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.

In praise of south Cornwall...

South Cornwall is the West Country at its most gentle and lovely: deep, wooded valleys between sheep and cattle-grazed fields, long sandy beaches, high headlands and pretty fishing villages.

There’s plenty to see and do – from grand historical National Trust properties Buckland Abbey, Lanhydrock House and Cotehele, to the modern wonder that is the Eden Project.

If you’re feeling active, the aptly named Adrenalin Quarry boasts the UK’s longest, highest and fastest zipwire. Similarly, Tree Surfers also offers zip wires, in addition to a high ropes course, archery and mountain biking. For something a little more sedate, Canoe Tamar allows you to manoeuvre your own Canadian canoe along the river Tamar in complete safety, travelling at your own speed on a gently flowing river with a qualified guide.

And if you’re heading to the area in July and August you might like to try the literary and musical delights of the Port Eliot Festival or the family-friendly Liskeard Country Show.

Of course, we’ve many fantastic cottages in the area:

On the outskirts of the tiny village of Lanreath and its cosy pub is Tresawson Farm, a detached, 18th century cottage situated at the end of 350 yards of private lane and looking serenely out over an acre of beautifully kept garden. Inside, it is newly decorated and refurbished and stylish. A large conservatory with impressive views, a large open plan lounge and dining room and a colourful, modern kitchen make this a favourite base for exploring the area.

Pleydon, a spacious 16th century detached stone farmhouse is situated beside a tree-shaded lane on the hillside just east of the pretty fishing village of Polperro. It’s a lovely homely cottage with lots of original features. Polperro is one of Cornwall’s most famous villages, wedged into a tiny gap in the cliffs, with a very pretty harbour, narrow streets, old slate-roofed cottages, pubs, restaurants and shops, and no cars allowed!  

Just east of Pensilva, a large moorland village with origins in Cornwall’s tin mining history, is Christmas Cottage, a recently built, ‘upside down’ detached house. Situated in a wonderfully private, deeply wooded location, the property has stunning long rural views over 24 acres of woods and paddocks, full of birdsong and wildlife and over which you are welcome to walk. Inside is contemporary and comfortable, with lots of sunlight through French windows. A very romantic spot and an excellent base for walking.

We’ve just taken on two stylish new properties in the area as well – The Sealoft in Talland Bay, just a few hundred yards from the cliff path, and Beach Way in Cawsand, virtually opposite the beach.

Click here to see a list of all our other cottages within the area.

If you need any help searching for a cottage or planning your summer holiday with us, do give our friendly bookings team a call on 01647 433593 or email on help@helpfulholidays.com.

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