Fowey is a uniquely beautiful location, just minutes from the sea, on a sheltered estuary, with easy access to the relatively pristine waters of St Austell Bay. There are plenty of things to do in Fowey, Cornwall, and all that water makes this lovely little fishing town a perfect place to visit if you enjoy watersports.
Things to Do in Fowey, Cornwall: Water Sports in Fowey
Whether you are looking for a thrilling adventure, a close encounter with nature, a serene cruise down the river, or any other kind of water sports, Fowey is the place to be. Here, The Old Quay House Hotel, one of the most charming places to stay in Fowey, offers suggestions for the best ways to enjoy the water during your stay.
Kayaking in Fowey
Is there any better way to get close to nature and take in the local wildlife than from the vantage point of a kayak or canoe on the river or estuary? Surrounded by wooded slopes and water meadows, this river is in an area owned mostly by the National Trust, and it has nature reserves, salt marsh, and bird sanctuaries on both sides. Hire a kayak, and you will have the astonishing opportunity to get close to waterfowl that include Herons, Wildfowl, Cormorants, and even Kingfishers, as you glide quietly through the water and share their space. You are likely to see fallow deer along the banks, as well, and if you are truly adventurous and want to try sea kayaking, you may even see some dolphins. The Fowey Estuary is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it has a wealth of winding creeks and little inlets to explore in your kayak or canoe.
Paddleboarding, Fowey Style
Paddleboarding, also known as Stand Up Paddling (SUP) started in Hawaii, but it has settled in quite nicely to South Cornwall. An off-shoot of surfing, it uses longer and wide boards than standard surfboards, and users propel them with a paddle, as they would a canoe. To hire a paddleboard in Fowey, you must be over eighteen years of age, with at least some paddling experience, but if this sounds like you, SUP is an amazing way to explore the natural beauty of the Fowey Estuary. Not only is it exciting and fun, but SUP is an excellent fitness activity, promoting strength, balance, and core fitness. If you are new to this activity, you can try it out at Polkerris beach, a sheltered cover nearby that is perfect for beginners, where there are plenty of opportunities for lessons and board hire.
Sailing Fowey Waters
The sheltered Fowey estuary and easy access to St Austell Bay makes Fowey the perfect place for sailing. Lessons and various sailing experiences are available, and Fowey Harbour is a welcoming place for visiting boaters. Fowey is so linked with sailing that it plays host to one of the UK’s best-known sailing events, the Fowey Regatta and Carnival. If you happen to be able to schedule your visit to Fowey to coincide with this historical event, you can experience not only the thrill of the races, but also many land-based events including a car parade, Carnival procession, crab catching and pasty eating competitions, fireworks, live music, and a harbour swim. If you do plan to be here for this event, which happens each August, be sure to make your reservations well in advance, because this weeklong event draws thousands of visitors each year, turning this tranquil town into a lively party space.
For Coasteering, Cornwall is the Place to Be
Anyone seeking an adrenaline-fuelled adventure should try coasteering at least once, regardless of age and skill level. Coasteering in Cornwall is next level, allowing you to explore the gorgeous Cornish coastline up close, swimming in breathtaking lagoons, climbing overhanging rock face sections, jumping off of cliffs up to 30 feet high into stunning blue waters, and playing in natural whirlpools and rapids. Adventure swimming, rock hopping, cave exploration, and more are experiences you can get while coasteering, and if you are coasteering in Fowey, you can do it safely, with varied, exhilarating coasteering experiences designed to meet every skill level and create a balance between thrill-seeking and safety. Whether you are a novice or an experienced coasteer, whether you are an adrenaline junkie on a solo adventure or a someone looking for a fun family outing, you can get a truly exciting coasteering experience in Fowey.
Take a River Cruise in Fowey
If you prefer a more mellow, serene way to experience the waters around Fowey, a river cruise may be the perfect outing for you. Going on a cruise is a wonderful way to take in the sights, allowing you a relaxing way to experience the Fowey River and surrounding areas from the water, on a safe, comfortable vessel. Taking a lovely, leisurely boat ride through Fowey’s scenic waters, with a knowledgeable, friendly captain with knowledge of the local area and entertaining stories, makes this brief voyage not only pleasurable but also informative and educational.
A Beach Day in Fowey
If you prefer a day at the beach to adrenaline-fueled adventures or leisurely boat rides, you will be delighted to know that Fowey has its own little beach, right by the mouth of the Fowey River, called Readymoney Cove. This sheltered beach is only a twenty minute walk from the town centre, and it is perfect for a day of family fun. Readymoney Cove is a boat free area with a swimming platform, and it is a great place to go rock pooling at low tide. Its gentle slope of sand is guarded on both sides by cliffs, and the beach is kept immaculately clean. You will also find amenities at the beach, like toilets, hot and cold drinks, hot and cold snacks, and ice creams. Want to bring your canine companion? Dogs are allowed at Readymoney Cover from 1st September to 30th June. Near the centre of Fowey, you will also find Whitehouse Beach, which is good for families because there is a large sea water paddling pool, but the beach itself disappears at high tide.
Great Beaches to Visit Around Cornwall
If you are willing to go outside of Fowey for your beach day fun, you have an abundance of options just a short distance away. Lansallos Beach is very nearby, and this sand and pebble beach is often quiet, because it is a lesser known beach than some other nearby stretches of sand. Lantic Bay, situated between Polperro and Polruan, is another secluded beach, with pebbles, shingle, and some sand. There can be strong rip currents in certain conditions, but this is a beautiful beach, and dogs are allowed year round. Par Beach is a large beach, perfect for families and popular for flying kites, as well as kite surfing. There is ample parking, a café/ shop and pub nearby, and toilets a short walk from the beach. Dogs are allowed on Par Beach all year round.
For the Best Stay in Fowey, Choose The Old Quay House Hotel
When you want to enjoy all the water sports Fowey has to offer, 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.
Our location is perfect for exploring the quaint, bustling, seaside town of Fowey, enjoying its cafes, boutiques, and galleries, and our restaurant is one of most popular in the area. There, you will enjoy fine dining, with delectable menus for breakfast, lunch, afternoon high tea, and dinner, in a gorgeous setting, where you can watch life on the estuary unfold from your vantage point on the terrace. In this charming town, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we strive to provide each of our guests with a unique experience.
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. In our Victorian building, you will find friendly staff ready to make your stay comfortable and memorable, and while we cannot accommodate children under the age of 8, in most cases we welcome well-behaved, friendly dogs. Call ahead to make sure that your canine companion is allowed with your particular package. For more information about our rooms, special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, email [email protected], or contact us through our website.
