If you’re looking for sea air, coastal walks and fascinating history, Fowey in Cornwall should be on your staycation bucket list. It is a popular spot with holidaymakers, with many tourist attractions, charming narrow lanes, food, drink and nearby beaches. Here are all the things to do in Fowey.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
First things first, Fowey is pronounced Foy, rhyming with joy. I know; I got it wrong too! But now that you know, you can discover all of the things to do around Fowey.
Regular readers will know that I love visiting Looe, Polperro and Fowey. I usually hate revisiting the same places again and again. Especially as there is so much more I’d love to explore. However, I try to get to the fishing village at least once a year. Each trip is different, as there are plenty of places to visit near Fowey. And, as always, I’ve included dog friendly things to do in Fowey.
Fowey Things To Do
Dating back centuries and filled with dozens of small eateries, pubs, and small boutique gift shops, one of the best ways to explore the stunning town of Fowey is by foot. Wander around hidden alcoves, set foot in ancient buildings, and soak up the atmosphere of this medieval fishing settlement.
Readymoney Cove
The sandy, secluded beach overlooks the village of Polruan. Readymoney Cove is sheltered by cliffs close to the mouth of the River Fowey. It is popular with wild swimmers, and a slipway is available for SUPs, Kayaks and paddleboarders.
There is also a small café and gift shop, where you can get a freshly made hot drink. The mugs are plastic and reusable, which are collected in a bucket after you’ve finished. Bathrooms are also available.
🐾 Dog friendly. Except July and August between 10am-6pm.
St Catherine’s Castle
St Catherine’s Castle is more of an artillery fort than a castle. Although it was built by King Henry VIII around 1530 and designed to defend Fowey Harbour from French invasion, construction took time. You get to it via steps and a short uphill walk at Readymoney Cove. You will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Fowey Estuary.
Free entry
🐾 Dog friendly
Gribbin Head
Gribbin Head is an excellent, moderate walk from Fowey along the South West Coast Path. This is a beautiful section of the coastal path with stunning views of the coast below. It is 2.8 miles or just under 6 kilometres. This circular coastal walk gives you a taste of it all, taking you to beaches, coves, woodland and grassland rich in wildflowers.
🐾 Dog friendly
Don’t Get Caught Short 💩
Tuff Pets Dog Poop Bags are premium, extra thick, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable and eco-conscious solution for pet waste. These zero-waste, home-compostable poo bags allow pet owners to care for their pets and the planet simultaneously, making walkies so much easier.
Fowey Aquarium
Fowey Aquarium is situated on the historic Fowey Quay and was first established in 1952. It still retains many original tanks, which house a fantastic variety of marine creatures. Fresh seawater is pumped in daily at high tide.
Adults are £5, and children aged 3-13 are £4. Family tickets are also available.
🐾 Dog friendly
Fowey Museum
Fowey Museum brings to life the vibrant maritime history of the town. While Fowey may make much of its income today from the tourism trade, the town once made its money almost exclusively from fishing. It also has a Daphne du Maurier collection. Interestingly, it’s also in one of the oldest buildings, dating back to the 15th Century.
£1 per person. Under 16s are free
🐾 Dogs welcome. Must be dry and be kept on a lead.
Fowey River Gallery
Cornwall is famous for its art galleries, and Fowey River Gallery is no exception. They showcase lots of different local artists, with varying displays throughout the year. You’ll find something different every time you visit!
🐾 Dogs welcome. Must be dry and be kept on a lead.
St Fimbarrus Church
St Fimbarrus Church has the second-highest bell tower in all of Cornwall. The ecclesiastical building is dedicated to St Finbarr, who allegedly passed through Fowey in the 6th Century. Wander inside, and you can expect an ornately carved roof screen and stunning stained-glass windows. The current church was constructed in the 1500s by the Earl of Warwick, as French marauders destroyed the previous church.
Free entry
🐾 Dogs are welcome in the churchyard, but not inside.
Du Maurier Literary Centre
Daphne du Maurier, the author of iconic novels such as The Loving Spirit and Rebecca, lived along this stretch of the Cornish coastline for over fifty years. She regularly wrote novels set against the backdrop of stormy coastlines, rugged moorland, and small fishing communities. The Du Maurier Literary Centre is also the Tourist Information Centre.
🐾 Dogs welcome. Must be dry and be kept on a lead.
Bodmin Moor is about a 40-minute drive from Fowey. Here you can visit The Jamaica Inn, which inspired du Maurier’s book of the same name.
Visit Polruan
For the best views of Fowey, take the ferry to Polruan, on the other side of the bay. Once there, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the ancient streets. The ferry runs continuously during the day, leaving each side every 10-15 minutes. There are so many things to do in Polruan.
Adults are £2.80, children (aged 3-13) are £1.20, and dogs are 40p. Tickets are each way.
🐾 Dog friendly
Lantic Bay – National Trust Fowey
This sand and shingle beach is perfect for taking in the fresh sea air. With clear blue water, Lantic Bay, the paradise-like beach, is ideal for paddling and picnicking. You’ll walk along the South West Coast Path for the first part before descending onto the beach. It might not be suitable for those unsteady on their feet or with mobility issues as there are steep and uneven paths down to the beach and obviously the climb back up.
