of Iron Age Man, its thought the Romans used the port and the Spanish and French tried to burn it to the ground during the 14th and 15th Centuries. The Blockhouses and St Catherine’s Castle were built to defend the harbour entrance. Powerful and wealthy figures chose to build their homes here, as did writers and artists, inspired by the glorious views. As you explore the town you will see many fine examples of historic buildings, unspoilt, and offering a glimpse into Fowey’s rich and varied past, one of the most notable being St Fimbarras, our beautiful 15th Century Church.
If you are interested in walking there is something for everyone to enjoy. The town boasts an excellent selection of quality shops and galleries, many exhibiting local works, and if you are looking for refreshments then there is something to suit all tastes.
Across the harbour from Fowey, Polruan is an ancient fishing village with a strong boat building heritage. Clinging to the hillside, and surrounded on three sides by water, the village is a maze of
narrow streets,
alleys and flights of winding steps. It is much loved as a community, a haven for yachts and also a tranquil holiday destination. With just a couple of pubs, a cafe and local shop, Polruan has retained its unspoilt charm, but it is just a few minutes on the passenger ferry to Fowey for more shops and eateries. The Ferry runs a daily passenger service, finishing at 11pm during the summer and 7pm during the winter. From the top of the village you can access the South West Coastal Footpath and take the challenging but spectacular walk to Polperro.
Lying to the east of the river you will find the village of Bodinnick hugging the water’s edge, it is the landing point for the car ferry from Fowey. The crossing is an experience in itself, and beside the slipway is Daphne du Maurier’s House, Ferryside. This calm, picturesque village has a 400 year old inn and is also the starting point for the famous Hall Walk.
Back on the main road going to St Austell, there is St Blazey and Par, typical Cornish villages and very much associated with the Clay industry as indeed you will discover at Bugle, St Dennis and Roche whose everyday life and existence is tied up with the industry. These villages are also within easy reach of the Eden Project so ideal for accommodation or a meal at reasonable prices. Many films have been made around here using the great white clay pits. Brass Bands are also a feature of their lives. The Cornish can sing much like the Welsh and there
15
are several fine Male Voice choirs. You might well hear them if you go to the Bugle Inn in Fore Street, Bugle, a truly Cornish hostelry with good beer and food. If you love gardens, there are many open to the public. For those interested in nautical history don’t miss the small and unspoilt harbour of Charlestown where the small harbour defies belief that any vessel of size, let alone the big clay carrying ships can enter its sheltering arms. Then there is the Shipwreck Museum & the Heritage Centre, and a ship type restaurant/pub.
St. Austell is a bustling market town often referred to as the capital of the Cornish Alps. The ethereal white mini- mountains, the spoil heaps of the china-clay industry lend an eerie atmosphere to the landscape. William Cookworthy discovered the clay in 1755 and with the opening of the pits to mine the clay St. Austell’s population and prosperity soon began to grow. Kao-Lin, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of porcelain, had previously only been found in northern China.
Today
Cornwall still exports clay, which is also used to produce paint, paper and in some medicines. St Austell is the largest single conurbation in Cornwall. St
Austell
is also home to the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, China
Clay Country Park, formally Wheal Martyn and St Austell Brewery,
all top tourist
attractions, and there is St Austell Bay with its delightful coastal villages, beaches and coves forming an area of outstanding natural beauty. To
find out more about the town, and what to do, see, stay or eat etc please visit the Tourist Information Centre situated on the town by-pass.
★★★ THE BUGLE INN
Fore Street, Bugle, St Austell PL26 8PB Tel: 01726 850307
ALL BEDROOMS EN-SUITE
TELEPHONE & TELEVISION
HOME COOKED FOOD ALL DAY
MARQUE RECOMMENDED CAR PARKING FACILITY E-mail:
bugleinn@aol.com
CAMRA & CASK
Visit THE TORTOISE GARDEN
Cornwall’s Sanctuary
for the Rescue and Conservation of Tortoises
TOPANGA LOWER STICKER ST AUSTELL CORNWALL PL12 7JJ Tel: 01726 65670
Email:
Topanga@freenetname.co.uk Open 7 days a week
From Good Friday to September 30th 10am - 5pm (Last entry 4.30pm)
Free car parking Picnic Areas Wheelchair Access Toilet facilities Dog Friendly
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116