Fowey
The Town
In the charming Cornish fishing town of Fowey, property searchers will find history and tradition. There’s a ruined castle and a listed 14th century church, and the town even has its own beach, Readymoney Cove. Recoco buying agents will present an authentically desirable location, with its combination of Cornish seaside and a welcoming, friendly community. The parish includes the town as well as the coastal area in between the mouth of the River Fowey and St Austell Bay, and Fowey has a population of around 2,300.
Transport
Regular buses run between Fowey, St Austell and Par: other locations can be reached from St Austell. Your Recoco property finder can help you find out more details of the trains that run from Par, a few miles from Fowey, to London Paddington, Bristol, Plymouth, Penzance, and Newquay. The frequency of local buses ranges from four buses per hour during the week to one bus per hour on Sundays.
Regular foot and car ferries run to Bodinnick and Polruan, on the other side of the estuary. Property buyers can also benefit from the water taxi service and foot ferry to Mevagissey, when the weather allows. For property searchers who need access to the air, the nearest airports are Exeter and Newquay.
History
The three-masted ship with its topsail furled on the town shield illustrates the importance of the seashore location. The local church was founded around the 7th century, and by medieval times the town was an important port. Tin, copper and iron also contributed to the town’s prosperity, as did China clay from the nearby clay pits.
Leisure and Events
For those who love the water, Fowey will be an ideal location. Recoco buying agents can point you towards the Royal Fowey Yacht Club in the harbour, while other clubs for water sports enthusiasts include the Pilot Gig Rowing Club and the Fowey Gallants Sailing Club. While yachting is popular, Recoco property finders can also suggest more adventurous pastimes like kayaking. For property buyers who prefer more land-based entertainment, there are heritage societies, conservation groups, camera clubs, youth and adult theatre groups, and even a fuchsia society. The annual regatta is an especial draw, as is the Literature Festival inspired by Daphne du Maurier which takes place in May; or enjoy the Christmas market in winter.
Fat Face, Joules, Moshulu, and Sea Salt are some of the high-street names here that can keep property buyers and Recoco buying agents alike suitably clad for the local climate. The art galleries are also well worth a visit to pick up unique artworks and crafts.
If you’re keen to enjoy a little traditional shopping in Fowey, the Recoco property finders will be happy to recommend traditional bakeries like the Fowey branch of Nile’s and Quay, and established greengrocers. If it’s fresh fish you’re looking for, on the other hand, this can often be bought direct from the fishermen as they land. And then there’s the fudge: if you have a sweet tooth, give Rolys a try.
For a brief break from the beach, Squires Field provides a children’s play area and ample open space for an informal game of football.
Education
Fowey Primary School belongs to the Peninsula Learning Trust. This Trust links several primary schools around the St Austell Bay district. For secondary education, Fowey River Academy is nearby, part of the Leading Edge Academies Partnership. The school educates children between 11 to 16. For post-16 education, students usually attend colleges in Truro, St Austell, or Bodmin. There is a leisure centre and sports hub on-site at Fowey River Academy.
The nearest universities are in Plymouth and Exeter. Exeter belongs to the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, while Plymouth has particular strengths in complementary medicine, food science, and optometry.
Celebrity Connections
Cornwall has drawn many creatives over the centuries, and Fowey is no exception. Artists have included Mabel Lucie Attwell and Fred Yates. Nobel Prize winner Antony Hewish lived here, while contemporary celebrities with second homes here include television personalities Gloria Hunniford, Dawn French, and Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
Foodies’ Corner
While Fowey may be small, property searchers won’t go hungry here. You can choose from English, Chinese and Indian cuisine; charming bistro and cafes like Brown Sugar, Lazy Jack’s, or the Lifebuoy Cafe, or traditional pubs to suit all comers.
Fun Fact
Kenneth Grahame, author of the classic story The Wind in the Willows, lived in Fowey for a time.