Fowey (say “Foy”) is a beautiful old harbour town on the south coast of Cornwall. Colourful houses climb the hillside above a deep-water estuary busy with yachts, ferries and fishing boats. It is a place for boat trips, coastal walks, good food and a little literary history. Here are the best things to do in Fowey.

Top things to do in Fowey

• Explore the town and quays. Narrow streets lead from Town Quay past independent shops, galleries, delis and pubs, with views across the river at every turn.
• Take the ferry to Polruan. The little passenger ferry crosses the harbour to Polruan, a steep fishing village with great views back to Fowey.
• Walk the Hall Walk. A classic circular walk of about 4 miles: ferry to Bodinnick, along the creek-side path to Polruan and back by ferry.
• Get out on the water. Hire a self-drive boat, join a river trip up to Lostwithiel or go paddleboarding or kayaking with Encounter Cornwall.
• Readymoney Cove and St Catherine’s Castle. A short walk from town, this sheltered little beach sits below the ruins of a Tudor fort built by Henry VIII.
• Follow Daphne du Maurier. The author of Rebecca lived near Fowey for much of her life, and the town hosts the Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature each spring.

Walks around Fowey

Beyond the Hall Walk, the coast path heads west from Readymoney Cove to the red-and-white striped Gribbin Daymark on Gribbin Head, and on to the tiny harbour and beach at Polkerris. Across the river, the cliffs between Polruan and Lantic Bay are some of the most dramatic on the south coast. Find more ideas in our top 50 walks in Cornwall.

Beaches near Fowey

• Readymoney Cove: small, sheltered and walkable from town.
• Polkerris: a sandy, south-facing beach with a harbour wall and beach café, good for families.
• Lantic Bay: a stunning beach near Polruan, reached by a steep path. Take care, as currents can be strong.
• Par Sands: a large, flat beach with easy parking, a few miles west.

Events in Fowey

Fowey’s biggest event is the Fowey Royal Regatta in August, a week of sailing races, gig rowing, carnival and fireworks. In spring the town hosts the Fowey Festival, and in December there is usually a Christmas market and lights. See our Christmas in Cornwall 2026 guide for festive events nearby.

Things to do near Fowey

• Lostwithiel: a historic little town with antiques shops and the ruins of Restormel Castle, plus Fowey Valley Cidery & Distillery.
• The Eden Project, about 20 minutes away.
• Charlestown and the rest of St Austell.
• Polperro and Looe, picturesque fishing villages along the coast to the east.
• 52 things to do in Cornwall for more inspiration.

Where to stay in Fowey

Fowey has a good mix of boutique hotels with harbour views, pubs with rooms, B&Bs and self-catering cottages, many in Fowey itself or across the water in Polruan. Book early for summer and regatta week. See our guide to where to stay in Cornwall and nearby Carlyon Bay Hotel.

Getting to Fowey

The nearest railway station is Par, on the main line from London Paddington, about 4 miles away, with buses into Fowey. By car, follow the A390 and B3269. The town centre is very narrow, so use the main car park at the top of the town and walk down or use the park-and-ride in summer.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce Fowey?

Fowey is pronounced “Foy”.

Is Fowey worth visiting?

Yes. Fowey is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful harbour towns, with independent shops, boat trips, river and coastal walks, beaches and good places to eat.

What is the Hall Walk in Fowey?

The Hall Walk is a circular walk of about 4 miles from Fowey: take the ferry to Bodinnick, follow the path along Pont Pill creek to Polruan, then ferry back to Fowey.

Can you walk from Fowey to Polruan?

The quickest way is the passenger ferry across the harbour. You can also walk round via the Bodinnick ferry and the Hall Walk.

What is Fowey famous for?

Fowey is famous for its deep-water harbour, the Fowey Royal Regatta, sailing and boating, and its links with the author Daphne du Maurier.

Is there parking in Fowey?

Yes. The main car park is at the top of the town; the streets near the harbour are very narrow, so it is best to park there and walk down.