Fowey

Fowey (Cornish: Fowydh) (pronounced 'Foy') is a small fishing town on the coast of South Cornwall, situated at the mouth of the river Fowey. It is set on the west side of a steep valley, so be prepared for much walking up and down. There are many pubs and restaurants. The place comes alive in the summer, and the Fowey Regatta in mid August attracts many yachts and sailing boats.

Understand

Get in

By train

Fowey is around 4 miles from Par, 8 miles from St Austell and 6 miles from Lostwithiel, all of which have their own railway stations; a train to Par and either the bus or a taxi to Fowey is sensible.

By bus

As of 2017 bus services to Fowey are mainly operated by First Kernow, with some other services operated by Roselyn Coaches; impartial information on all operators' buses (including local and county route maps) is available from Cornwall Council's public transport website. First's route 25 runs hourly Monday-Saturday between Fowey, Par railway station and St Austell, continuing two-hourly through to Newquay during the winter, and more frequently (including Sundays) during the summer months, with route 24 providing additional journeys between Fowey and St Austell including a Sunday service - but not serving Par railway station. Even in the winter the two routes combine to offer two buses each hour between St Austell and Fowey during the week; on Sundays route 24 only operates every two hours, so plan your journeys carefully!

By plane

The nearest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY IATA) in Newquay on the north coast of Cornwall, with links from Newquay town centre by bus to Fowey and by train to Par, although the airport is a fair way outside of the town at St Mawgan and there is only limited public transport available; First Kernow route 56 runs a few times each day to Newquay town centre. Check Traveline to see if a journey using public transport is possible.

The nearest large airports are Exeter and Bristol, both some hours away but with good European connections from low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Easyjet.

Get around

This is a small town and walking is the easiest way to get around. There are taxis available, and there is a town bus service operated by Yeo's serving the Town Quay and the car parks at least five days a week all year round.

Driving isn't recommended, especially for those who get scared driving through very narrow streets, and there is little parking available in the town itself, so parking either in the "Central Carpark" at the top of the hill (the main road into Fowey now takes you straight to it) or driving in the back way and parking at "Caffa Mill Carpark" (next to the Bodinnick Ferry) is generally advised and both of these are serviced by the town bus service.

See

Do

Events

The Regatta is a week of events and races in mid August.

Eat

There are many restaurants serving a mixture of cuisines.

  • 🌍 Sam's Restaurant, 20 Fore St, PL23 1AQ. A Cornish-brand of diner restaurants, Sam's is always busy with a great vibe and great tunes. Offering simple good food without the frills, they specialise in fresh seafood and filling hand-made burgers with all the trimmings. 
  • The Taipan (Next to the church). This is Fowey's Chinese restaurant and takeaway, and it is pretty much your only option past 9pm on a Friday night. Although usually very nice, they do have a habit of changing their kitchen staff every season, so it can vary a bit. 
  • The Toll Bar. Featuring a wonderful riverside terrace, this bistro mainly attracts the lunchtime crowd who want to sit in the sun and sample some fresh local seafood. 
  • The Globe (Found opposite Sam's in the centre of Fore St). 
  • The Galley in The Gallants (Downstairs at The Gallants Sailing Club next to the Post Office). This eatery specialises in "food for hungry sailors": barbecues, burgers, good Sunday roasts, etc. Eat inside or out on the waterfront. (updated Dec 2016)
  • The Red Herring (Halfway along the Esplanade near to Whitehouse Beach). This cool cafe/bar has a European vibe and a pizza oven to match. 

Drink

Many good pubs catering for all tastes.

Sleep
  • 🌍 Penhale Caravan & Camping Park, Penhale Farm, PL23 1JU, ☏ +44 1726 833425. 
  • Old Quay House, 28 Fore Street, Fowey PL23 1AQ, ☏ +44 1726 833302. Splendid hotel with 13 rooms in Victorian seamen's lodgings. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £160. (updated Aug 2020)
  • 🌍 Fowey Hall, Hanson Drive, Fowey PL23 1ET, ☏ +44 1726 833866. This is the one that Kenneth Graham based Toad Hall on, though it's not necessary to turn up in a madly-driven automobile (poop-poop!) or in washerwoman's clothing. Now an excellent upscale hotel, great style and dining. B&B double £140. (updated Jun 2020)

Go next

During the summer months there's a regular passenger ferry between Mevagissey and Fowey, which is a nice way to spend 30 minutes on a sunny day. Alternatively walk along the coastal path in either direction passing by some beautiful and quiet beaches, or hire cycles in the nearby Pentewan village and go for a ride along the many cycle paths nearby.

The Hall Walk stretches around the other side of the river from Polruan to Bodinnick and can be walked in either direction. Both ends of the walk are linked to Fowey by ferry, and the walk gives wonderful views of Fowey, the river and its tributaries. Even more importantly, there are pubs at each end so you can finish your walk with a well deserved local ale or a bite to eat.

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