Holiday rentals in Fowey

Located on the south coast of Cornwall, the seaside town of Fowey — pronounced “foy” — is set on a hillside, with a narrow main road flanked by colourful cottages, historic buildings, and charming inns. At the stone quayside, you can hop aboard one of the various boats for a trip around the estuary in the summer months. As you look across the River Fowey estuary to the village of Polruan on the other side, you’ll spot cruise ships moored in the centre of this deep-water port, as well as passing cargo boats.

An ancient city steeped in history, Fowey is home to a number of medieval homes and fortresses, which you can see as you explore its narrow streets and the surrounding areas. But there are plenty of modern enticements as well, including a smart collection of shops, galleries, restaurants, and even the longest zip line in England. Stunning sandy beaches are close by at Readymoney Cove, Polridmouth Cove, and Polkerris Beach.

Fowey attracts a high number of visitors during its peak season from May until September, when the temperatures rise and there are long daylight hours. This is also the time when the town hosts its most exciting events. Foley has inspired some of England’s finest authors, who it celebrates during the Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature over a week at the beginning of May. If you are visiting during the low season, bear in mind that there tend to be fewer boat trips, and the passenger ferry and car ferry have shorter operating hours during the winter months. Some attractions, such as the Fowey Museum, are only open during the peak season. If you come around the winter holidays, be sure to stop by the family-friendly Fowey Christmas Market, which is held at the end of November.

St Catherine’s Castle

A 20-minute walk south from town takes you past the beach at Readymoney Cove to the shell of St Catherine’s Castle. Perched high on a cliff, it was built as one of two artillery forts in the 1530s and has had varying uses throughout its history. Visit the ruins for stunning views of the seascape and the town of Fowey itself.

Lantic Bay

Across the Fowey Estuary, a couple of miles along the coast, is the remote beach at Lantic Bay. Surrounded by unspoilt countryside and heathland, this secluded beach is backed by dramatic green banks and cliffs, with rocks jutting out along the sand and crystal-clear waters. Coves in the area were often used by smugglers.

Eden Project

Around 20 minutes west of Fowey are the huge white geodesic domes of the Eden Project. Transformed from a former china clay pit, this is a global garden that boasts the largest greenhouse in the world, a tropical rainforest, and waterfalls, with exotic plants from all around the globe in a series of biomes. A walkway enables you to wander among the treetops.