I’m from Wales, the land of castles, but I never get bored visiting one. One of my favourite places to staycation is Looe, Polperro and Fowey – pronounced Foy – which are near so many castles in Cornwall. Recently I explored the English Heritage St Catherine’s Castle. Here’s everything you need to know when you visit Fowey.
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Regular readers will know I love visiting Polperro and try to go once a year. We stayed between Looe and Polperro at Looe Bay Holiday Park during our recent visit. As the weather was so good decided to try to see more of the surrounding areas. The charming fishing village of Fowey Cornwall England caught my eye. St Catherine’s Castle was top of the things to do in Fowey list. Frequently called upon to defend England, it holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Fowey.
A quick history of the castle
So, St Catherine’s Castle is more of an artillery fort than a castle. Although it was built by King Henry VII around 1530 and designed to defend Fowey Harbour from French invasion, construction was not quick. On a map of 1630, it has a caption of ‘half made’. One tower stands two storeys high, laid out in a D-shape, defended by a curtain wall and extending down a slope into the Fowey Estuary. There are also two gunports, which would have had fixed cannons.
The castle was garrisoned during the English Civil War, but by 1684 it was described as in ruinous condition. In 1855, when the Crimean War was underway, fears of invasion were high. St Catherine’s Castle was refurbished with a small gun battery.
Again, the castle was modified during the Second World War when it served as an observation point. One of the 19th Century gun emplacements was used for an anti-aircraft gun and an ammunition store.
Fowey to St Catherine’s Castle
The easiest way to visit St Catherine’s Castle is by parking in Fowey. Head towards the Readymoney Car Park, which is signposted as you enter Fowey, or use Sat Nav Postcode PL23 1JD. It is a pay and display car park. Make sure you have some change, as it doesn’t take card payments.
It is then a downhill walk to Readymoney Cove, which takes about 10-minutes. Be warned; it will be a steep climb on the way back. Fowey is very hilly! It is not a huge site, so bring a picnic to make the trip worthwhile. Or, it is close to the South West Coastal Path if you want a longer walk.
How to get to St Catherine’s Castle?
Honestly, the first time I went, I missed the turning! It had been raining, so the ground was slippery, and it was as lockdown restrictions were lifting. Meaning there were not many people around to ask for directions. However, a new sign had been added this time, so it’s easier to see the left-hand turn.
There are two options for the St Catherine’s Castle Walk. I haven’t tried the upper route, as I was told you must climb down to the lower level through the gateway and onto the firing platform.
The route I took was when on Readymoney Cove there are metal steps on the right-hand side of the beach. Climb up these and head up the hill. The coastal path hike will take about 10-15 minutes, and the castle is signposted. At last, turn left here and walk down into the ruins.
After you’ve caught your breath, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful views of the River Fowey, the coast and miles of sea.
Is the walk dog friendly?
A big thing for me on a day trip is ensuring it is dog friendly. Ivan, my rescue dog, loves an adventure, and I love to take him with me. Dogs on leads are welcome at St Catherine’s Castle. I would encourage you to keep them on the lead, as some unguarded drops are on the footpath and within the castle ruin.
How much is entry?
Free entry!
Even though I live in Wales, I love our English Heritage Membership, which costs £9.58 per month (couples joint membership). It gets used a lot when we are visiting England. The membership has also given me 50% off on CADW sites here in Wales. Sometimes they have let me in for free! (Sshhh, don’t tell anyone!) Castell Coch is on my doorstep, and entry cost me £4.15, Caerphilly Castle £5.05 and Raglan Castle should have been £4.15. Now that I’m in my second year of membership, I get free entry.
Not sure if it is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
The English Heritage membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all English Heritage historic sites.
- Free admission for up to six children (aged under 18). They don’t have to be your children. They could be nieces, nephews and friends’ children.
- Free English Heritage properties access for assisting companions or carers for a disabled member. (This can be a different person each time!)
- Free parking at English Heritage car parks.
- Reduced price events, such as Christmas Lights at Eltham Palace or jousting at Pendennis Castle.
- A member’s handbook is sent annually.
- Exclusive members magazine, sent four times a year.
- Online magazine for children, including videos, games, activities and recipes.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Member’s rewards scheme where you can access over 60 partners. Includes food and drink, discounted hotels and places to stay and other tourist attractions.
- Reduced entry to CADW (in Wales), Historic Scotland and Manx National Heritage properties in your first year and free admission after year one. Free access to Ireland Heritage automatically.
English Heritage Offer
English Heritage Deals: Get 15% off gift and annual memberships by using the promo code EHAFF25 at the checkout. It is valid until 30 January 2025. Making a single membership £54 per year and a couple’s membership £94.50. Get yours here.
Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 10% back on your English Heritage membership.
What English Heritage properties can you see nearby?
Restormel Castle in Lostwithiel, Tintagel Castle (highly recommend!) near Bude and Launceston Castle near Gunnislake.
Places to Stay in Fowey
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Polperro, Looe and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
National Trust Holidays
You can stay in cottages, converted farmhouses and campsites in Looe or Fowey with National Trust Holidays. With countryside views, you’ll have all the facilities and home comforts to hand. Including patio areas or gardens and BBQs to enjoy in warmer weather.
National Trust Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Parkdean Resorts
I have stayed at Looe Bay Holiday Park. The caravan park and lodges have a children’s play park, indoor swimming pool, tranquil gardens, pub and restaurant. It is a short drive to Lostwithiel.
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