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Fowey
Image by Barnacle & Bird Photography - supplied by Visit Cornwall
The town of Fowey on the south coast of Cornwall is located on the mouth of the Fowey river about 20 miles west of Plymouth, and 5 miles east of St Austell. Fowey Regatta is held in August and in May the town is the backdrop for the Fowey Festival of Words and Music.
Commercially, Fowey is known as a China Clay port. Fowey is a deep water harbour and in recent years Fowey had been one of the largest exporting ports in the United Kingdom in tonnage terms, with exports of clay in excess of 1.8 million tonnes in 1989. Over 40% of all cargoes handled in the South West passed then through Fowey.
The port hosted its longest ship, the Cruise liner Boudicca at 205 metres length overall in August 2007. The Commissioners are keen to increase cruise liner visits. Passengers enjoy visiting the many beautiful local attractions including the Eden Project, Heligan Garden & National Trust properties.
Upcoming Events
Fowey Christmas Market - Friday 04 December 2026 to Sunday 06 December 2026
Fowey Christmas Market is one of Cornwall’s most magical festive events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the quaint harbour town of Fowey, which comes alive with festive merriment, Christmas shopping, seasonal music, and a smorgasbord of quality locally produced food and drink, and festive gifts. Everyone is invited to celebrate the season with Christmas shopping, delicious local fare, yuletide tipples, hand-crafted arts and jewellery, entertainment, family fun, and much more.
Festive activities and shopping opportunities take place throughout town, with fabulous Christmas Markets spread across the stunning Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall venues, where there will be almost 100 quality regional traders. Locals and visitors alike both relish in the market’s community atmosphere.
Get your Christmas shopping wrapped up with plenty of time to spare. You won’t fail to leave in the Christmas Spirit with a car full of presents, and the very best stocking-fillers.
Provisional Dates 2026
Friday 4th Dec 1730hrs – 2030hrs
Saturday 5th Dec 1000hrs – 1730hrs
Sunday 6th Dec 1000hrs – 1600hrs
The Du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival - Friday 07 May 2027 to Saturday 15 May 2027
The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival
Each May, the town of Fowey bursts into creative bloom as The Du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival brings together a wide variety of writers, readers, artists, musicians, and curious minds of all ages. Nestled on Cornwall’s south coast, our festival is more than a celebration of literature, it’s a living expression of cultural connection, community pride, and artistic discovery. Set against the backdrop of rich local heritage and the timeless influence of Daphne du Maurier, it is Cornwall’s first and longest running literary festival and a beloved part of the town’s identity.
Since its creation in 1997, the work we do has honoured the legacy of Daphne du Maurier, whose presence in Fowey shaped some of her most enduring work. Her voice still echoes through the cliffs and coves, the houses and harbours of this landscape.
