Fowey: Harbour, History and Literature

In Fowey, harbour activity and historic sites meet literary events and waterside walks. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fowey, you can consider whether history, literature or activities along the river and coast should be the focus of your stay. These different themes give Fowey a varied character.

Harbour and History

The harbour has been an important international trading port since the Middle Ages. It remains a working harbour and exports kaolin. Its long trading tradition is therefore not just part of the past: the harbour continues to shape the town’s economy today. In the Middle Ages, the Havener’s Court was located at Town Quay.

The Church of St Fimbarrus (St Nicholas) is a Grade I listed building. St Fimbarrus was rebuilt in 1460 by the Earl of Warwick after French attackers destroyed the church. St Catherine’s Castle was built in the 1530s under Henry VIII as one of two artillery forts defending Fowey harbour. The two buildings therefore reflect different periods in the town’s history.

The Town Hall was built in 1785 and incorporates parts of the 15th-century Guild Hall. Here, too, two periods of construction meet: the building of the Town Hall and the older parts of the Guild Hall. These historical connections make Fowey interesting if, during your stay, you want to explore not only the harbour but also the town’s development.

Literature and Culture

Fowey Museum is housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings. Its exhibitions explore both maritime history and Fowey’s literary reputation. The museum brings together two of the themes that shape the town: the history of the harbour and its connection to literature.

The Du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival takes place every year in May. It brings together writers, readers, artists and musicians of all ages. If literature is an important reason for your trip, May is the festival’s recurring time of year. Check the event dates when planning your visit.

Waterside Walks and Activities

The Hall Walk follows the riverbanks and uses both ferry crossings via Bodinnick, Pont Creek and Polruan; the route can also be walked in the opposite direction. The Fowey Hall Walk is a four-mile circular route that includes two ferry crossings. If you’re planning one of these walks, check the ferry times in advance.

St Catherine’s Castle can only be reached on foot from the car park via Ready Money Beach. As ground conditions may change, check access before your visit. Readymoney Cove is a sheltered bay where visitors can swim. From there, the view stretches across the Fowey Estuary to Polruan Hill and the castle ruins.

Beginners can also kayak on the Fowey Estuary; check the conditions for your chosen date in advance. From Fowey, the coastal footpath can be reached at Readymoney Cove and followed westwards via Gribbin Head towards St Austell Bay. During the season, harbour cruises also depart regularly from Town Quay. Check the dates in advance if you’re planning a cruise.

Discover more destinations: Mevagissey, Liskeard, Porkellis, Jacobstow, Mawnan Smith, Herodsfoot, Lanlivery, North Tamerton.

For the main travel guide: Cornwall.