Dubbed “one of the dreamiest towns in England” in a recent TikTok video, this historic town is surrounded on all fronts with natural beauty, including a protected woodland and a deep-water estuary
Cornwall is the go-to destination for UK travellers seeking a world-class seaside holiday close to home. But with over 400 miles of coastline to offer, it’s difficult to choose the best town to plan your holiday around.
According to a recent TikToK, there is one clear option for Brits looking for a ‘dreamy’ escape. Resting on the banks of a deep river and set within a designated conservation area, the town of Fowey is perfect for those who wish to appreciate the best of the region’s natural beauty. Fowey is a historic harbour town on Cornwall’s south coast and is unbelievably photogenic. Think rows of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, yachts bobbing along the deep-water harbour and elegant headlands.
But beyond good looks, this town boasts an impressive history as a trading hub thanks to its strategic position alongside a deep-water estuary. Travellers are invited to explore this rich history for themselves by strolling the town’s cobbled streets, meandering along the harbourfront and sampling the fresh seafood fare.
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Today, Fowey Harbour is set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of only 46 areas of countryside within the UK to hold the distinction. This protected area is still busy with boat traffic, especially in the summer months. The harbour is the hub of the town’s tourist and leisure activities. It attracts 7,000 visiting yachts annually, in addition to being a popular destination for cruise ships to dock. Given its growing popularity, the town has a strong offering of award-winning accommodations, many offering stunning views over the Fowey Estuary.
For travellers that want to enjoy the town’s natural beauty up close, there are plenty of areas to explore including the surrounding woodland and beautiful beaches and coves. If you’re looking for tranquillity, head straight to Lansallos Beach or Lantic Bay. These two areas are largely protected from winds by surrounding headlands, have soft sands and are relatively isolated. But keep in mind, part of their isolation is due to their limited accessibility.
If accessibility isn’t an issue, The Gribbin is another must-visit natural landmark. Gribbin Head is a headland on the west of Fowey Harbour and stands 84-feet tall. Adventurous travellers can climb the daymark tower to take in the view of the surrounding farmland.
The town itself also has plenty to offer from independent boutiques to exceptional restaurants. Many chefs in the area work directly with small-scale fishermen, producers and growers and fresh Cornish fish is a must-try for travellers visiting during the summer months. If you’re contemplating when to visit, it is certainly worth planning your trip around the Fowey Regatta. The annual regatta and carnival is one of the country’s best-loved events, featuring sailing competitions and Cornish gig racing. The Regatta also includes plenty of fun on land too, including crab-catching, live music and fireworks. This year, the week-long festival will take place from August 17 to August 23.
