Where will you spend your August bank holiday? In Fowey, you will find yourself within easy reach of stunning scenery, charming villages, noteworthy landmarks, and plenty to do, no matter where your interests lie.
Bank Holiday in Cornwall: Spend Your August Bank Holiday in Fowey
A bank holiday in Cornwall is always a delight, and Fowey is so conveniently located and beautifully situated that you are sure to find that your holiday is pure bliss. Need some inspiration? We have some wonderful suggestions for how to spend your bank holiday in Fowey.
Find Adventure in Outdoor Activities in Cornwall
There is so much to love about Cornwall, and the spectacular natural surroundings are a big part of that.
- Walk the South West Coast Path. From Fowey, it is easy to hop onto this path, where you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking views you have ever seen in your life. Take it to Gribbin Head for an amazing view of the sunset, or take the ferry to Polruan and walk to Lantic Bay, where you will find breathtaking views and a gorgeously secluded beach. St Catherine’s Castle is on the South West Coast Path, if you would like to visit some interesting ruins, and if you are a fan of Daphne de Maurier, you will want to walk all the way to Menabilly, the inspiration for Manderley.
- Explore the Fowey Estuary. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the estuary has something for everyone. For the sporting types, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards offer wonderful opportunities to get close to nature. There are also cruises, to let you see the estuary and the Fowey River from a dryer point of view. Of course, you can also take a walk and enjoy the view, or relax at The Old Quay House Hotel restaurant, on the unique terrace, overlooking the estuary. Relax and enjoy the spectacular view, while you sip a glass of wine or dine on fine cuisine.
- Head to the beach. If there is one thing Cornwall has in abundance, it is beautiful beaches. The north coast has the surfing hotspots like Newquay and Perranporth, but you can surf on the south coast as well, at Praa Sands. This lovely stretch of sandy beach is in close proximity to Marazion and Penzance, which means it is easy to combine a beach day with further adventure. Of course, Fowey has two beaches all its own, as well. Whitehouse Beach is near the centre of Fowey and features a large sea water paddling pool. Readymoney Cove, Fowey’s other beach, is a sheltered little cove with views of Polruan Hill and St Catherine’s Castle. This charming beach is the perfect place to bring the family, a boat-free zone with rockpools to explore and amenities to enjoy.
- Take in the Minack Theatre. This magical place is an open air theatre, carved into a cliff, surrounded by sub-tropical gardens. It is a working theatre, so you can catch a show there, but even if you just want to visit, you will need to make a reservation. Plan for it on a day you feel like visiting a beach, and you can pop down to Porthcurno Beach to enjoy the golden sands and sparkling turquoise waters.
- Visit The Lost Garden of Heligan. A mysterious, fascinating estate, Heligan was lost and overgrown from the outbreak of World War 1 until 1990, when it was rediscovered and lovingly restored. Today, it offers a paradise to explore, with exotic plants from around the world, fairytale-esque statues that rise from the earth, and eateries where you can enjoy delicious, fresh food, made with ingredients pulled from the garden itself.
Enjoy a Wealth of Cultural Events in Fowey
If you can stretch your time in Cornwall a little bit, try to get to Fowey for the Regatta, which happens from 18 to 24 August this year. This amazing event includes not only boat racing, but also parades, contests, live music, and much more. It is such a fun time that thousands of people flock to the little town of Fowey each year to experience it. If you do not have the extra time, you can still hit some pretty exciting events in Cornwall on your bank holiday weekend. Drive over to Newlyn, and you can enjoy some of the UK’s best seafood at the Newlyn Fish Festival, which also has cooking demonstrations, workshops, helicopter displays, live music, bouncy castles, and many other fun happenings. From the 22nd through 26th August, there is also the Cornwall Folk Festival in Wadebridge, which showcases local and international acts, in a blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. In addition to live music, there will be workshops and family-friendly activities, in celebration of Cornwall’s deep musical heritage. If you are planning to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan, this is the perfect time to do it. This August bank holiday weekend, the Cornish Dahlia Society returns to the gardens for their 43rd annual show. Not only will you have the opportunity to revel in dazzling blooms, but you can also get tips for your own garden from the experienced gardeners in the Dahlia Society.
Take in Some Sights
Whether you want to stay in Fowey or head further afield, there are plenty of things to see and do on your holiday.
- The Fowey Aquarium: Situated on the historic Fowey Town Quay, the Fowey Aquarium is small but interesting, with a wide variety of marine creatures on display. Since 1952, this aquarium has delighted children and adults alike, and uses many of the original tanks, pumping fresh sea water in daily. There is even a touch pool where children can experience some of the local sea creatures up close.
- St Catherine’s Castle: Above Readymoney Cove is this 16th century castle, built by Henry VIII. Managed by English Heritage and carefully restored in recent decades, it is now open to the public and free to visit.
- The Fowey Museum: For a single room museum, the Fowey Museum covers a lot of history. In fact, this charming spot, located in one of the town’s oldest buildings, has displays covering centuries of the town’s history, and quite a lot of information about Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall days.
- Fowey Parish Church: In the heart of Fowey, you will this oasis of peace, dating back to the 14th It is an active church, with services and events, but even if you are not one of the faithful you will enjoy its gorgeous stained glass windows.
- The Ship Inn: This may not be everyone’s idea of a notable site, but it is the oldest pub in Fowey, and it is still a great place to pop in and have a drink by the fire. It’s over 500 years old, and it is a lovely old building, as well as a welcoming pub.
- The St Ives Bay Line: If you are interested in heading out of town, take the short drive to St Erth, where you can park and ride the train to St Ives. This scenic coastal journey goes through Carbis, where you can hop off to visit one of the best beaches in Cornwall, then through Lelant, which features a lovely walk on the South West Coast Path, before ending its route at St Ives, which is not just a stunning coastal town with white sand beaches bathed in Mediterranean light, but also an artists’ mecca and one of Cornwall’s true gems.
- Truro: Cornwall’s only city is less than an hour from Fowey, and well worth a visit. Famous for its paved streets, gothic architecture, and iconic cathedral, Truro has plenty to see and do, from shopping and dining to guided tours and green spaces. On the August bank holiday weekend, there will be live concerts as well as the 25 birthday celebration of the Truro Farmers Market, showcasing the best of Cornwall’s produce, art, and crafts. If you fancy high tea, pop over to the Alverton terrace, where you can enjoy freshly made sandwiches and sweet treats with a pot of Cornish tea.
Spend Your Bank Holiday at The Old Quay House Hotel
When you are looking for a picturesque place to spend your bank holiday, convenient to all that is wonderful about Cornwall, The Old Quay House Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Nestled in the heart of Fowey, 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. Stay in one of our 13 luxurious bedrooms and you will enjoy not only big comfy beds and every amenity you need for a decadent stay, but also five-course meals and exquisite estuary views.
In our popular restaurant, you will enjoy fine dining in a gorgeous setting, where you can watch life on the estuary unfold from your vantage point on the terrace. Once a refuge for sailors, The Old Quay House is deeply connected to the area’s history, and the character of each bedroom is meticulously crafted to tell its own story, in keeping with that rich tradition.
For more information about our rooms, our special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, email [email protected], or contact us through our website.
