Fowey Harbour

Fowey Harbour is the deep, sheltered mouth of the River Fowey, where the town of Fowey looks across the water to Polruan. It is still a working port. China clay ships come up the river to the docks, and in between you will see fishing boats, yachts, the passenger ferries and the little Bodinnick car ferry crossing back and forth.

Where to watch the harbour

Town Quay, in the middle of the old town, is the easiest place to sit and watch the boats. Further along the Esplanade towards the harbour mouth, Whitehouse Pier is quieter and is where the Polruan ferry lands during the day in summer.

Getting across the water

The Polruan passenger ferry runs all year. From mid May to mid September it uses Whitehouse Pier during the day and Town Quay early in the morning and in the evening. From mid September to mid May it leaves from Town Quay only. Upriver, the Bodinnick car ferry crosses from beside Caffa Mill. Both can stop in rough weather.

A walk from the harbour

The Hall Walk is a favourite loop of about four miles. Take the Bodinnick ferry, follow the path along Pont Pill to Polruan and come back to Fowey on the Polruan ferry.

Parking

Do not drive into the old town: the street to the quays narrows to about two metres. The Main Car Park on Hanson Drive (PL23 1ET) is about five minutes’ walk down into town, with a minibus back up the hill. Caffa Mill (PL23 1DF) is a fairly level walk and sits next to the Bodinnick ferry. From October to April there is a little short stay parking on Town Quay.

Who runs it

The harbour is run by Fowey Harbour Commissioners, from their office on Albert Quay. Contact them about moorings, launching a boat and anything else on the water.

Checked October 2026. Ferry times change with the seasons and the weather, so check on the day.