Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Readymoney Cove is sheltered and generally calm within the bay itself, and is best at mid to low tide when the sand and rock pools are fully exposed. Stay inside the cove rather than swimming out into the open estuary, where currents and boat traffic are a real hazard.
Plan your visit
Getting there
There is no car park at the cove itself, so park in Fowey town and walk down. It is around a ten-minute walk from the town's car parks, partly along the water's edge.
- Parking: Fowey town has around 150 spaces across several car parks, roughly a ten-minute walk from the cove. There is no parking on the slipway itself.
- Dog rules: Dogs banned 1 July - 31 August, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day the rest of the year. The slipway and coast path to St Catherine's Castle are always open to dogs.
- Lifeguards: There is no lifeguard cover, though an emergency lifebuoy ring is available. Swimming is generally calm within the cove but be aware of boat traffic further out in the estuary.
- Above the beach: St Catherine's Castle, an English Heritage site built for Henry VIII, sits on the headland above the cove and is free to visit.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
Fowey town, a short walk away, is the place to hire a kayak or paddleboard.
Fowey River Hire
Kayak, paddleboard and small boat hire from Fowey town, with guided tours that can paddle out to Readymoney Cove.
After the beach
Eat, drink & stay
A beach shop covers the basics on site, with the full range of Fowey's cafes and restaurants a short stroll away.
Readymoney Beach Shop
Right at the cove, for ice cream, hot and cold drinks, pasties and homemade cakes, and home to the public toilets.
Local perspective
Local notes
Readymoney is a small local cove within walking distance of Fowey. In settled conditions it can work well for families with young children, provided they stay within the bay and away from the open estuary currents and boat traffic.
Daphne du Maurier rented a cottage overlooking the cove during the war and wrote here, and the wider Fowey area inspired much of her fiction. The name Readymoney is popularly linked to smuggled coin, though it more likely comes from the Cornish for a shallow ford or stepping stones.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Readymoney Cove dog friendly?
Dogs banned 1 July - 31 August, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day the rest of the year. The slipway and coast path to St Catherine's Castle are always open to dogs.
What's the best tide for Readymoney Cove?
Mid to low tide, when the sand and rock pools are fully exposed. High tide reduces the beach significantly.
Are there lifeguards at Readymoney Cove?
No, there is no lifeguard cover, though an emergency lifebuoy ring is available on the beach.
Where do you park for Readymoney Cove?
There is no car park at the cove itself. Park in Fowey town and walk roughly ten minutes down to the beach.
Is it safe to swim at Readymoney Cove today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo profile and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming, and stay within the sheltered cove rather than the open estuary.
Is Readymoney Cove pram or buggy friendly?
The walk down from Fowey is mostly level along the water's edge, which makes it easier than many coves nearby, though the final approach to the sand is over shingle and steps.
What facilities are available at Readymoney Cove?
Readymoney Cove has seasonal public toilets, including accessible facilities, at the rear of the beach, and a beach shop and café beside the cove. There is no lifeguard service, although an emergency lifebuoy is provided.
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