The best things to do in Fowey

Fowey isn’t just a pretty harbour; it is a working port with a deep literary history. It offers a sophisticated mix of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. You can kayak up hidden creeks in the morning and browse high-end art galleries in the afternoon.

Whether you want to navigate your own boat up the river, hike the famous Hall Walk, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Readymoney Cove, here is our curated guide to the best activities in Fowey.

Our Top Picks

These three experiences are essential for understanding the magic of the estuary.

1. Hire a Self-Drive Boat

You haven’t seen Fowey until you have seen it from the water. You can hire small motorboats from the Town Quay without a license.

• The Activity: Put-put your way up the river past the china clay ships and the ‘Wind in the Willows’ creeks. It is the ultimate freedom.
• Good to Know: Pack a picnic. There are plenty of quiet spots further up the river (towards Golant) where you can cut the engine and drift.

2. The ‘Hall Walk’

This is widely considered one of the best short coastal walks in Cornwall. It is a 4-mile circular route that involves two ferry crossings.

• The Route: Catch the ferry from Fowey to Bodinnick, walk along the wooded cliffs on the opposite bank (with stunning views back to Fowey), and then catch the passenger ferry from Polruan back to Fowey.
• The Vibe: It offers the classic “Q” view of the harbour and passes the house where Daphne du Maurier wrote her first novel.

3. Readymoney Cove & St Catherine’s Castle

A short walk (15 mins) from the town centre along the Esplanade takes you to Readymoney Cove.

• The Beach: It is a sheltered, sandy beach with a swimming platform in the summer. It is incredibly picturesque and safe for families.

• The Castle: From the beach, walk up the path to the ruins of St Catherine’s Castle. It is a small artillery fort built by Henry VIII to protect the harbour. The views out to the open sea are spectacular.

Read more about this walk here.

Culture & History

Fowey Aquarium

Located on the town quay, this is a tiny but charming aquarium that focuses exclusively on local marine life.

• The Experience: It is famous for its “hands-on” approach (you can hold a crab) and its passionate staff. It highlights the biodiversity of the estuary right outside the door.

Literary Trails

Fowey is “Du Maurier Country.” The author lived at Ferryside (next to the Bodinnick ferry) and Menabilly.

• The Activity: Visit the Fowey Museum to see the “Du Maurier Room,” or come in May for the Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature, which takes over the town with talks and events.

Nearby Adventures

• Polruan: Take the passenger ferry across to the village of Polruan. It is steeper and quieter than Fowey. The walk up to the coastguard lookout station offers a dramatic view of the harbour mouth.

• Canoe Cornwall: Based in Golant (upriver), they offer guided canoe trips. It is a silent, peaceful way to explore the upper reaches of the river where the large boats can’t go.

Parking Tips

• Readymoney Car Park: If you want to go straight to the beach, there is a car park near the top of the hill above the cove. It fills up fast in summer.
• Caffa Mill: For the Hall Walk or boat hire, park at Caffa Mill (near the Bodinnick Ferry). It is flat and easy to access.
• Check out our ‘Best places to park in Fowey guide‘

Guides