Enjoying a Day of Family Activities in Fowey
Fowey rhymes with joy, and this seems fitting for such a charming little harbourside town, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether you are interested in an exhilarating outdoor adventure, fancy a scenic stroll, or want a romantic getaway, this is the perfect place to be. If you have children, there are plenty of things to occupy your family, from days on the beach to castles and landmarks to animal-centred fun. What will you do on your day in Fowey? We have some suggestions of things to do in lovely, family friendly Fowey.
Things to Do in Fowey with Kids
- Spend some time wandering the town. Fowey is excellent for exploring, with its twisty, narrow streets, interesting historic buildings, art galleries, cafés, bakeries, pubs, and independent shops. There is even a charming little garden, the Old Grammar School Garden, tucked away just off the esplanade.
- Relax at Readymoney Cove Beach. One of the top kids’ activities in Fowey is this sheltered little beach, perfect for bringing the family. It is protected from the wind by cliffs, has a nice little beach café, and is safe for swimming. There are no lifeguards, but the beach is cleaned daily during the high season, and there are tidal rockpools to explore.
- Visit the Fowey Aquarium. This is a very small aquarium, but it is certainly interesting, particularly when you consider that all the creatures there are brought in from local waters. Situated on the Fowey Town Quay, this aquarium was established in 1952, and is worth a visit, particularly for those keen to experience the touch pool.
- Explore the Fowey Estuary. Really, you could spend several days just taking in this beautiful piece of nature. Whether you want to rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard, take a boat tour, or just walk along the beautiful trails and creeks, it is a perfectly wonderful place to discover. Camping, sailing, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities to do here, and there is even geocaching, to add to the excitement.
- Check out the Fowey Museum. This little museum will not take long to visit, but you are sure to find something to pique your interest. Located in a 15th century building, one of the oldest in town, this one-room museum contains artefacts that tell the story of this harbour town’s history.
- Take a walk on the South West Coastal Path. Fowey’s esplanade joins the South West Coastal Path, opening up the possibilities for amazing walks. You can choose a well-worn route like the Hall Walk, or simply walk a stretch of the path, marvelling at the glory of the scenic views.
- Visit St Catherine’s Castle. Perched on the cliffs above Readymoney Cove, the castle is a ¾ mile walk from the beach. It is only accessible on foot, but once you reach it, you will be rewarded with excellent views of the estuary. The castle itself is a ruin, but is historically interesting, having been built in the 1500s and most recently used in World War II.
- Take a boat ride. Fowey is a bustling harbour town, so whether you want to charter a fishing boat, take a sightseeing cruise, spot some local wildlife, or just take the ferry to Polruan, it is easy to find a boat ride!
Going Further Afield
Fowey is a charming place to holiday, and if your stay is short, you are unlikely to run out of things to do and places to explore. If you do fancy a trip to a neighbouring site, though, there are loads of interesting things to do in the surrounding area. Visit the fascinating Eden Project, with its massive biomes and tropical rainforest. If you have adrenaline junkies in your party, you can even do something thrilling at Hangloose Adventure at Eden, which offers zip lining and more. Kidzworld is also near Fowey, just a 15 minute drive away, and there you will find active activities for kids and parents alike, including soft play, trampolines, dodgems, and slides. For a more serene adventure, check out the Lost Gardens of Heligan, wandering the extensive grounds and marvelling at the earth sculptures, and perhaps even trying the 100 foot Burmese Rope Bridge. Within easy driving distance of Fowey, you will also find a wealth of castles, beaches, and picturesque villages to discover.
End Your Day in Fowey with a Night at The Old Quay House Hotel
When you are enjoying the best that Fowey has to offer, The Old Quay House Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Nestled in the heart of Fowey, in a beautifully picturesque location at 28 Fore Street, this riverside boutique hotel offers a modern-day bolthole away from life’s stresses and chores. Check with us for special offers, and we will do everything in our power to make your stay even more special. For more information about our rooms, our special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, email info@theoldquayhouse.com, or contact us through our website.
