The town of Fowey has a unique unspoilt and ancient charm which holds a special fascination for visitors of all ages. The medieval and tudor cottages, narrow winding streets with glimpses of the river below, cobbled walkways perfumed with flowers from hanging baskets and window boxes and the quays bustling with life all help to create a unique atmosphere.
Privately owned Place, a part 15th century fortified manor house, dominates the town. Still owned by the Treffry's, one of Cornwalls most ancient families, its fortifications and high boundary wall give the town a feudal atmosphere. Other buildings of note include the early medieval "Old House of Foye", the Ship Inn and St. Catherines Castle, built in the mid 15th Century with 16th century additions. The font in the lovely parish church of St. Fimbarrus dates from Norman times. There is also a good selection of quality restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops to be found. The town has strong connections with the world famous authoress Daphne Du Maurier who spent most of her life living quietly in the area, first in Bodinnick and then near Polkerris.
Much of the land around Fowey is owned by the National Trust with many delightful walks both in the countryside and along the coast. A haven for flora and fauna, this area has long been popular with naturalists, painters and walkers, particularly during the gentle spring and autumn weather so common here.
Facing Fowey on the other side of the harbour is the smaller community of Polruan, a village of considerable charm and character quite different to its larger neighbour. Typical narrow streets and steep footpaths wind their way around this tightly packed village where traditional cottages at the foot of the hill give way to more modern houses as the land rises away from the harbour.
Apart from the residential development that took place in the 1960s and 70s, the village has remained largely untouched for many generations and because it is somewhat 'out on a limb' it remains relatively quiet even in the busy summer months. The Polruan passenger ferry travels back and forth all day and into the evening during the main season which makes trips to Fowey quick and convenient. For keen walkers the Cornwall Coast Path works its way up from the Polruan Quay and then runs 7 miles eastwards to Polperro thorugh National Trust protected coastal scenery. For the less energetic, you can return to Fowey via Bodinnick, following the famous Hall Walk, a total distance of some four miles and acknowledged as one of the finest walks in the UK.
Polruan has two traditional Pubs, a handful of shops and two cafes. The car park is situated towards the top of the village.
Lerryn is a charming riverside village situated on a delightful tree lined tributary of the River Fowey. The village is about 3 miles from the ancient stannary town of Lostwithiel, 9 miles from the famous Eden Project and about 4 miles (via the Bodinnick car ferry) from Fowey.
It is considered one of the prettiest villages in this area and has much to offer the holiday visitor.
Surrounded by National Trust woodland with lovely walks along both sides of the river, the village lies in the midst of the very best countryside Cornwall has to offer and provides a wonderful location for those who are simply looking for complete peace and quiet. Springtime in Lerryn is a particularly lovely time for watching the ducklings, signets and may varieties of birdlife including, if you are lucky, the Kingfisher. For those who are keen on horses a nearby riding school provides excellent opportunities for the complete novice through to the experienced rider. The village show, amateur dramatic productions and races on the river are just some of the events that take place during the year and to which visitors are very welcome.
The large village green adjoins the river and is a marvellous picnic area. When the tide is out, stepping stones are revealed allowing you to cross to the other side, a great attraction for the children and young at heart! A delightful sixteenth century bridge provides a permanent crossing point a couple of hundred yards up the river. Lerryn has a free car park, excellent general stores/sub post office where traditional Cream Teas can be purchased and the local free house pub, The Ship Inn, provides good food and welcoming service.





