Focus on Fowey…

Fowey Harbour. Photo courtesy Martin Pettitt

Nestling at the mouth of the river Fowey, on the south Cornwall coast, the picture-postcard seaside town of Fowey (pronounced ‘Foy’) is very much focused on the water. It’s also a hive of cultural activity, with a packed events schedule. Here are a few examples:

From 9th to 20th May, the annual du Maurier Festival (inspired by author Daphne du Maurier, who was a Fowey resident for many years) is a mix of star names, talks, walks and community events. Amongst some of the famous names appearing in the packed programme are Sir Terry Wogan, Esther Rantzen, Julian Clary, Richard and Judy and the BBC's Trevor McDonald. Plenty of musical offerings are included, such as guitarist John Williams, 80s pop icons Nik Kershaw and crooner Georgie Fame.

A new event for 2012, the Fowey Mussel Fest (23rd June) will feature live cooking demonstrations by local chefs in a covered area of the Town Quay in the centre of Fowey. Also on offer are Champagne tasting, cream teas and live music to round off the event in style.

Fowey’s natural harbour is a haven for yachtsmen, and as a result the Fowey Royal Regatta (19th to 25th August) is regarded by many as one of the best local regattas in the country. Daily events are held on the Town Quay, and there are also carnival processions, the Red Arrows, gig racing, two firework displays and – one not to miss - the hotly contested children's crab catching competition.

With lovely long views over the estuary and village to the wooded hills beyond,

7 Park Road is an impressive semi-detached house on three levels, hugely improved and extended in recent years to provide modern comfort and style. Both back and front gardens have decking with table and chairs to take advantage of the sun and the views.  A handy pathway means you’re just 800 yards away from all the action, so this is a perfect base from which to explore all of Fowey’s events and charms. Sleeps 7.

Beam Reach is nestled in the heart of Fowey, just yards from cafés, shops, pub and quayside. This end-of-terrace fisherman’s cottage on three floors has likely 17th century origins, a nautical blue and white theme, original lumpy stone walls, half-spiral narrow stairs and oak floors, making it a really characterful place to stay. Sleeps 6.

A little further out, in nearby St Veep, Wyvell Cottage is a detached, 300-year-old cob/slate cottage with lovely long rural views. Here you have plenty of space, with a big, totally private, mostly lawned garden on three sides with table and chairs and barbecue for those long summer afternoons. Beyond the garden is a tidied barn with table tennis, and a footpath going prettily down to the river Fowey and along to Lerryn (a 4 mile round trip). Sleeps 9.

Why not browse all our holiday cottages in south Cornwall, or call us on 01647 433593 and we’ll help you find the best cottage for you and yours.

West Country gets into holiday mode this May…

Looking to get into the holiday swing? More sunshine is on the way and the West Country has all kinds of events to keep you entertained this month. We’ve picked out a few, plus some superb holiday cottages to match.

The Daphne du Maurier Festival in Fowey, Cornwall, 12th to 21st May, is generating great excitement among literature lovers. “Life is too short to send out invitations." (Rebecca). With that in mind, make your way to the much-loved Festival Village, which will once again play host to a programme of national and international writers and performers, including Robert Hanbury-Tenison, Ann Widdecombe, Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends and Rory McGrath. No drama back at R392.

The Devon County Show, 19th to 21st May, is a must-see, must-taste, must-do bonanza. Three fantastic days of delicious West Country food and drink and the very best horses, goats, sheep, bunnies and cows, including the famous Devon cattle known as Red Rubies. Watch out for the dazzling Bolddog Lings motorcycle display team performing in the main ring. And kids go free on Saturday! Take foodie goodies back to G41.

Or how about trying out the brilliantly named Potwalloping Festival, from 28th to 30th May? Dating back to the 1800s, this event originated when local people ventured down to Westward Ho! beach to throw back pebbles that had fallen from the ridge during the winter storms. This is still performed today, but has developed into a less arduous event with displays, local crafts, stalls and entertainment. Throw your stones from K1!

For more information about upcoming West Country events, take a look at our online Explore the Area map on each property details page. We’ve categorised the events too so that you can search for the type of event that interests you, such as family friendly, food, quirky or music.

Use our Advanced Search to find holiday cottages in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

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