Local Visitor Attractions
There are a number of Fowey visitor attractions worth seeing, regardless of season. Some are free to the public while others require a small admission fee. We've included information about opening times and descriptions of each Fowey visitor attraction.
St Catherine's Castle
St Catherine's Castle, which overlooks Readymoney Cove, was constructed by Henry VIII to protect against Spanish raids. The castle is one of many coastal fortifications found on the South Coast. Restored in 1855 it is now and English Heritage site and can be reached via steps from the beach below. Although in ruins, visitors can still walk along the gun emplacements and battlements.
Admission: Free | Opening times: No restrictions
Fowey Aquarium
The Fowey aquarium, which is housed underneath the the town hall, previously formed part of the old market until converted in the 1950s. It now exhibits local sea life, some of which is accessible through a touch pool, which allows visitors to experience specimens first-hand.
Admission: £1.00 | Opening times: 10am to 5pm, May to December
St. Fimbarrus' Church
Located at the end of the Saint's Way trail, this 14th century church has the second tallest tower in Cornwall. The church is dedicated to St. Finn Bar, the first bishop of Cork, and replaced an earlier Norman construction - its carved but unfinished font still remains. An extensive restoration took place during the late 19th century and the western gallery was removed, with new roof, vestry, choir stall and pews added. Notable features of the church include the pulpit, which is made from the pannelling of a Spanish Galleon, the tower and 15th century wagon roof. A war memorial can be found in the churchyard commemorating Fowey's war dead.
Admission: Free | Opening times: Sunday Services - 8am, 11pm, 6pm, Group meetings - Tuesdays, 2.30pm, 7.30pm
Fowey Town Hall
The Town Hall, which is home to the aquarium and museum, dates back to 1793 and replaced the 14th century Guild Chapel. Some of the chapel's features remain intact such as the barred windows of the medieval jail. An old water tap can be found to the rear of the building - its installation in 1787 was met with much enthusiasm by locals.
Fowey MuseumFowey Museum exhibits a number of literary, political and naval artefacts. These include the cloak of General Garibaldi, the great Italian military leader and the mayorial chain of one-time London Mayor, Sir Charles Hanson. Fowey's famous seafaring heritage is also celebrated through a collection of models, maritime photographs and ship sails.
Admission: £1.00 | Opening times: 10am to 5pm, May to December
Place House
Place House is located high above Fowey and is home to the Treffry family. Built in 1260, the fortified manor house was the focus of a French attack in the mid 15th century. Although the attack was repelled, a large portion of the house had to be rebuilt due to fire damage. Today it remains a private residence but the gardens are occasionally used for private functions. The building is best viewed from the sea.
Admission: Private residence
Daphne du Maurier Literary Centre
The centre is situated in central Fowey and presents exhibitions of the famous author and other famous literary figures associated with Fowey. These include Sir Arthur Quiller Couch, Kenneth Graham and Leo Walmsey. There's also a 15 minute video about Du Maurier and a gift shop that sells her books.
Admission: Free | Opening times: 9.30am to 5.00pm all year
Ferryside and Pont Pill
Located near the Bodinnick Ferry, this house was once home to Daphne du Maurier. She actually wrote her first novel here, The Loving Spirit, which was based on the Slade family of nearby Polruan. On the right side of the building, below du Maurier's old room, can be seen a rescued figurehead from a schooner, Jane Slade. Further upstream is Pont Pill, meaning 'Bridge Creek'. It provided Daphne du Maurier with inspiration for her first novel and she travelled through the nearby waters on her wedding day in 1932.
Admission: Private residence
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