🐾 Dogs welcome
Parking is free for National Trust Members and Blue Badge holders.
With your National Trust Membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from £6.40 per month. Members get:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking at the majority of car parks. Some National Trust car parks are in other natural areas like beaches and countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
- Annually you’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties. However, the website is easy to navigate, finding places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £15 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or café.
Shopping in Fowey
What to do in Fowey when raining? Go shopping, of course. There is an excellent selection of small, independent shops and well-known brands. From Cornish arts and crafts to local food, beautiful clothes, shoes and jewellery. Of course, there are quirky homewares and memorable gifts.
One of the popular Fowey attractions is Shrew Books (previously Bookends of Fowey). It is an independent store selling all sorts of books, with a particular emphasis on Cornish literature. It is located in a picturesque blue building.
Where To Eat in Fowey
Don’t panic; there are plenty of places to eat in Fowey. Fowey has a wide selection of restaurants to suit most tastes, including several fine dining establishments. Fowey is most famous for its mussels which are picked from the river. If fish is your thing, Captain Hanks Crab and Snack Shack sell sandwiches stuffed with crab so fresh that it still smells of the sea.
Of course, when in Cornwall, you have to have a Cornish pasty. Fowey is teeming with bakeries. Quay Bakery is the only place in Fowey which bakes Cornish pasties daily from scratch. They also have fresh Belgian butter croissants, airy iced buns, rosemary focaccia, saffron buns the colour of sunsets and, on Saturdays only, monkey muffins – swirls of croissant dough fashioned into a muffin and flavoured with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Get 50% off food in Fowey
We all need to refuel and rehydrate. If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Pubs in Fowey
Sink a pint at The Ship Inn. Fowey’s oldest pub, it’s all dark beams and odd jaunty angles with an interesting selection of ales and gin specials behind the bar. Or, head to the back of The Galleon Inn for gorgeous views of the River Fowey from the terrace. If you’re a fan of gin, make sure you try Tarquins, made locally.
Things to do Near Fowey
There are so many hidden gems near Fowey.
Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel
Restormel is surrounded by a deep moat and perched on a high mound. With a circular shell of stone walls and staircases to climb, you’ll be able to imagine a bustling castle life from centuries ago. If history isn’t your thing, then the Restormel Castle Circular Walk and incredible views of the Fowey Valley will be more than enough to entice you.
£6.60 for adults, £4 for children (age 5-17) and £17.20 for a family. English Heritage Members get free entry.
🐾 Dog friendly
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.
Not sure if membership is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
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.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Visit Polperro
With narrow streets, pretty cottages that cling to the hillside, and a harbour, Polperro is undeniably attractive. You can’t drive into the village, meaning you explore on foot. Alongside shops, there’s also a newsagent, bakeries and plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of places to eat in Polperro, and the food quality is outstanding.
🐾 Dog friendly
Explore Looe
Looe is a small seaside town about a 30-minute drive from Fowey. It is split into two, East Looe and West Looe, with the river running through the centre. The beauty spot has a rich history, fun attractions, activities, beaches and wonderful places to eat. There are plenty of things to do in Looe that will keep you entertained.
🐾 Dog friendly
Monkey Sanctuary, near Looe
The Monkey Sanctuary has been a home for rescued monkeys since 1964. It is home to 40 monkeys rescued from situations of abuse and neglect. The last few years have been tough for the charity; with COVID-19 and the increasing costs, it is appealing for us to help save the sanctuary. Make a donation or make sure you visit when you are in Looe.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Porfell Wildlife Park, Liskeard
The family attraction, Porfell Wildlife Park, offers sanctuary to many different animals from around the world. They might have been neglected, injured, imported illegally, or no longer wanted. Get up close to meerkats, monkeys and hundreds of exotic animals. It is open from April to the end of October.
Adults are £11 each, and children aged 3-15 are £8.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Lost Gardens of Heligan
An oasis of green, the botanical gardens are world-renowned. The Heligan Gardens were laid out over two centuries ago. Rescued from disrepair in the 1990s, they have now become a must-visit for gardeners from all over the world.
Adults are £18.50, and children aged 5-17 are £8.50
🐾 Dog friendly
Polkerris Beach
Polkerris Beach is one of Cornwall’s best family beaches, combining an idyllic sandy Cornish cove and stunning coastline with first-class water sports facilities, a chilled vibe and adventure. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Polkerris is a magical spot for exploring the Cornish coastline by foot, stand-up paddle board or kayak – the perfect place for making the most of the heritage coast.
🐾 Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October until Good Friday
Places to stay in Fowey
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Views don’t come much better than the perfect panoramas when you stay at Fowey Harbour Hotel. Perched above the town, the boutique hotel gazes down on sparkling blue water, and from the terrace, you can glimpse sailing boats heading out to sea. The cosy rooms have beds big enough to get lost in, decanters of gin and a box of chocolates from the local sweet shop waiting for you when you arrive. Get yourself a room with a balcony overlooking the tiered garden that leads to the sea, and you’re laughing.
You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
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 Holiday Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
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.
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 Polperro and about 40 minutes to Fowey.
Do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed reading about the things to do in Fowey, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Related Articles
