The Fowey Christmas Market began as a small market event back in 2005 with the aim of trying to attract more visitors into the area and give a boost to the local traders. Few people would ever have envisaged how popular this market would become.
Taking place over the first weekend in December, or as in 2013 on the last weekend in November, the Fowey Christmas Market offers so much and it is not only the locals who now look forward to it. Many visitors now make a weekend of it, which is obviously a great boost for the holiday cottages and guest houses in the area.
Great choice at the Fowey Christmas Market
Traders from all over the area converge on Fowey for this weekend so the choice available for shoppers is wide and varied. The festive atmosphere is second to none and for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of visiting Fowey before, they are in for a real treat when they explore this quaint old harbour town.
This small fishing town on Cornwall's south coast is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. It is one of those places which is everything that you would expect it to be, and more! For obvious reasons Fowey attracts well-heeled visitors with money to spend, so with that in mind there are a wide range of high quality restaurants and art galleries which will give visitors a wide selection to choose from.
The Fowey Christmas Market takes place on two sites to accommodate all the stalls. There are marquees along the quay and in the Leisure Centre in the centre of the town with free buses linking the two sites. It is open from 10am to 4pm on both the Saturday and Sunday with Santa arriving by boat to entertain the children. This is the start of the procession which leads up into the town where there is a hog roast and the Christmas Lights Switch-on.
The Christmas Fair does get very busy in the afternoons and the smells from the various food stalls means that it is wise to plan to have a bite to eat at the event. If you are not over-full after all those free samples and snacks, it is really would be worth trying one of many pubs or restaurants around the harbour for some delicious fish cuisine.
The Galleon Inn at Fowey
One pub in particular which is definitely worth a mention would have to be the highly acclaimed Galleon Inn. This pub is situated on what must be one of the prime sites on the harbour with stunning views and a real 'feel good' experience about the whole place. As long as it is not pouring down with rain and blowing a gale, I would recommend that you sit outside in the garden.
The pub is almost in touching distance of the river and plenty of heaters mean that you will be warm and relaxed.
The vast majority of the traders at the market are selling crafts and homemade products so if you are looking for some unique Christmas gifts, this has to be an ideal gift shopping opportunity. The Fowey Christmas Fair has gained a really good reputation over the last few years so it is of little wonder why so many people return year after year to enjoy this excellent day out.
With such a wonderful waterfront setting, there can't be many other Christmas Fairs which are able to match this one. Do you know of any other Cornish Christmas fairs which would give the Fowey Christmas Market a run for its money?
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.