Luxury cottages in Fowey spell out romance and mystery. Known for a legacy of literacy, music and art and with an annual festival where the greatest artists, musicians and writers from all over the world attend, Fowey is an inspiring and magical town.

Quaint cobbled streets, narrow walkways and the magnificent Fowey Estuary, Fowey is as utterly beautiful in the sunshine when rays bounce off the water as when the horizon broods and glowers with a winter storm. An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to Looe and Mevagissey, it really has year-round appeal.

Treat your better half to a romantic getaway, round up your pups for a dog-friendly holiday or treat the whole family to week or two in luxury accommodation in Cornwall. Whether you are savouring every moment in your Boutique Retreat or spending as much time as possible exploring, it won’t be long before you are planning your next break in Fowey. 

For food, your first stop has to be Sam’s, an old merchant’s house dating back to 1380. Relaxed service and superb food, Sam’s operate a ‘no reservation’ policy so you simply take a seat and order whatever takes your fancy. The menu features a variety of dishes but in our opinion, go for their classic – when it comes to burgers, they won’t be beaten!

For a more romantic environment head to the Bistro in the main street. Reminiscent of an authentic Parisian bistro and with candlelit tables by night, their food is simply sumptuous. On the water, the Old Quay House shows off delicious dishes alongside stunning views and is another great choice if you are looking for something extra special.

If you can’t get enough of the views, the Cormorant is a two-rosette restaurant overlooking Penpol Creek in the heart of the Fowey River AONB. Sit inside on cool days and in the summer, grab a table on the sun terrace and run your finger over the menu as you sip a crisp white wine in the sunshine.

If you like your coffee in the morning, combine your morning brew with the laidback vibes of the Lifebuoy Café, a charming little bolthole. As well as inviting pink-toed visitors in to enjoy a cup of tea, the café is also dog-friendly so your wet-nosed pal can join in on the action and nibble on a biscuit or two. 

For an evening cocktail, set your sights back on Sam’s; their cocktail bar and lounge has a beautiful backlit window and all of the staff have been trained by an expert mixologist. They even have cocktails for kiddies (Teeny Colada anyone?) and if you fancy dragging the night out, there is a late license until 1am. Well, when in Fowey…

For more excuses to slip into Cornish time with a pint or two, the Ship Inn is Fowey’s oldest pub, built by adventurer John Rashleigh in 1570. A haven for locals, fishermen and travellers looking to enjoy long conversation and even longer drinks, you are invited to soak up a piece of Fowey’s history.

Enjoy a leisurely drawn-out breakfast in your luxury homestay before heading out for the day. From Fowey, you can take the passenger ferry to Polruan on the opposite side of the river or drive onto the car ferry and make your way to the riverside village of Bodinnick to see where Daphne Du Maurier penned her novels.

If you have an eye for art, you must visit the Fowey River Gallery; situated in a fine Georgian building, it provides a selection of art, ceramics and sculpture. Or, if you’re a (not-so) secret shopaholic, spend a few hours browsing the many luxury boutiques in Fowey for a little treat for yourself or gifts to take home to your friends and family.

When the sun is shining, don your walking boots, grab your towel and pick up the South West Coast Path. From the town centre, the mind-bogglingly beautiful Readymoney Cove is just over half a mile away, with the remains of the 16th Century St Catherine’s Castle a little further on.