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If the weather forecast holds, and all signs suggest it will, Fowey is set to bask in a golden stretch of early summer sunshine this upcoming bank holiday. With blue skies overhead and a packed programme of events on the ground, the town is preparing for one of those rare Cornish weekends where everything aligns: weather, water, and a wonderfully varied calendar of things to do.
Whether you’re a local plotting the perfect few days close to home or a visitor wondering where to spend the long weekend, Fowey is going to be the place to be. The harbour will be alive with activity, the streets buzzing with visitors, and the surrounding coastline offering its usual blend of calm and spectacle. Between events, there’s every excuse to linger… browse independent shops and galleries, settle into one of the town’s fabulous pubs and restaurants, or, if you’re feeling more energetic, take part in one of the many brilliant activities the town has to offer - from boat hire and river trips to scenic walks along the Hall Walk or the Coast Path towards the Gribben or Polkerris.
Things begin to stir from Thursday 21 May with the arrival of L’Austral, the elegant Ponant cruise vessel, gliding into port at 7am and departing at 6pm. Carrying 264 passengers, its visit marks the start of a lively few days and brings an international flavour to the harbour.
Later that afternoon, the Big Bear Voyage arrives at 16:00 carrying none other than Pudsey Bear. Having set off from Hamble, travelling via Weymouth and Dartmouth, Pudsey is now heading “all points west, north and east” on an ambitious circumnavigation of the UK. His Fowey stop may be one of the most joyful moments of the weekend, with Pudsey keen to meet yacht club members, young sailors, residents, visitors and friends of the town. The Royal Fowey Yacht Club will be open to the public to welcome Big Bear from the terrace, offering a perfect vantage point to watch the arrival. Afterwards, Pudsey will head into the club for some well-earned refreshments, with the bar open until 6pm, an open invitation to soak up the atmosphere and be part of the occasion.
Friday 22 May will bring a moment of real maritime theatre as the Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, returns to Fowey. Scheduled to arrive at 13:30, this iconic vessel is more than just a ship; it’s a moving piece of history. Watching it glide into the harbour, paddles churning, will be a spectacle for both enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike.
As the weekend unfolds, the town’s creative and community spirit takes centre stage. On Saturday evening at The Old Bank (23 May, 18:00–20:00), a relaxed “Sip & Paint” watercolour workshop led by artist and designer Thomas Tyrell invites participants to capture the shimmering colours and textures of the Cornish mackerel. With no experience needed and all materials provided, it’s designed to be as social as it is creative, and each ticket includes two glasses of wine to enjoy as you paint. It’s an easy, welcoming way to try something new, and to leave with a handmade memento of the weekend.
The festivities continue into Monday 25 May with the first ever Fowey Fun’Raisers Fete at the Harbour Hotel Fowey, raising funds for Little Harbour Children’s Hospice. Expect a full day of family-friendly entertainment, from a human fruit machine and treasure hunts to live performances, face painting, and even the chance to risk a soaking at the wet sponge throwing stall. It’s community fundraising at its most joyful.
Across Monday and Tuesday (25–26 May), the much-loved Secret Gardens event offers a rare opportunity to step behind the gates of some of Fowey’s most beautiful private gardens, including Place. Open from 10am to 5pm, the two-day experience combines horticultural inspiration with live opera, summer jazz, refreshments, and stunning views. Tickets are just £7, with advance booking encouraged.
For those travelling in, the appeal is obvious. From boutique hotels offering harbour views to tucked-away Airbnbs perfect for a quieter escape, Fowey provides plenty of ways to stay a little longer. And with the weather set fair, there’s every reason to come for the whole weekend.
In short, this bank holiday is shaping up to be one of those perfect Fowey weekends: sunlit, sociable, and full of small moments of pure happiness.
And this demonstrates how wonderful Fowey is and what a variety of activities it has to offer!