Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fowey boasts beautiful medieval and Georgian architecture and a vibrant maritime history. Fowey is lined with independent shops, quaint tea rooms and harbourfront pubs, while days can be spent rock-pooling, clifftop walking and watching fishing boats.
Things to do in Fowey
For the best views in town, take a scenic hike to St. Catherine’s Castle along a footpath from Readymoney Cove. Built during the 1530s, this artillery fort sits atop the Fowey estuary and offers spectacular views of Fowey and the harbour.
Learn more about Fowey’s history at the Fowey Museum, where you can browse through fascinating artefacts that relate to the ancient harbour town. You’ll find the cape worn by Garibaldi during his Italian campaign, ancient boat-building tools and the contents of a medieval garderobe.
If you’re traveling with the kids, explore the underwater treasures at Fowey Aquarium. Located on the historic Fowey Town Quay, it boasts a variety of marine creatures, from the tiny gobies and shannies to Conger eels, crabs and lobsters. There’s even a touch pool where you can pick up a shore crab and be tickled by prawns.
Take the car ferry to Bodinnick and discover the beaches around Looe and Talland Bay. You can also drive 20 minutes to see the iconic biomes of the Eden Project or meander through The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Getting around Fowey
Fowey’s compact streets are best explored on foot, while a car is recommended to explore the rest of Cornwall. Exeter Airport is 2.5 hours away by train, while the drive to Plymouth takes 1.5 hours.