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Offered languages
- English
- English
Fowey has earned its living from the sea for over a thousand years. On this self guided audio tour, you’ll discover how this Cornish harbour town prospered through trade, survived brutal attacks, and developed a talent for brandy smuggling. The tour starts at the Bodinnick Ferry near Caffa Mill Car Park, where China clay was loaded onto ships bound for the world. You’ll walk along Fore Street’s historic merchant quarter, and along the Town Quay where deep water still allows cruise ships to anchor. Along the way, you’ll find out how the River Fowey connected inland Cornwall to global trade routes, and why controlling this waterway meant controlling wealth and power. The tour ends at St Catherine’s Castle, a fortress built by Henry VIII to ensure this strategic harbour would never fall again.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Cornwall Seafari. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading
This tour ends at St Catherines Castle
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Begin at Cornwall Seafari near the Bodinnick Ferry, where the historic Caffa Mill once stood loading China clay onto ships. This deep-water harbour connected inland Cornwall to global trade routes for centuries.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass the RNLI Fowey Lifeboat Station, home to volunteer crews who respond to emergencies in these challenging waters. Hear how these lifesavers navigate the deceptive currents and rocks that have claimed countless vessels.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Admire the medieval St Fimbarrus Church with its distinctive tower that once guided sailors safely home. Explore this historic parish church where generations of seafarers and merchants worshipped.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll along Fowey Town Quay, where deep water still allows modern cruise ships to anchor in the harbour. Walk the same waterfront where medieval merchants loaded wool and tin onto vessels bound for Europe.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk past Albert Quay, the site where Crown authority and customs control shaped the town's maritime commerce. Discover how this strategic location gave the government power over Fowey's lucrative trade routes.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Reach Whitehouse Quay, where river crossings connected communities and where soldiers prepared for war. Learn how American forces gathered here during secret D-Day preparations in World War II.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Explore Readymoney Cove, the sheltered beach where writer Daphne du Maurier lived during the Second World War. Enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery that inspired her stories and novels about Cornwall.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Conclude at St Catherine's Castle, the fortress built by Henry VIII after the devastating 1457 French raid. Marvel at this strategic Tudor fortification designed to ensure Fowey's harbour would never fall to invaders again.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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