Guides | Fowey

Fowey Tourist Information

Fowey Guide and History

The harbour town of Fowey lies at the end of the Saints Way. A picturesque setting with cobbled winding steep streets lined with cottages and the river leading to the harbour, alive with boats and people. Fowey is an asset to Cornwall, with its culture, links with history and romantic scenery.

The river Fowey is surrounded by beautiful countryside largely protected by the National Trust. Legend even has it that both Jesus Christ and Joseph of Arimathea visited Fowey! The cross at Saviours Point marks this traditional event.

Fowey was a thriving port for hundreds of years and an important military town. Its economy in the past was supported by the china clay exports and the fishing industry. However, now, with its quintessential Cornish charm and beautiful scenery, Fowey offers much for the holiday maker. Best known for its sailing, the harbour is busy with trawlers and yachts.

Fowey Events

There are currently no events listed for this area, let us know if you are planning one.

Fowey Accommodation

There is a variety of beautiful holiday cottages and B&Bs to stay in and near by hotels to choose from.

Entertainment and Eating Out Guide

The privileged situation of Fowey makes the town popular with those keen to enjoy the great outdoors. There are walks around the estuary and through peaceful woodlands, perfect for watching the local wildlife.

There is a unique range of cafes, delicatessen, restaurants all making use of the natural resources right on the harbour’s doorstep. Of course there is always the traditional Cornish pasty easily found in a local bakery!

Fowey will forever be associated with the writer Daphne Du Maurier who spent most of her life is this area. This is celebrated with the Daphne Du Maurier Arts and Literature Festival in May of every year which is popular with both tourists and locals. In August Fowey holds it’s Regatta which includes daily sailing races, a carnival, the spectacular Red Arrows and closing with fireworks over the harbour.

Fowey has a museum that charts the varied history of the town. Everybody seems to have had influence - the Romans, the Spanish, French and Drake, Raleigh and Frosher all sailed from here. There is an aquarium also to see and locally you can visit the Eden project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Wheal Martyn China Clay and the Charlestown Shipwreck Museum. Also adding to Fowey’s rich culture is a Christmas market and with Fowey’s musical links you can often find a bit of traditional Cornwall to enjoy.

For more Fowey Tourist Information, this site has summaries and descriptions of visitor attractions, events and accommodation.

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Shopping Guide

There are a number of shops through the centre of the town, focused primarily towards tourist visitors. But there are also a variety of unique shops offering high quality goods.

Fowey Webcams

View out to sea from Fowey.
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Fowey Beach and Surf Guide

The town sits prettily in its harbour with little sandy coves near by, and dramatic cliffs to escape to. The mood of the landscape varies with the seasons, the sea, dramatic and raging in the winter or the coastal idyll in summer.

Travel Information

The nearest train stations are Lostwithiel, Par and the better linked St. Austell where you can pick up buses, for example to the Eden Project.