Places of Interest around Fowey in Cornwall

Our guide to key landmarks and locations around the Fowey Estuary, including other towns and villages in the area.

Please also visit our Attractions page for more ideas of things to do. Visit our Around Fowey pages for more information on the towns and villages around the estuary itself. You can also learn more about some of these landmarks and the history of the area by joining one of our guided walks or by visiting the Fowey Harbour Heritage Project website.

St Fimbarrus Church. Dedicated to St Finbar, who passed through Fowey early in the 6th century, the church was rebuilt in 1460 by the Earl of Warwick after being destroyed by French marauders. Situated in the heart of the town it is generally open to visitors during the day. (Service times are displayed on the Church notice board or visit their web site www.foweyparishchurch.org) .

Place House, Fowey. Visible as the tower which stands behind St Fimbarrus Church. Place has been home of the Treffry family since the 13th Century and remains their private home to this day. It is not open to the public and is best viewed from the river.

St Catherine's Point, Fowey. On the Fowey side of the harbour entrance. In medieval times the chapel of St Catherine stood on the cliff top and a light was kept burning as a Lighthouse. Now all that remains is the fort below, built in the reign of Henry VIII to defend the harbour entrance. The fort, St Catherine's Castle, is accessible on foot from Readymoney Cove and entry is free.

The Tristan Stone, Fowey. On the left side of the approach road into Fowey (A3082), situated at the head of a lay-by. An inscribed monolith the burial stone of Tristan, son of King Mark of Cornwall, dates back to the 6th Century.

Polruan Blockhouse. On either side of the harbour entrance are the ruins of square blockhouses built around 1380, between which a chain was hung to prevent the entry of undesirable ships into the harbour. Polruan blockhouse is a prominent point at the harbour entrance and may be visited on foot. From there you can look across to the remains of the Fowey blockhouse which is not accessible to visitors.

The Quiller-Couch Memorial. Situated on the Hall Walk about 15 minutes from Bodinnick and overlooking Fowey, the monument stands at the top of Penleath Point at the mouth of Pont Creek. It is a memorial to the author Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch who made his home in Fowey and was an integral part of the local community.

St Wyllow Church, Lanteglos-by-Fowey. Situated just above Pont Creek, on the Polruan side of the river, St Wyllow is a pretty church surrounded by farmland. It is also the church where Daphne du Maurier married Major Tommy Browning.

Gribbin Head. Situated on the coast path, just above Polridmouth beach and between Fowey and Polkerris, this red and white striped day marker warned shipping of the dangerous rocks below. Now owned by the National Trust it opens to the public on some Sundays during the summer (small charge applies). The climb to the top is up a steep and narrow staircase but the views are well worth it. From Hamblands car park at Menabilly it is a 30 - 40 minute walk.

Fowey Lifeboat Station. Situated on Passage Street, the lifeboat shop opens during the summer months. Next door to the shop the inshore lifeboat is kept and on some days it is possible to have a closer look. You will also be able to see the all weather lifeboat on her mooring. It is worth looking out for lifeboat events that take place regularly throughout the summer as they often offer the opportunity to have a look onboard the lifeboats.

Castle Dore. About 2 miles north of Fowey on the B3269. The remains of an old castle with a circular earth rampart nearly seven feet high, which can still be seen. Access is difficult with parking in a lay-by and walking on the main road.

Charlestown. Situated six miles from Fowey, Charlestown is an attractive Georgian harbour with lock gates. The village is the home of several square rigged sailing ships, which can often be seen in the harbour. Charlestown is also home to the Shipwreck Centre.

Mevagissey. Attractive 15th Century fishing village on the coast about 14 miles from Fowey. Inner and outer harbours shelter the many small boats moored there. Mevagissey has its own small working fishing fleet. By car it is around a 30 minute drive or catch the Mevagissey Ferry from Fowey during the summer.

Looe. A seaside town with a large and family friendly beach front which hosts various sailing and watersports events during the summer. The town has many shops and eating places to explore throughout its winding streets. Looe also sits on a river and is home to a reasonable sized fishing fleet which has its own fish market.

Polperro. A small village with a picturesque harbour, from which fishing and trip boats come and go with the tide. Although vehicle access is restricted there is lots to explore in Polperro's narrow and winding streets. The main car park is situated at the top of the village.