Fowey

Nestled in the mouth of the wooded Fowey Estuary in Cornwall, Fowey (pronounced Foy) has long been a focal point for the sailing fraternity. The pretty town is popular for boat trips, cycling kayaking and fishing and its sandy beaches and opportunities for scenic coastal walks are a big draw. Varied dining options abound and there is good shopping to be had in small, independent shops and boutiques.

The Bodinnick and Polruan ferries take cars as well as foot passengers across the river for the coast road on to Looe. A few miles west of Fowey are a pair of very different gardens: the Eden Project, a futuristic display of plants from around the world, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a revitalised reminder of the Victorian age. Fowey Royal Regatta in mid-August and the annual Fowey Festival of Arts & Literature in mid-May are particularly lively times to visit.