Readymoney Cove sits just south of Fowey, reached by a short walk from the town centre through Readymoney car park and down a steep footpath to the sand. The cove is small and sheltered, tucked in close to the mouth of the Fowey Estuary and framed on one side by the medieval streets of Fowey itself, and on the other by the headland carrying St Catherine’s Castle. From the beach there are views out across the estuary to Polruan Hill and the castle ruins opposite.
St Catherine’s Castle above the cove dates from the sixteenth century, built as a coastal defence under Henry VIII to guard the entrance to the Fowey Estuary. It is now in the care of English Heritage and can be reached on foot from the beach.
The cove has a quieter literary connection too. The coach house above the beach was home to Daphne du Maurier for a few years during the Second World War, before she moved on to Menabilly, the house that inspired Manderley in Rebecca.
Bathing is generally considered reasonably safe within the cove itself, though not out in the open estuary, and there is no lifeguard cover here, so it suits confident swimmers happy to look after themselves. Water quality can dip after storms and heavy rain, when runoff from the river affects the cove. The beach is sandy and gently shelving, with tidal rock pools to explore, though spring tides can cover the sand completely, so it is worth checking tide times before heading down. The beach is cleaned daily through the summer season.
A seasonal dog ban runs from the first of July to the end of August, with dogs kept off the sand between 10am and 6pm during that period, and welcome at all other times of year.
Facilities are modest but sufficient: a small beach shop and cafe, toilets including a disabled toilet during the season, and a slipway used mainly by kayaks and paddleboards. Everything else, from larger shops to restaurants, is a short walk away in Fowey. About 150 parking spaces are available at Readymoney car park above the beach.
Plan your visit
Use our interactive map below to plan your trip to ‘Readymoney Cove Beach, Fowey’.
- OS grid reference
- SX 1181 5106
- Nearest postcode
- PL23 1JH
Places near this beach
Cafes
- Readymoney Beach Shop
© OpenStreetMap contributors
A Winter Walk Around Fowey
Fowey Guides
The Ultimate Fowey Travel Guide: 100+ Questions Answered
Fowey Basics & Planning Your Visit
Walks & Outdoors in Fowey
Beaches & Swimming Near Fowey
Getting to & Around Fowey
Food & Drink in Fowey
Literary Fowey
The History of Fowey
Events & Activities in Fowey
