Getting There
Polruan sits at the mouth of the Fowey river, on the opposite bank to Fowey itself. A small beach (covered at high tide), great harbour views and enjoying a long lazy lunch are the order of the day – watching the world go by & activity on the water.
Travelling by car takes around 20 mins from Polperro (35 from Looe) – take Landaviddy Lane and then onto Raphael Road in the direction of Polruan. You may want to consider venturing further as part of a day out when leaving Polruan, heading to the village of Lerryn and onto the ancient market town of Lostwithiel, returning to Looe or Polperro on the A390 (turning right close to East Taphouse onto the B3359).
The roads from Polperro to Polruan are very narrow with high hedgerows and few passing places. During peak summer months the roads can be busy and parking limit so consider using the local bus service or enjoying the SW Coastal Path.
The 481 and 482 bus routes take you from Looe, Polperro & Pelynt to/from Polruan and offers a regular service year-round (the bus stop in Polperro is opposite the Crumplehorn Inn).
If you are on foot, the SW Coastal Path takes you west from Polperro past Lansallos, the stunning Lantivit Bay, Pencarrow Head and Lantic Bay. It’s known as the ‘rollercoaster’ walk and takes around 3 hours to cover the 6.8 miles. Alternatively, park in the National Trust’s car park at either Frogmore Farm (near Lansallos) or their Lantic Bay car park and then walk into Polruran (or walk one way from Polperro and catch the bus back).
During the summer months, some of the boatmen in Polperro run a ferry to Fowey – enquire about going one way, exploring Fowey, take the Polruan Passenger Ferry across the estuary to Polruan, and catch the bus back to Polperro (there is also a car ferry just up the estuary from Bodinnick so you can cross to Fowey if you are exploring further afield)
Parking in Polruan itself is very limited with the village’s only car park at the top of a fairly steep hill (Located at – 3 St Saviour’s Hill, Polruan, Fowey PL23 1PZ).
What’s To See & Do?
- Beaches & Coastline – there are a number of beautiful beaches which stretch along the coastline including Lansallos and Lantic Bay – the walks from the top of the cliffs can be rather steep but worth the climb for a dip
- Polruan itself is a lovely village, no matter how you journey there – popping across to its larger neighbour, Fowey, by the passenger ferry gives you a great view of the busy estuary and a larger variety of shops, cafes & bars & make sure you walk out to see the ruins of the Polruan Castle & block house
- Boat Trips – mainly operate from Fowey itself if you’d like a longer time on the water
- Loswithiel is home to Restormel Castle and also the Town’s own museum which is free to enter
- The wonderful Victorian stately home, Lanhydrock House, is only 30 mins drive from Polruan
- Porfell Wildlife Park, not far off the beaten track when heading for home, and ideal for young children
- Colwith Farm Distillery, in the village of Lanlivery, offer a range of tours & tastings of their award-winning Vodka & Gin
- If you are looking for a local guide, who covers both Fowey & Polruan/Polperro, take a look at the website for Lucy Daniel guide
Where to Eat & Drink
In Polruan itself, both the local pubs The Lugger (pictured above) and the Russell Inn have a good reputation for food – by the harbour the Quayside Bakery make great pasties and artisanal breads.
Journeying on, the Ship Inn & Willows Restaurant in Lerryn sits in a beautiful location besides the creek. Or a hidden gem, in the village of Lanlivery (west of Lostwithiel), the 12th century The Crown Inn has a wonderful garden to enjoy a pub lunch.
Across in Fowey itself, we’ve had great feedback about the food & views from The Fowey Harbour Hotel.
Are we missing something ?
If you feel we’ve missed any gems on our Polruan Blog post – could be an amazing view point or a great place to enjoy a meal – please let us know.
Drop us an email and we will add the details into our Blog.