I think I’ve already said Fowey is well supplied with shops. There isn’t the variety that Falmouth offers but what it lacks in quantity it makes up in quality.
On the way to Fowey to go shopping by Kathryn Lewis
Alongside the typical high street stores are a range of boutiques, galleries and food shops that makes for an enjoyable experience. The shopping street runs the length of the shore side road. There are no pavements. It’s one lane wide and cars and vans do drive along it too. You spend your time ducking out of the way either by finding a convenient door step to stand in or flatten yourself against a building, close your eyes and hope the driver will not trample your toes. Most of the time there’s give and take but you’d forgive the locals for a bit of impatience during the Summer months when tourists double (or more) the population of this small town. If it all gets too much then take a water taxi to Polruan on the east side of the harbour for a quieter experience.
Shops we visited
This is a comprehensive chandlery with fantastic service. We went in looking for a Cornish courtesy flag, forgot all about that whilst we looked at fuel cans and shackles. Once we left we remembered what we’d actually gone to the shop for and they were more than happy to help. They were open at 19:00 when nearly all the other shops had long shut. I’m sure this is just their summer opening hours but a good decision as sailors are bound to be glad of a shop that’s open in the early evening.
Sail Shape – Sailmakers and Riggers
Trouper’s name is on the mainsail cover but it was coming unstiched. We stopped Sail Shape to see whether they could help us lash something together. They sold us the tape that we wanted but also offered to stitch the lettering back on. All we had to do was be around when they re-opened on Monday morning, drop the sail cover off and it would be ready a few hours later. With the prospect of such excellent service how could we refuse? So we stayed another day in Fowey. The sailmakers were as good as their word and we had the cover back by lunchtime.
This is one of my favourite second-hand bookshops. I’m happy to browse for hours but this time I only had a cursory glance around. I like how they stock second-hand books but also some newly published. The musty smell of this type of bookshop is an acquired taste for some.
The purveyors of bamboo stripy socks. They’re unbelievably light and warm. They also stock many, many other clothes. This is one of many shops they now have but is special as it’s the first that I ever visited.
Shops to visit next time
Fowey River Gallery – there are many galleries and gift shops in Fowey. This one looked interesting because of a stunning glass dish that was displayed in the window. Sadly they weren’t open when we were wandering past. They also look to have Amanda Hoskins paintings which I covet but don’t own.
Webb Street Company – a place to go if you’re present shopping.
On Land 