Fowey
FowydhA safe harbour
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this pretty harbour town is situated on the west side of a deep estuary, where the Fowey River reaches the sea. Yachts tack back and forth across the water while gulls cry overhead.
Welcome to Fowey
Perched on the banks of a deep river, Fowey is a picturesque town overflowing with history. Dating back to medieval times, its narrow cobbled streets are now lined with Victorian and Edwardian buildings which cascade towards the waters edge.
Fowey’s natural deep-water harbour and sheltered waters established it as an important trading hub throughout the centuries for tin, copper and China clay – the latter of which is still exported from the area today.
The town sits within the South Coast - Eastern National Landscape and is bordered by farmland, rugged coastline and pretty beaches. The meandering creeks of the river wind through ancient oak woodlands, making the area perfect for exploring.
As a renowned sailing destination, Fowey remains a haven for boats of all kinds, from yachts to cruise ships. The Fowey Regatta is a highlight of the year, attracting sailors and spectators alike. The town also celebrates its rich literary connections through the Festival of Art & Literature, honouring writers like Daphne du Maurier and Rosamunde Pilcher, who were inspired by the area.
Did you know?
During the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), Fowey gained favour at Court for its support in the Siege of Calais and the Battle of Agincourt. Privateers, small privately funded warships, were granted licences to attack and capture French vessels in the Channel and Western Approaches. This highly profitable venture gave rise to the Fowey Gallants, a notorious group of privateers and pirates who made the town their base of operations.
Things to do in Fowey
Despite its small size, Fowey is brimming with character and charm, making it an ideal destination for families and visitors year-round.
Start your visit by the harbour, where you can join a short river cruise. Enjoy forty-five minutes of relaxation as you soak up the views whilst listening to a fascinating live commentary.
Next, take a stroll along Fore Street, where you’ll find a delightful mix of independent boutiques, national brands, and art galleries. Be sure to visit Jo Downs Glass Gallery, renowned for its handcrafted glassware inspired by the beauty of the Cornish coast.
Fore Street also forms part of the scenic Fowey Hall Walk, a 4-mile circular route which includes two ferries. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the area’s woodland and creeks, whilst soaking up views of the river and harbour.
For a bit of adventure, head south to Readymoney Cove, a sheltered inlet perfect for a refreshing swim. Overlooking the cove is St Catherine’s Castle, a fort built by King Henry VIII in the 1530s to defend the harbour.
After a day of exploring, indulge in Fowey's food and drink scene, where local flavours and plenty of choice await, perfect for rounding off your day in this charming coastal town.
Accommodation
Penhale Caravan & Camping Park
Small, family run park overlooking St Austell Bay and the sea. Close to sandy beaches in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Eden Project, with many scenic walks, Penhale is perfect for expl...
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The Old Quay House
The Old Quay House in Fowey on the South Cornwall coast is a whitewashed Victorian building, once a refuge for seamen now a boutique luxury hotel and a modern-day refuge from the stresses of daily lif...
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Fowey Harbour Hotel
Nestled into the west bank of the River Fowey, with picture-perfect views over Fowey’s estuary, this 37-room boutique hotel offers a quintessential seaside getaway.
See accommodationDid you know?
Fowey is home to a unique fleet of sailing dinghies known as the Fowey River Class. These beautiful wooden boats are used in competitive racing throughout the year and during Fowey’s Regatta, a tradition that dates back to the 1950s.
Kenneth Grahame — The Wind in the Willows
Further afield
Just across the river from Fowey lies Polruan, a historic maritime village with a rich shipbuilding heritage. A short ferry ride takes you to its charming maze of narrow streets, where you can visit the ancient defensive blockhouse or walk a scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking coastal views.
For a different adventure, hop on the ferry to Mevagissey, a picturesque fishing village where you can indulge in some of the county's best seafood whilst exploring its quaint harbour.
A twenty-minute drive away, the Eden Project provides a fascinating day out, with its stunning biomes that house Mediterranean and tropical plants – a perfect destination for families or a rainy day.
Alternatively, visit the Wheal Martyn Clay Works to discover Cornwall's industrial past and the fascinating history of china clay mining in the region.
Getting around
Fowey is easily accessible via local rail and bus services. The nearest train station is Par, located on the mainline to London Paddington. From there, a short bus or taxi ride will take you to Fowey. If you're driving, take the M5, then exit the A30 at Bodmin for a scenic route into town. Whilst having a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas, it's not essential for enjoying Fowey itself. For train schedules, visit Great Western Railway, and for bus routes, check out Transport for Cornwall.
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Fowey
From the M5 at Exeter, take the A38 to Plymouth and continue over the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall. Shortly after bypassing Liskeard, take the A390 towards St Austell passing through Lostwithiel. Shortly after climbing out of Lostwithiel take a turning on the left signposted to Fowey.
There is a large carpark off Hanson Drive above the town (a town bus takes people back and forth from the centre) or another at Caffa Mill by the Bodinnick Ferry. There is also a car park on the way out to Readymoney Cove for people visiting the south end of the town.
The National Express London to Penzance coach stops in St Austell (2022) from where there are bus services into Fowey.
Fowey is served by buses from Newquay and Mevagissey, both go through St Austell.
A bus also runs to Polruan from Looe, allowing you to access Fowey via a ferry.
Although a railway line still runs from Lostwithiel to Fowey, it is only for goods to the docks.
The nearest train station for passengers is Par from where busses head to and from Fowey.
Newquay Airport is only 20 miles away but there is no direct public transport to Fowey.
The No 25 bus runs from Newquay to St Austell and onto Fowey.
FAQs
View allYes, the sandy Readymoney Cove is out towards the mouth of the harbour and faces across to the village of Polruan, so great for morning swims in the sunshine! There's a little cafe/shop there and public toilets.
It's a five minute walk from the beach car park and about a 20 minute walk from the town centre. There's good access for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Dogs are allowed on the beach, except between the hours of 10am and 6pm, in July and August. (2022)
Elsewhere, a walk along the South West Coast Path, both to the west, or east beyond Polruan, will bring you to several lovely hidden away coves.
It would be very wrong of Visit Cornwall to say one place was nicer than the other, that's a decision only a visitor can make. The two destinations are different, Mevagissey being more of a fishing harbour whilst Fowey caters for the yachts and pleasure boats.
Another difference is that Fowey is on the river rather than facing directly out to sea, so there's always something going on, even when the sea is stormy. With a working docks upriver, it's not unusual to see large ships making their way past the town, and in the summer cruise ships often visit for the day.
Mevagissey is a working harbour with fishing boats coming and going on the tide. It doesn't have a beach as such but nearby you have Portmellon and Gorran Haven.
You can always tell a holiday maker by the way they pronounce certain Cornish placenames... Tintagel, Launceston, Mevagissey, Mousehole.... but probably the most common mispronunciation is Fowey.
It rhymes with toy, not cow, so say Foy and you won't be far wrong!
The name comes from the old Cornish word for Beech Tree, and is taken from the name of the river rather than the town.
You can, but we wouldn't recommend it!
The road down into the town centre and through it is one-way and narrow. In the height of the season it is crammed with holiday makers and it will take you ages to make your way through. It is a far better idea to park at the top in the main carpark and catch the hoppa bus down and back up.
There is also a carpark at Caffa Mill beside where the car ferry comes across from Bodinnick. From here it is a reasonably level walk into the centre.
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