The town of Fowey, where Daphne du Maurier and Kenneth Grahame lived, boasts a crab shack which has been named the best in the area
Tucked away in a quaint estuary in South Cornwall, there’s a seaside town where British comedy legend Dawn French was once a local. The fishing town of Fowey, nestled at the mouth of the River Fowey, was once a bustling trade hotspot notorious for piracy and smuggling.
But it wasn’t just piracy and china clay trade that put this town on the map; it’s also home to two renowned authors, secret coves, a seventh-century church, a castle, and not forgetting, the best crab shack around. Dawn French resided in Fowey with her daughter and husband in a Grade II-listed building known as Point Neptune.
She called this place home for 15 years before deciding to sell the mansion a few years back. Dating back to the 19th century, Point Neptune boasts an impressive view of the town overlooking the harbour.
The Vicar of Dibley star purchased Point Neptune back in 2006 for £3million, reports MyLondon. But Dawn wasn’t the only famous face to have called Fowey home. You might catch a glimpse of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan meandering through the scenic coastal town.
Historically, celebrated authors Daphne du Maurier and Kenneth Grahame (of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ fame) both resided here during the 19th and 20th centuries. Far from merely being a stomping ground for celebrities, Fowey prides itself on its top-notch seafood joints.
At the heart of this culinary scene is Captain Hank’s Crab and Snack Shack, dishing out Cornish crab and freshly caught local seafood from its quaint vintage Citroen H van, all whilst offering panoramic views of the river. Patrons can devour delights such as crab sandwiches, indulgent crab bon bons, garlic butter pan-seared prawns, and classic fish finger sandwiches.
Captain Hanks not only scooped Tripadvisor’s coveted Travellers’ Choice Award back in 2021 but also boasts rapturous reviews from delighted diners – scoring an unbeatable five stars. One enchanted eater penned: “Found this gem of a food truck purely by accident but are we glad we did! Food was amazing, freshly cooked and beautifully served. I had the crab bon bons and my husband had the fish finger buttie both were gorgeous.”
Another besotted customer exclaimed: “Amazing off the beaten track sea food heaven! Loved it! Stumbled on by chance while walking through Fowey. What a gem of a location with stunning views of the river. If you like seafood locally sourced then it doesn’t get much better than this!”
And a third enthused: “What a fantastic place, I can’t believe food of this quality comes out of such a tiny space!”
For those interested in exploring more of Fowey’s rich history, St Catherine’s Castle is a must-visit. Overlooking the mouth of the River Fowey, this fortress was built by Henry VIII in the 1530s to protect the town’s harbour.
The castle underwent modifications centuries later, transforming into an extensive artillery battery during the Crimean War and again during World War II. Another historical gem is the Fowey Parish Church, dedicated to St Fimbarrus. This Norman church became a Benedictine Priory in 1180 and was rebuilt two centuries later with the addition of a clerestory – a feature rarely seen in medieval Cornish churches.
Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Fowey was a notorious hub for pirates who targeted shipping routes in the Channel. In 1457, French soldiers attacked the town in an attempt to curb the activities of these Cornish pirates.
The French troops ransacked the town before heading towards Place, a manor house near the church. Legend has it that the owner of Place, Elizabeth Treffy, poured molten lead over the French soldiers as they tried to enter the house. Unable to breach the manor, the soldiers turned their attention to the church, which they nearly destroyed.
For those looking to enjoy some local natural beauty, Fowey boasts its own beaches. Readymoney Cove is just a short walk from the town centre, while a stroll along the South West Coast Path will lead you to the hidden gem of Polridmouth Cove.
Across the river from Fowey, in the village of Polruan, are the turquoise waters of Lantic Bay. A ferry service operates from the town, offering a scenic ride across the river.
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, Fowey boasts several Michelin recommended restaurants – Appleton’s Bar and Restaurant and The Old Quay House. Appleton’s offers dishes such as Rose harissa fish stew, Squid ink linguine, and Crayfish and potato chowder.
The Old Quay House serves up classic Cornish seafood like Soft Herb Crusted Hake and Charred Cornish Mackerel. You can also indulge in their High Tea and Cream Tea – done the Cornish way (jam first!).
So if you’re on the hunt for a Cornish spot to explore, discover the history, hidden gems and culinary delights of Fowey.
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