Fowey is a town that goes back to medieval times and is a place that has been loved by many artists over the last centuries, the most famous of them Daphne du Maurier. The town stretches up a hill, so that everywhere offers spectacular views over the harbour.
Fowey offers many attractions for young and old alike, from it’s many architectural highlights, most of them many centuries old, to varied shopping opportunities, charming pubs as well as museums and countless outdoor activities in the area.
But of course no coast holiday is complete if there aren’t any nice beaches ‐ of which there are several near the village, for example at Crinnis, Par Sands and Polkerris.
Culture & Attractions in Fowey
Daphne du Maurier, Kenneth Grahame and Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (a.k.a. ‘Q’) are just some of the writers that made Fowey their home or set their novels to play in the town in one way of the other. In honor of Daphne du Maurier, each May a literary festival is held in Fowey. There’s even a Daphne du Maurier Literary Centre and a Quiller Couch Memorial that have been built to commemorate these local artists.
If you want to be active during your holiday, the Saints Way, also known as ‘Mariner’s Way’ starts at St Fimbarrus Church. This 30 mile route links Fowey with Padstow and was used by traders and pilgrims from Ireland, Wales and Britanny in early Christian and prehistoric times.
Even though it seems counter-intuitive to visit Cornwall in winter, the Fowey Christmas Market that takes place every last weekend in November is an absolute must-visit as it features dozens of stalls with local & international crafts and delicious, heart-warming foods.
Must-do highlights in Fowey
You don’t have to look hard to find medieval buildings in Fowey ‐ they are practically everywhere. Among them are the Old House of Foye on Fore Street which was built in 1430. Even older is the famous Tristan stone, a monolith dating back to the 6th century which is supposed to mark the grave of Tristan, the nephew of King Mark and protagonist of ‘Tristan and Isolde’.
St Catherine’s Castle was built by Henry VIII and offers great views over the town and harbour. You can walk there or take a ferry to Readymoney Cove, from where you can access the castle.
A great way to spend a day is the Hall Walk which stretches from Fowey to the other side of the river to Polruan and Bodinnick and gives you great views of Fowey, the river and surrounding landscape. There also is a ferry service linking the two ends of the path (and pubs on both ends) if you don’t feel like walking back again.
Food & drink in Fowey
Fowey offers excellent dining ‐ no wonder, as it also is a supplier of seafood to famous chefs such as Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver, yet, the village restaurants are keeping a good share of the freshest catch.
Sam’s Restaurant is a busy place on the main street and offers simple food ‐ which in this case means just the freshest seafood and hand-made burgers as well as excellent music to compliment your dining experience.
A special treasure is hidden downstairs at the Gallants Sailing Club ‐ The Galley in The Gallants describes themselves as offering ‘food for hungry sailors’ ‐ who must have been all over the world, since the dining menu offers a mixture of classic British food and pub grub, combined with authentic Thai food.
Accommodation in Fowey
Whether you want to stay in the heart of town or a looking for quiet privacy, there are holiday apartments and cottages in Fowey for every taste.
Courtyard Apartment is a luxury 3-bed apartment in an Edwardian country house. It’s located a 15 minute walk from Fowey and is an excellent place to visit other towns and attractions in the area, too.
Right at the beach at Readymoney Cove, Farthings is a lovely holiday cottage which is just perfect for a romantic getaway or an active holiday for a small family.
So that’s our round up of things to do on a weekend in Fowey. Have you ever been there? What would you recommend doing if someone went there for the weekend? Please share you experience with us…