There is no place like…Fowey
As a frequent traveller I could find myself in some very exotic locations but all the while I am keeping an eye on the weather back home in the UK. Specifically the South Coast of Cornwall, in a place called Fowey, on my front balcony, where when the sun shines on the sparkling waters and illuminates the natural beauty of the Fowey Estuary there is nowhere in the world I would rather be. This is why.
1.Unspoilt
Fowey is still an unspoilt, not built up, ancient fishing port with a stunning view point at every turn. Most people fall for Fowey on the first visit. There is a Cornish way here which is all the part of the charm and keeps people coming back year after year.
2. Park the car for a week
Of course the ancient streets are not really designed for cars anyway, more for horses but luckily Fowey is very compact and perfectly formed. You can get most things you need right in town and you can’t get lost. Many a young teen has made their first solo outing in Fowey! There is only one main shopping street and one waterside road known as The Esplanade. There are also four pubs, two museums, an aquarium and many eateries, enough to keep you busy for a week without taking the car out.
3. Shops and Galleries
Fowey does offer a good range of shopping from boutiques, antiques, eclectic lighting, art galleries, home interior and gifts, to locally made crafts, an excellent deli, two bakeries plus a range of rums and gins from the region. Don’t miss the excellently stocked Readymoney Beach Shop for unique treasures.
4. Fowey for Foodies
We have often eaten our way around town. In fact for a week every year @fowey.food.week you can eat your way around the world in Fowey! Home grown Sam’s, the original destination restaurant, has been joined by the excellent Appleton’s, Fitzroy and North Street kitchen. For a completely different offering The Dwelling House never disappoints.
5. Family Fun
If you should tire of the simple pleasures of the beach and attractions in town there is plenty to do a short distance away. Fowey is within easy reach of most of the major visitor spots in the county. Eden Project, gardens to explore, Seal Sanctuary, Monkeys, plus National Trust properties, boat rides, kayaking/SUP safaris, surfing and more. Quaint places close by include Polperro, Lostwithiel, Charlestown and Lerryn. Truro offers shopping and an interesting 19th century cathedral.
6. Get Walking
From a gentle stroll around town, a cliff top hike or a yomp across Cornwall on the Saints’ Way, the Fowey area has much to offer. Personal favourites are the Hall Walk made exciting by two ferry rides and the walk to Polkerris which is rewarded by a delicious lunch at Sam’s on the Beach. Going inland the Luxulyan Valley offers excellent woodland walks.
7. Literary connections
Some come in pilgrimage to Daphne du Maurier, Quiller Couch or Kenneth Grahame who all have well known connections to Fowey. The town draws a large literary crowd at the famous Festival of Arts and Literature in May every year, attracting many prominent authors and speakers plus musical entertainment. Poldark mania is still very much in evidence and has put the little town of Charlestown on the map.
Explore all this from the comfort of our outstanding 3 bedroom holiday home, just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Fowey and boasting one of the best views in town.
