Nestling on a steep hillside on the mouth of the River Fowey sits the charming fishing village of Polruan. On the tip of a rural peninsula, flanked on three sides by water, Polruan provides a serene and charming getaway for those holidaying in Cornwall.
The village is famed for its fishing and boat building activities, which remain alive today much to the delight of harbour visitors. A stroll around the village is a delight, with a charming network of narrow streets, bedecked with cute granite Cornish cottages.
Polruan is quiet, unspoilt and characteristically Cornish, providing two pubs, a café, gift shop and village stores for essential holiday supplies.
Polruan sits across the river from the larger town of Fowey, where together they provide excellent shelter for the multitude of sea-faring vessels that come and go.
Such was the historical significance of the estuary, that defensive blockhouses were erected in the 14th Century at both Polruan and Fowley, equipped with archers and cannons. By the 15th Century, the block houses were enhanced to allow an enormous chain to be hoisted across the mouth of the river in times of trouble! The blockhouses went on to provide an essential stronghold for Royalists during the English civil war, enabling them to repel attacks from parliamentarian forces. The blockhouse has been lovingly restored and is well worth a visit during your holiday in Polruan.
A holiday in Polruan would not be complete without a trip to the hilltop to absorb the fabulous views across the estuary. It is easy to see why this prominent viewpoint was chosen as the site for the 8th century Church of St. Saviours. Little remains today of St Saviours, aside from a segment of stone buttress, but it is worth a visit for the view. It is believed that the ancient vantage point of St Saviours enabled the resident monks to warn the village of any unwelcome visitors from the sea.
The car park at St Saviours also provides convenient access to the South West Coast Path; from here you can strap on a backpack, flask and picnic, and explore the breath-taking Cornish coastline.
A two-mile hike east of Polruan will take you to the fabulous Lantic Bay, a National Trust golden sand beach that is surely one of Cornwall’s most spectacular. A steep path takes you down the cliff side to the bay, but it is well worth the effort! For those not wishing to walk the coast path, or simply seeking a relaxing family day on the beach, there is a convenient nearby car park just a stone’s throw away.
East of St. Saviours on the far west-most tip of the peninsular headland sits Punches Cross, a small white cross on the rocks at the mouth of the estuary. The cross is believed to date from the 16th Century, although its significance is still uncertain. One theory suggests it marks a point where Pontius Pilate Pontius Pilate once landed, with ‘punches’ being derived from his name.
During your holiday in Polruan you will undoubtedly wish to visit Fowey, where a broader selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants are available. Fowey is conveniently accessible by ferry from Polruan, with daily ferry services running every 15 minutes until 11pm in the summer and 7pm in the winter. Alternatively you can drive, with a car ferry running from Fowey to Bodinnick, about a 40 minute trip North of Polruan.
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