It’s crammed with pretty, crooked little streets which tumble down to the waterside where the action takes place.
Visitors congregate here to survey the comings and goings of this busy little port. Whether it’s watching a container ship drifting silently by or the frenetic activity of little sailing boats, there’s a constant ever-changing backdrop to feast your eyes on.
Next month (August 13-19) sees the highlight of the social calendar, The Fowey Royal Regatta.
Once attended by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it’s very much a family affair and coincides with Carnival Week.
The Town Quay is packed with processions and big crowds gather for the fi rework displays and events including the hotly contested children’s crab-catching competition.
AFTERNOON TEA
Cornwall wouldn’t be Cornwall without a cream tea. Head for the atmospheric Dwelling House, a Georgian Merchant’s house with a lovely antique interior.
If you prefer a view with your scones, The Old Quay House, once a Victorian refuge for seamen, has one of the best views over the estuary.
WORTHY OF NOTE
Families will love Readymoney Cove. Just a few minutes’ stroll from the centre of town, this tiny cove has a small, sheltered beach. It’s bounded by cliffs with comedian Dawn French’s house, Point Neptune sitting grandly on one cliff top and the remains of St Catherine’s Castle built during the reign of Henry VIII on the other.
This is also where Daphne du Maurier spent a few years during the Second World War at a former coach house.
Granite-faced Point Neptune was built on the site of an old Napoleonic gun battery that guarded the harbour and the remains are the rising buttresses you can see today.
Stroll up through the woods behind the cove to the 16th-century fort remains of St Catherine’s Castle for incredible views.
STRETCH THE LEGS
The best stroll in the area is the Hall Walk thanks to its incredible views of the estuary and our to sea. This circular follows the banks of the river and utilises both ferries via Bodinnick, Pont Creek and pretty Polruan.
ON THE WATER
Hop aboard one of the many boat trips setting off from Fowey harbour and discover the Fowey River and its du Maurier links from a waterside perspective such as sailing past the author’s Ferryside home which is still owned by her family, and home to her son Kits.
EATS AND DRINKS
For a lively atmosphere with good food head to Sam’s in Fore Street. The interiors are kitsch with a green and pink colour scheme, bringing a sense of funky rock to this otherwise sedate town.
The classic bouillabaisse is a firm favourite as are the delicious mussels and king scallops. Pull up a beanbag at the quirky Pinky Murphy’s Café for lunch.
It’s a riot of colour and patterns from the polka-dot throws to the striped cushions and lampshades. A top spot for lunch, a charcuterie plate will keep dad happy while cupcakes will delight the little ones.
BEDDING DOWN
Fowey Hall (0844 482 2152/ luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk) a grand Victorian mansion overlooks the estuary and is particularly aimed at families.
Dogs can even come too.
There are indoor pools, a spa and rooms offer a touch of tradition with antiques and bright, modern prints on the soft furnishings bringing a contemporary injection of colour.
Deluxe double rooms from £200, (four sharing), B&B.
Fowey tourism: fowey.co.uk
