown Sugar, 2 South St, Fowey PL23 1AR (T: 01726 833382)
Excellent place for lunch or a coffee - serves the best mocha coffee we’ve ever tasted! Friendly attentive staff
June 2022
A locally renowned Cantonese and Thai restaurant. Vegetarian menu available.
Taipan, 1 Fore St, Fowey PL23 1AH (T: 01726 833899)
In the heart of Polruan, Back Beach is not short of facilities and nearby shops and restaurants. A pretty little beach that’s popular with families, it has beautiful views across the river to Fowey and is a lovely place to watch the world go by with all the boats pottering along in front of you. It’s predominantly a sand beach, leading to a sheltered section of the river, so it’s good for swimming, but there aren’t any lifeguards around. The only complication for access is that it’s very difficult to park in the village, and it’s a considerable walk down the steep hill from the car park at St Saviours, or a ferry ride across the river from Fowey. Therefore, it’s best to combine a visit with a day exploring the village itself to make the most of it.
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Between Polruan and Polperro along the coastal path, Lantivet Bay is only accessible at low tide when a sand and pebble beach is revealed. Parking is in the National Trust car park at Polruan, where there are toilets as well, but there aren’t any facilities closer to the beach itself. Dogs are allowed all year round, which is lovely as it’s the perfect beach to incorporate into a walk. The National Trust recommends a charming circular route, starting in the car park and taking in 2.4 miles of beautiful bays and surrounding landscape, and giving you the chance to explore the area with its rich smuggling heritage.
Parked in the National Trust Car Park and took the footpath towards the beach. Beautiful views.
June 2021
Popular with families, this idyllic sandy cove offers safe swimming, fantastic watersports and interesting rockpools aswell as tempting beach restaurants. If you're feeling active there are plenty of events throughout the year including beach yoga, beach cleans, sailing events, sea swim and stand up paddleboarding events and more. Hire a paddleboard, learn to sail or simply flop on the sand with a good book, the choice is yours. Plenty of parking at the main Polkerris carpark just 200yards from the beach.
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