Located on the west bank of the Fowey Estuary in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the coastal town of Fowey is an idyllic place for holidays in Cornwall.

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A local’s guide to Fowey holidays…

 

 

Things to do in Fowey

Quaint, atmospheric and picture-perfect. If you like your Cornwall holidays set against a backdrop of dreamy waterside scenery and beautifully preserved historic buildings, Fowey is where you’ll want to be.

Water sports in Fowey

Fowey is a dream for anyone who loves being out on the water, and there are hire companies a-plenty offering kayaks, SUP’s and self drive boats. If you’d prefer something more laid-back there are guided kayak tours as well as boat tours of the estuary.

Explore Fowey and its history

Back on land, you can enjoy a meander through the narrow, winding streets of the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, perusing boutique-style shops and galleries, or eating out at one of Fowey’s restaurants.

The town has a few famous literary connections too, the most famous being that of Daphne du Maurier, who was deeply connected to Fowey, spending most of her adult life living in various homes around the harbour. There are guided tours that delve into Du Maurier’s life and legacy which are worth booking if you’re a fan.

Fowey Attractions

The estuary is what makes the town so scenic, with views of the water at every turn.

Visit Polruan

Across the River Fowey lies picturesque Polruan with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and a charming harbour. A passenger ferry operates between both towns making it easy to hop between the two, providing a scenic and convenient way to make the most of the area.

Explore historic sites

This 16th Century St Catherine’s Castle overlooks Readymoney Cove, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. It’s a small artillery fortress with a distinctive circular design and can be reached up some steep steps from the beach.

Days out in Fowey with kids

The Eden Project is a 15 minute drive from Fowey and is a great day out for children and adults alike. Besides its famous biomes, there are extensive gardens to explore as well as places to eat and picnic.

Right behind the quay, Fowey Aquarium is lots of fun for younger kids. It still has many of its original 1950’s tanks, all of which house a host of fascinating marine creatures. There’s also a touch pool, with small sea creatures like starfish and crabs to inspect.

 

 

Beaches in Fowey

For most of us, holidays on the coast of Cornwall are synonymous with the beach. Thankfully, Fowey and its surrounding coastline are peppered with beautiful sandy stretches and crystal blue water.

Readymoney Cove

With golden sand and clear blue water, this extraordinarily pretty cove can be found just a short walk from the center of Fowey and is easily reached by foot via one of several scenic paths down to the water. High cliffs and lush vegetation add to the setting which is really quite tranquil and atmospheric – a wonderful place for relaxation and family time.

Polkerris Beach

Located a short drive from Fowey, Polkerris is one of Cornwall’s best family beaches and a must-visit destination on your Fowey holiday. With clean sand and clear waters, it’s a fantastic place for water sports, sunbathing and sandcastle-building. There are also two good beachside restaurants as well as an ice cream café for that all-important holiday cornet.

Lantic Bay

Just east of Fowey lies Lantic Bay, a snow-white crescent made up of sand and shingle which lies hidden on a stunning section of the coastline. It’s beautiful scenery, secluded atmosphere and turquoise blue waters make it perfect for a day of lazing, picnicking and paddling – well worth the steep walk back up.

Par Sands

Just a short drive west of Fowey, Par Sands is a large, sandy beach backed by sand dunes and a nature reserve. It’s a family-friendly beach with ample space for activities.

48 Hours In Fowey

Fowey, aptly rhyming with ‘joy’, is a truly lovely place to spend at least 48 hours.

Tucked into Cornwall’s stunning south coast overlooking the River Fowey, scenic river views are on constant display. We want you to have the best holiday in Fowey — so we’ve put together a 48-hour itinerary of some of our favourite places to see and things to do.

LC Loves Local Fowey Itinerary

FAQ’s about Fowey

  • Is Fowey nice for a weekend break?

    Yes! Fowey is just as lovely for short breaks as long holidays. If you’re looking for inspiration, our 48 hours in Fowey guide should provide you with plenty of suggestions.

  • Where is Fowey?

    Fowey lies on Cornwall’s south coast and is situated on the banks of the River Fowey, about 38 miles from Plymouth and about 6 miles from the Eden Project near St Austell.

     

  • Can you swim in the Fowey river?

    Yes! If you’d like to take a dip in the River Fowey, the best place for it at Readymoney Cove beach. Usually rated as ‘excellent’ the water quality is tested regularly and is usually fabulous for swimming – however this can change after heavy rain so be sure to check the Environment Agency website for Readymoney Cove before hitting the water.

  • Are dogs allowed on Fowey beach?

    Dogs are allowed on Readymoney Cove beach all year round but only before 10:00am and after 6:00pm. The Beach Shop at the cove offers free dog treats and sells poo bags if you’ve run out or have forgotten to bring some along – of course keeping the beach clean and mess-free goes without say.

     

  • How do I get to Fowey?

    Fowey is about an hour and 10 minutes’ drive from Plymouth in Devon. The drive from central London takes around 4-5 hours, while Bristol and Exeter are closer, at 2 to 3 hours and 1 to 1.5 hours respectively. If you’re considering travelling by train, make your way to Plymouth or Exeter, then transfer to a local bus service to Fowey.

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