Attractions near Fowey
Fowey is surrounded by visitor attractions and serves as a good base for exploring the surrounding Cornish villages and countryside. We've featured some of the most popular attractions and town in the vicinity of Fowey. These include historical landmarks, museums, country parks and a list of nearby towns that are worth visiting.
Tourist Attractions near Fowey
Eden Project - Distance from Fowey - 6.7 miles The Eden Project is about 7 miles outside Fowey. It has three transparent domes that showcase over 100,000 plant species. They are designed to replicate a variety of different climates including tropical and Mediterranean - one of the domes is thought to be one of the largest green houses in the world. The Eden Project was intended as a means of bringing people closer to nature in order to increase their understanding of the environment. Its proved very successful and has attracting over 1 million visitors a year since its inception in 2001.
Admission: Adults: £15.00, Children: £5.00 | Opening times: 9.15am to 6.00pm (8.00pm, Tue, Wed, Thur)
The China Clay Country Park - Distance from Fowey - 10.3 miles
Situated on the outskirts of St. Austell, the China Clay Country Park celebrates the history of the china clay industry in South Cornwall. The park is designated as an English heritage site and like the Eden project, utilises a former clay pit site. The history of China Clay is showcased through a variety of mediums including interactive displays and actual machinery used in the industry, such as a fully functional water wheel. Other attractions include guided walks, nature trails and exhibitions. There's also a woodland play area for children.
Admission: Adults: £7.50, Children: £4.50 (free for under 6s)| Opening times: 10am to 4/5/6pm depending on season
Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre - Distance from Fowey - 7.2 miles
This museum is considered to be the largest exhibitor of shipwreck artefacts in Europe. Located in nearby Charlestown, the centre illustrates the town's history and maritime traditions and shows items from over 150 shipwrecks. The collection, which has taken 50 years to assemble, dates back to the early 18th century and includes sea diving bells, diving suits and artefacts from the Lusitania and Titanic. There's also a gift shop for souvenirs and a restaurant.
Admission: Adults £5.95, Students, disabled, senior citizens: £3.95, children £2.95 | Opening times: 10am to 5pm
Castle Dore - Distance from Fowey - 1.2 miles Castle Dore is a circular hill fort dating back to the Iron Age. Its history is associated with Arthurian legend and was supposedly the home of King Mark and Tristan (See below for more information about the nearby Tristan stone). Althought little remains of its original constrution, the views out over the cornish countryside are spectacular. The fort is located just outside of Fowey near the town of Golant.
Admission: Free | Opening times: No restrictions
Tristan Stone - Distance from Fowey - 1 mile
Tristan Stone is a granite block that stands around 7 feet high and is located next to the main Fowey road. Orginally, next to Castle Dore, it has since been moved to Manabilly East Gate. On it are inscribed the Latin words, 'Drustanus Hic Iacit/Filius Cunomorus', which translates as 'Here lies Drustanus, son of Cunomorus'. The name Cunomorus likely refers to a king who resided at Castle Dore in the 6th century.
Admission: Free | Opening times: No restrictions
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre - Distance from Fowey - 8.1 miles
The St Austell Brewery supplies to most of the pubs in Fowey including the King of Prussia, The Ship and the Safe Harbour Inn. Their visitor centre consists of an interactive museum, which provides history and stories related to their beverages, and a victorian brewery section which allows visitors to observe the actual brewing process. There's also a gift shop selling reduced price St Austell beers and ales.
Admission: £7.00 | Opening times: 9am - 7pm (Sat, Sun 10am - 4pm)
Restormel Castle - Distance from Fowey - 9 miles
This 12th century motte and bailey castle is situated near Lostwithiel and overlooks the River Fowey. Its distinctive circular keep is one of the most well-preserved in the UK and is surrounded by a 17 foot moat. Originally built by Edward the Black Prince, a number of people have since owned the castle such as Simon de Montfort and Thomas de Tracey. It is now in the care of the English Heritage and is open throughout the year. Its remains include the gate, keep, kitchens, great hall and guest chamber. The Gothic, 18th century, Restormel house can be found below the castle and still retains its battlements.
Admission: Adults £2.50, children £1.30 | Opening times: 10am to 4/5/6pm depending on season
The Lost Gardens of Heligan - Distance from Fowey - 13.7 miles
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, situated near Mevagissey, form part of the Tremayne Estate and are one of the most successful botanical gardens in the UK. After decades of neglect following the Great War, the gardens were restored to their original gardenesque state. The 1996 restoration was televised by Channel 4 and revitalised the Estate and surrounding community. The Gardens boast a wide variety of trees and plants and have Europe's only remaining Pineapple Pit.
Admission: Adults £8.50, senior citizens £7.50, children free (under 5s) | Opening times : 10am to 6pm, (5pm during winter season)
Nearby Towns
Polruan - Distance from Fowey - 4.0 miles (By road)
Polruan is situated opposite Fowey on the other side of the harbour. The town shares a similar maritime history and is a traditional Cornish fishing village with a proud ship-building heritage. Despite its proximity to Fowey, Polruan maintains its own identity and has a number of visitor attractions and events. These include historical landmarks such as the 18th century ruined church, St Saviours and the Blockhouse fortification, built in 1380 following an attack by Spanish raiders. Polruan also has its own Carnival, which is held in the week following Fowey's version.
Lostwithiel - Distance from Fowey - 9.1 miles
Lostwithiel, which was the 13th century capital of Cornwall, is a picturesque market town, with attractive buildings such as the guildhall and old grammar school. It has a number of historic buildings such as a 15th century bridge and the remains of an old courthouse, The Stannery. Shopping is good in Lostwithiel with an array of fairs, antique/craft shops and market stalls open to visitors. There is also a number of award-winning restaurants and hotels dotted around the town.
Mevagissey - Distance from Fowey - 13.7 miles Situated in St Austell Bay, Mevagissey is a traditional, picturesque fishing village with narrow streets and flower-fronted cottages. Fisherman still work on their nets and repair their boats in what is still a working harbour. Like Lostwithiel, the visitor will find a good selection of craft shops, restaurants and cafes in the medieval rabbit-warren streets and alley-ways. Popular attractions include the World of Railways Exhibition, with its huge collection of model trains and aquarium.
St Austell - Distance from Fowey - 8.6 miles
St Austell is a major market town, well-placed for touring mid-Cornwall. The one-time centre of the china-clay industry has a number of interesting historical buildings such as the Georgian Qauker Meeting House and the Italianate town hall, built in 1844. Holy Trinity Church is also worth seeing and includes intricate carvings on its outside walls. The pedestrianised town centre is currenlty undergoing a £75 million redevelopment which will add new shops, a cinema and restaurants.
Polperro - Distance from Fowey - 7.2 miles
Despite increased commercialisation, Polperro still maintains the character of a Cornish fishing village. Its colour-washed cottages lead to a small harbour which is sheltered by two sea walls. The town itself consists of an intertwining network of alleyways and narrow streets which were once haven to smugglers. The Polperro Heritage Museum, which overlooks the harbour, showcases this history with period photographs, memorabilia and model boats.
Charlestown - Distance from Fowey - 6.8 miles
Charlestown is a Georgian fishing village that was central to the exporting of china-clay during the 18th and 19th centuries. The town maintains its working harbour and still exports small amounts of china-clay. It is home to a number of historic tall ships such as the Asumpta, which are used in television and film productions. The Shipwreck Museum is also a popular attraction and showcases artefacts from a large number of ships and boats.
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