Things to do with kids in Fowey.

The Polruan Passenger Ferry runs continuously between Fowey town quay and Polruan village, a five-minute crossing that costs almost nothing and is, for children under 8, a significant nautical adventure. Polruan on the far side is quieter, higher, and has better views back over Fowey and the estuary mouth. The ferry runs year-round except in severe weather. From Polruan, the Hall Walk continues overland. Alternatively, use the Bodinnick Car Ferry half a mile upstream if you need to cross with a vehicle.

A ten-minute walk south from Fowey town centre along the river path, Readymoney Cove is a sheltered sandy beach backed by the ruins of St Catherine's Castle, a free English Heritage site. The beach is small and fills quickly in summer — arrive before 11am for a comfortable spot. The sand is fine and the cove is calm enough for paddling and swimming in most conditions. The castle ruins above are accessible and give good views over the estuary entrance. No facilities on the beach; the town is ten minutes back.

Two miles east of Fowey via the B3082 and a National Trust car park, Lantic Bay requires a steep 20-minute descent — but delivers one of the finest unspoiled beaches on the south Cornish coast: a pale crescent of sand at the foot of granite cliffs with outstanding water clarity for swimming and snorkelling. The climb back up is the price of isolation. No facilities of any kind. Best with children aged 7 and up who can manage the terrain. Arrive early or late — the small car park fills in summer.