Journeys to new ideas in Fowey
From opening new gateways to wintry walks ending in cosy pubs, Shrew Books owner Kate Longman talked sharing stories and what she loves about #SecretSeason.
On the corner of one of Fowey’s charming medieval streets stands the painted blue walls of a book-filled sanctuary.
Welcome to Shrew Books, a place to find kindred spirits filling up on stories – some even inspired by the book shop’s verdant and history-rich surroundings – take part in some exciting discourse and journey to new ideas.
“I like to think of the bookshop as a safe, inviting sanctuary. And I love meeting new people, and learning about different lives, different places, new ideas,” says Shrew Books owner Kate.
“It’s honestly such a buzz to be able to hand over a story to a fellow reader. It feels like opening a new gateway for them. And there’s nothing like watching a child charge into the shop and feverishly pick up a new book.”
The independent book shop is home to a dedicated nature writing section, “some pretty exciting titles in the politics and society section”, a handpicked collection of literary fiction and an “ever growing range of children’s books”, as well as cosy corners to explore the pages of the book that grabs you. The shop cat, Bea, may join you too.
TAKE IT SLOW
Kate says that secret season is the right name for this time of year in Fowey, when it can be really quiet. “I think that’s what makes this the perfect time of year for us,” she says. “You’ll find a lot more of the locals visiting the pubs and restaurants, and the pace of life slows right back down.”
For Kate her secret reason to be by the sea at this time of year is to explore the valleys and coastline around Fowey; after a crisp walk along the renowned Hall Walk route, in nearby Lerryn or while exploring the Luxulyan Valley “soaking up the stunning autumn colours”, Kate likes to retreat to one Fowey’s many cosy pubs with a book.
Credit: English Heritage
TAKE IT SLOW
Exploring the village and its surrounds is to walk in the footsteps of famous authors and spot the remnants of our past.
As well as walking the coast, Kate takes to the water with her partner in their kayak and recommends this as a great way for taking in the historical sights of Fowey: “Hiring a kayak you can see so much, from the clay workings upriver to the remains of two connecting Tudor forts at the mouth of the estuary.”
HISTORY SHARED
Exploring the village and its surrounds is to walk in the footsteps of famous authors and spot the remnants of our past.
As well as walking the coast, Kate takes to the water with her partner in their kayak and recommends this as a great way for taking in the historical sights of Fowey: “Hiring a kayak you can see so much, from the clay workings upriver to the remains of two connecting Tudor forts at the mouth of the estuary.”
Credit: English Heritage
“Fowey certainly has its fair share of history; for our visitors it’s probably our connection with Daphne Du Maurier who lived in the area for most of her life, and parts of this coastline inspired her most famous novel Rebecca.
“Kenneth Graham – the author of Wind in the Willows – spent a lot of time here with his literary pal Arthur Quiller-Couch,” adds Kate. “And he was married in the church across the road from the bookshop.”
A China clay trade used to flow through Fowey, with the town itself dating back to the 14th century.
Found in Fowey
On top of historic monuments, literary heritage, cosy pubs and brilliant books, Fowey offers a list of other secret reasons to be by the sea.
Kate’s favourite spots for a “seriously great bite to eat” are the Olive Branch and North Street Kitchen. And Shrew Books have teamed up with the team at North Street Kitchen for the second year to run a “small but perfectly formed Christmas market that showcases local artists and makers” on 13th December.
Kate’s other recommendations for Fowey include a buzzy Friday night at Johns wine bar and bottle shop; the workshops, exhibitions and delicious coffee at The Old Bank; Laura Lane’s ceramics; and Christmas gift shopping at Webb Street Company and Pebble & Salt.
Experience Fowey
This autumn and winter, find more: journey to past worlds and new ideas. Find your secret reason to be by the sea in Fowey.
