Charming UK town loved by tourists - but nobody can pronounce it

11 February 2024 , 08:24

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This little gem has been tipped as the must-visit place this year (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A charming town has proved a hit for tourists looking for a slice of quaint UK life - but they often find themselves mispronouncing its name.

The city of Plymouth is surrounded by beautiful towns and villages that provide inspiring locations for a day trip - and in the neighbouring area of Cornwall lies the cute seaside town of Fowey.

In 2023, the town welcomed a massive cruise ship, as big as 22 London buses, BristolLive reports. And this year, it has been voted as one of the must-see places to visit due to its lovely buildings, narrow streets and a plethora of independent shops and galleries.

Fowey boasts a beautiful harbour that leads into the English Channel, surrounded by hills and woods. But many visitors struggle with its seemingly easy pronunciation - as locals will tell you it's 'Foy', rhyming with 'joy', rather than 'foe'.

Many of the properties in the area are classed as "second homes" for out-of-towners to visit. But, according to The Sunday Time this popularity once caused house prices to rise by over £100,000 in a single year. In 2020, the people of Fowey voted to stop new houses from being sold as second homes - and in a charming twist owners must show that the house will be their main place of residence.

London flat for rent for £1,400 a month with bed tucked away in kitchen cupboard

Owners looking to buy must show that the house will be their main place of residence (Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

One visitor to Fowey told the newspaper: "We found this little gem it is so beautiful there, and all the shops, it's much bigger than you think , and can be hard on the walking, but people were lovely. but be careful as cars come up and down a very small street, but if you want to see beauty go their. So glad we did not miss it."

Meanwhile, another visitor gushed: "Beautiful place to go and soak up the scenery. There are a few pubs, cafes and bakeries to try and also some great shops to find some unique items with Cornish charm." And another person exclaimed: "There are lovely streets with quaint shops enabling you to just meander down to the estuary. But you just have to buy some delicious Cornish pasties too."

Fowey is easily accessible from Plymouth by train and bus. You can get the train from Plymouth Railway Station towards Penzance, before alighting at Par. There you can walk four minutes to the bus stop at Par Railway Station and get the number 25 towards Fowey, departing at New Road Hill.

Joseph Gamp