The picturesque village of Polruan is located across the river from Fowey and offers some of the best views of the historic harbour town – it’s a must-visit for a day trip
Across the harbour from Fowey in south Cornwall, Polruan is an ancient mariner and shipbuilding village. Clinging to the hillside and surrounded on three sides by water, the village is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and flights of steps winding between the quaint cottages. Much loved by locals, it’s also a haven for yachts and a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Polruan has maintained its unspoilt charm, with just a couple of pubs, a café, and a local shop. However, it’s only a short passenger ferry ride to Fowey, where more shops and eateries await. From the top of the village, you can access the South West Coastal Footpath and embark on the challenging yet spectacular walk to Polperro, passing some of the region’s most remote and stunning beaches along the way.
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From here, you can take in magnificent vistas over the river, with highlights including Polruan Castle, the picturesque harbour, and a number of wonderful hiking trails. Surrounded by water on three sides — the English Channel, the River Fowey, and Pont Creek — Polruan is a beautifully scenic spot, offering splendid views at every turn.
For those traveling from the east, arriving by car is possible via narrow, sometimes busy country lanes. This route passes through Polperro and leads to the stunning Lantic Bay and Lansallos Bay, each with a car park for easy access to the beaches. However, parking can be tricky due to the village’s steep, narrow streets.
The easiest way to reach Polruan is likely by ferry from Fowey. The ferry runs daily, with services finishing at 11pm in the summer and 7pm in the winter and offering fantastic views of both towns and the boats moored in the harbour. At just £5 for two people, the 10-minute ride is a scenic and relaxing journey.
One of the main attractions is Polruan Castle, which, although in ruins, still carries fascinating history. Built in the 15th century to defend the harbour, the castle once had a chain across the river that was raised to prevent ships from entering during times of threat. Its origins trace back to the post-100 Years’ War era, when fears of French attacks were high. The castle also played a significant role during the English Civil War.
Today, the castle’s ruins don’t feature a roof or the chain, but the remains of gun holes provide spectacular views of the sea. The bottom entrance leads to an outcrop offering fantastic sights of the port and the surrounding coastline.
The Polruan seafront and harbour are lovely spots to sit back and watch the world go by. As the departure point for the ferry to Fowey, the harbour is a focal point for visitors.
It’s also home to shipyards where boats are repaired and fishing vessels come and go. Leisure boats are popular here, with many private boats moored along the jetties. For those who enjoy watersports, Polruan is a popular choice, and it’s a delight to watch the activity from the benches lining the harbour wall.
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