Pictures of Fowey

a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall

Fowey Pictures Fowey Hotels Nearby Towns Nearby Attractions Fowey Facts Fowey Forum Fowey Map Sponsor Registration Add Pictures Add town to favourites

About Fowey

The picturesque harbour town of Fowey has a history as colourful as some of the pretty boats sailing in and out of its waters. For centuries the town has operated as a port, shipping amongst other goods, china clay. It is also a town with an illustrious sea-faring history. In medieval times, stirring deeds earned its sailors the delightful nickname 'Fowey Gallants' and, it is from here that Drake, Raleigh and Frobisher all sailed. Fowey's literary connections include Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch who lived in a house on the Esplanade from 1892 until his death in 1944. The writer Daphne du Maurier was a well known figure in the town and many local places feature in her books. Kenneth Grahame, author of Wind in the Willows visited Fowey, doubtless he too drew inspiration from the beautiful scenery and fabulous Cornish light which has been the inspiration of artists for centuries.

Set around the estuary of the River Fowey, the town is indeed evocative of Carew's words, with many arms embracing the gentle rise and fall of the wooded hillside along which Fowey developed. It is a bustling town which offers an amazing variety to visitors. It is a joy to wander around the harbour where a happy holiday atmosphere pervades as people jostle for position down narrow lanes crammed with a mix-match of traditional Cornish properties, shops, pubs and restaurants. In the 18th-century, these tumbling lanes are said to have been the haunt of smugglers, certainly they were inhabited by fishermen for there are still many glorious colour-washed stone 'fishermen's' cottages to be seen, some now converted to comfortable weekend homes and holiday cottages.

Of the noted buildings to be seen St. Fimbarrus Church was founded in the 6th-century and is well worth seeing, and The Place has been the home of the Treffry family of well over six centuries.

You can take your pick of places with romantic sounding names linked around the Fowey river. Lostwithiel, Golant, Lerryn, Bodinnick and Polruan at the tip of the estuary, all have something to tempt including a few miles along, at Lostwithiel, the romantic ruins of Restormel Castle. Seaward there is magnificent Gribbin Head, du Maurier's Menabilly and Polkerris.

Worth mentioning is the fact that many places along the estuary are linked either by ferry or by a lovely scenic walk. On the Hall Walk you pass the spot where an attempt was made on the life of King Charles I, and the ruins of St. Catherine's castle can be reached via a picturesque woodland walk.

There is not much to beat the glorious sight of the English coast when viewed at distance from the sea, so why not take advantage of a sea fishing trip or enjoy a cruise along the River Fowey. However, for those who prefer 'terra-firma' there is the pleasure of sitting on the quayside, sipping a drink whilst the setting sun changes the Fowey sea from infinite shades of blue to gold.

Planning a visit to Fowey?
Please support the Pictures of England website by booking your Fowey hotels & accommodation through this site.

Add town to favourites

History of Fowey

Recommended towns & villages near Fowey

	Polperro (4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction E) Jagged rocks rise as if to guard the entrance to the picturesque harbour of this enchanting fishing village which has for decades been a magnet for tourists and a mecca for artists from all over England... Information | Pictures (198) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Charlestown (5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction W) This lovely little port hugs the rugged south Cornish coast overlooking picturesque St. Austell Bay... Information | Pictures (133) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Looe (8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction E) In far off medieval times both East and West Looe were granted a charter and each retained its own identity for several centuries... Information | Pictures (244) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Mevagissey (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction SW) One of a ribbon of picturesque fishing villages dotting the fabled Cornish coastline. Mevagissey has ancient buildings flanking steep and extremely narrow streets which during..... Information | Pictures (255) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Bodmin (9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction N) Historically fascinating and naturally beautiful, this area of North Cornwall has so much to offer. Equidistant from both the north and south coasts, Bodmin is an excellent base..... Information | Pictures (153) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Fowey

	Readymoney Cove (0.6 miles, 1.0 km) Readymoney Cove is a sheltered sandy cove near to Fowey in Cornwall... Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels
	St. Catherine's Castle (0.8 miles, 1.3 km) .. Information | Pictures (18) | Hotels
	The Eden Project (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction W) This is a joyous celebration of precious plant life established as a millennium project to mark the birth of the 21st century. ..... Information | Pictures (177) | Hotels
	Pine Lodge Gardens (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction W) .. Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels
	Restormel Castle (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction N) Built around 1300, once home to Edward, the Black Prince, the great circular shell-keep survives in good condition and is the..... Information | Pictures (38) | Hotels

Hotels & Accommodation in Fowey

Fowey Hotels  Fowey Cottages  Fowey Bed & Breakfast

	The Old Quay House Hotel Fowey, Cornwall, England (0.0 miles, 0.1 km) A luxury hotel in Cornwall overlooking the Fowey’s attractive waterfront, the award-winning Old Quay House has a waterside terrace with estuary views. Wi-Fi is free to use, and free parking permits ... More info and book online..  Price from £120.00
	The Fowey Hotel Fowey, Cornwall, England (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, right by the water's edge, the award-winning Fowey Hotel has a scenic and peaceful location. It offers free Wi-Fi, an award-winning restaurant, and a 24-hour fro... More info and book online..  Price from £99.00
	The Old Ferry Inn Bodinnick, Cornwall, England (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) Set on the banks of the Fowey River Estuary in Bodinnick, The Old Ferry Inn has provided food and cosy accommodation for over 400 years. It features a panoramic restaurant and traditional Cornish pub.... More info and book online..  Price from £75.00
	Fowey Hall - A Luxury Family Hotel Fowey, Cornwall, England (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) Overlooking Fowey Port and the sea, this luxury family hotel with an indulgent spa retreat and fun kids' facilities is a 5-minute walk from the sandy Readymoney Cove.... More info and book online..  Price from £150.00
	The Cormorant Hotel Fowey, Cornwall, England (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction N) The Cormorant Hotel is perched on a hillside in the village of Golant, Cornwall. It has luxurious rooms with views over the River Fowey, an award-winning restaurant and an indoor pool.... More info and book online..  Price from £50.00

Nearby travel help