Padstow & Fowey: Two Quaint & Unspoiled English Towns in Cornwall

With my sights so frequently set on wonders further afield than the UK, I often overlook the opportunities right here in my home country. I last visited Cornwall as a very small person, and even smaller perspectives - I loved it. Now, I have learned to re-appreciate the unique and unspoiled beauty of England as a travel destination once more upon returning to Cornwall. 

Following visits to dramatic landscapes such as the Patagonian ice-fields, I can't help but find even more beauty in comparing them to my quaint and understated country of origin, than less. The unspoiled luscious green hills and quaint historic towns and villages of Cornwall are so far removed from the teeming streets of London, and so easy to fall in love with in such a different way. English tradition and culture has never felt so potent to me than in the countryside, and what a beautifully quaint corner of British countryside Cornwall is.

One thing is clear - a weekend in Cornwall is not enough. There is so much to see besides the huge Eden Project, and high on our list was of course seaside fish and chips, which did not disappoint in lovely Padstow.

Padstow, Cornwall

This is a beautiful and extremely well-kept historic English fishing port town. Its busy little streets lined with delightful little boutique shops and cafes are really great for pottering around and gift-shopping. At the picturesque harbour and seafront you can catch a speedboat trip around the beautiful bay, or a little ferry over to 'Rock' at the other side of the bay, which also houses some great cafes and shops although on a smaller scale. Head over to rock if only to marvel at the beautiful homes people have here!

In Padstowe there are lots of great restaurants and cafes to choose from and part of the fun is ambling around trying to decide. Also celebrity chef Rick Stein lives in Padstowe and owns a number of restaurants including a seafood restaurant and a fantastic patisserie.

The sandy beaches are lovely and clean, and easy to access from the town itself. 

Fowey, Cornwall

Fowey is a quaint and pretty little port town with a lovely harbourfront. It is possible to take a boat trip along the estuary/river or to hire your own boat (up to six people). The boat trip lasts around half an hour and takes in the local surroundings and scenery, highlighting the beautiful coastline and the view of the town with its lovely little stone buildings clinging to the cliffsides. The boat stops every now and then so one of the captains can tell you relevant interesting facts and point out sights.

Fowey has some beautiful buildings and great history. There is a pair of artillery forts from the 1500s, one on each bank of the estuary, and the boat trips take in great sights of these. St Catherine's castle is the most intact and entry is free. There is also a great church in Fowey and lovely quaint little houses clinging to the cliffsides - all best seen from the water. 

Beaches are sandy and clean, and easy to access from the town.

Accommodation Near Fowey, Cornwall

The affordable and spotless self-catering lodges at Trenython Manor in Par (5-10 mins from Fowey by car) are a great place to stay as a family, or you can stay in the hotel itself. There is a spa with free indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steamroom for all guests, and elemis beauty treatment rooms at additional costs.

Lodges are around £150 for two nights for up to six people. Rooms are around £120 for one night for two people including breakfast.

Text and Images Copyright © Lise Griffiths, 2013
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