Fowey Beaches

Overview

Fowey is a picturesque harbour town nestled on Cornwall's beautiful south coast. While it's more famed for its charming estuary setting and maritime buzz than as a traditional beach resort, it serves as an excellent base for exploring a wealth of stunning coastal spots. Visitors often wonder if it's ideal for a beach holiday; it certainly is, especially if you enjoy pairing town amenities with adventures to discover diverse nearby coves and shores.

Within easy reach of the town centre lies Readymoney Cove, a sheltered, sandy beach perfect for families and easily accessible via a pleasant walk. It's the primary beach for those staying in Fowey looking for a convenient dip or relaxing time by the sea. While there's a very small tidal patch known as Whitehouse Quay right in the harbour, Readymoney Cove offers the main walkable beach experience. It's worth noting that the tides play a significant role here, changing the landscape of the estuary and beach access throughout the day.

Exploring slightly further afield unlocks more coastal treasures. Nearby Polkerris beach is a popular choice, offering watersports facilities and dining right by the sea in a sheltered setting. For those seeking tranquility and a touch of literary history, the more secluded Polridmouth Cove, famously associated with author Daphne du Maurier, provides a peaceful escape. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful spots nearby, Lantic Bay rewards visitors with breathtaking scenery, though reaching its shores involves navigating a steep coastal path. Our full guide features a longer list detailing many other beaches in the vicinity.

Fowey's location also makes it a great starting point for wider Cornish adventures. Iconic destinations further afield, such as the renowned North Cornwall surfing beach Watergate Bay, can be visited on a day trip. From the convenience of Readymoney Cove to the activity-filled shores of Polkerris, the hidden beauty of Polridmouth Cove, the stunning vistas at Lantic Bay, and adventures beyond, the Fowey area offers a rich variety of coastal experiences to complement its harbour town charm.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Fowey a good place for a beach holiday?

Fowey is more of a charming harbour town with access to nearby beaches rather than a traditional beach resort centered entirely around large sandy stretches. While it has small beaches like Readymoney Cove and Whitehouse Quay within or near the town, the main attractions are the picturesque estuary, boating, coastal walks, shops, and restaurants. Many beautiful beaches are a short drive or boat trip away, making it a great base if you enjoy exploring different coves and coastal scenery alongside a town atmosphere.

Readymoney Cove

Is Fowey better for families or couples?

Fowey appeals strongly to both families and couples, but offers different experiences. Couples often enjoy the romantic harbour views, boutique shops, coastal walks, and upscale dining. Families appreciate the safe harbour, crabbing opportunities, proximity to Readymoney Cove, boat trips, and the nearby beaches like Polkerris which offer facilities and watersports. It's generally considered a relaxed, scenic destination rather than a party town.

Readymoney Cove

Polkerris

Can you swim in the sea near Fowey?

Yes, swimming is popular at several beaches near Fowey, particularly Readymoney Cove and Polkerris Beach during warmer months. The water is generally clean, though like anywhere in the UK, it can be cold, especially outside of peak summer. Readymoney Cove is sheltered within the estuary, making it calmer, while Polkerris offers open sea swimming. Always be mindful of boat traffic in the estuary and check local conditions.

Readymoney Cove

Polkerris

Are there beaches you can walk to from Fowey town?

Yes, Readymoney Cove is the main beach accessible by a pleasant walk (around 10-15 minutes) from the centre of Fowey. There's also the very small tidal beach at Whitehouse Quay right in the town, perfect for a quick paddle or watching boats at high tide, but not for sunbathing.

Readymoney Cove

Is it better to stay right near a beach or in Fowey town?

Staying in Fowey town offers easy access to shops, pubs, restaurants, and the harbour atmosphere, with Readymoney Cove walkable. Staying nearer beaches like Polkerris might suit those prioritising beach time and watersports, but means travelling into Fowey for town amenities. It depends on whether you prefer town convenience or immediate beach access.

Readymoney Cove

Polkerris

Is Readymoney Cove sandy?

Readymoney Cove is mostly sandy, especially as the tide goes out, making it good for sandcastles. There can be some shingle mixed in, particularly towards the high tide mark. It's a relatively small, sheltered cove.

Readymoney Cove

Are dogs allowed on Fowey beaches?

Dog restrictions vary. Readymoney Cove has a seasonal dog ban, typically from 1st July to 31st August between 10 am and 6 pm. Whitehouse Quay generally allows dogs. Many nearby beaches like Polkerris and Par Sands also have seasonal restrictions. Beaches further afield, like Lantic Bay, are often dog-friendly year-round, but check specific signage as rules can change.

Readymoney Cove

Par Sands Beach

Polkerris

Is it easy to park near the beaches in Fowey?

Parking directly at beaches can be challenging. Readymoney Cove has very limited roadside parking nearby, and it fills up extremely quickly; it's often better to park in Fowey town (using the main car parks which can also get busy) and walk. Polkerris Beach has its own car park, but it's pay-and-display and can be full during peak season. For more remote beaches like Lantic Bay, parking is limited and involves a steep walk.

Readymoney Cove

Polkerris

Which beach near Fowey is best for watersports?

Polkerris Beach is the main hub for watersports near Fowey. It has a dedicated centre offering activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing tuition in a sheltered bay. While you can kayak or paddleboard from Readymoney Cove, there are no dedicated hire facilities directly on the beach.

Polkerris

Readymoney Cove

What are the tides like around Fowey and do they affect the beaches?

Yes, tides significantly impact the beaches. Readymoney Cove has much more sandy space at low tide. Whitehouse Quay beach only really exists at low to mid-tide. The estuary itself is very tidal, affecting boat movements and access to certain areas. Always check tide times before heading out, especially if planning coastal walks that cross beaches.

Readymoney Cove

Are Fowey beaches usually crowded?

Readymoney Cove, being easily accessible from Fowey town, can get very busy during school holidays and sunny weekends. Polkerris is also popular and can feel crowded due to its facilities. Beaches requiring more effort to reach, like Lantic Bay or Lansallos, tend to be much quieter even in peak season.

Readymoney Cove

Polkerris

Are there quieter, hidden gem beaches near Fowey?

Yes, for quieter beaches requiring a bit more effort, consider Lantic Bay (accessible via a steep coastal path walk) or Lansallos Beach (a walk from a National Trust car park). Both offer stunning scenery and fewer crowds than Readymoney or Polkerris. Access often involves driving and walking.

Readymoney Cove

Polkerris

Can you get to any beaches from Fowey by boat?

Yes, taking a ferry or water taxi is a popular way to explore. The passenger ferry runs regularly between Fowey and Polruan, which has small beaches on the estuary side. You can also take boat trips up the river or hire boats, potentially accessing small coves, though organised trips specifically *to* beaches like Polkerris are less common than scenic estuary tours.

Polkerris

Are there toilets and cafes at the beaches near Fowey?

Facilities vary. Readymoney Cove has public toilets nearby and often a seasonal coffee van. Polkerris Beach has public toilets, a cafe, a pub/restaurant (The Rashleigh Inn), and watersports hire. Whitehouse Quay in Fowey has public toilets nearby but no cafe directly on the small beach. More remote beaches like Lantic Bay have no facilities.

Readymoney Cove

Polkerris

What's the beach actually in Fowey town like?

The main patch of sand within Fowey town itself is Whitehouse Quay. It's quite small, located right by the town quay, and is tidal, meaning it disappears at high tide. It's pleasant for sitting and watching harbour activity or a quick paddle when the tide is out, but it's not a typical sunbathing or swimming beach. Readymoney Cove is the closest proper beach, a short walk away.

Readymoney Cove