Out of season STAR

Popular Cornish port town Fowey has plenty to entice for a weekend away in the cooler months

- ALICIA MILLER

With its golden beaches, turquoise coves, and fabulous fish and chips, it's little wonder that Cornwall is among the UK's top summer getaways. Yet with July and August crowds often proving overwhelming - and high seasonal prices reflecting the demand - it pays to time your visit during a sleepier time of year. In the pretty town of Fowey on the south coast, there's plenty to do in late winter or spring, whether you want lovely walks, enticing shopping or fabulous food. And because there's a train station in nearby Par, you don't even have to drive.

Old-world charm

With its prime location on a south-coast estuary, attractive Fowey has a long history that stretches back to before the Norman invasion. Over the centuries, the higgledy-piggledy centre, built on a steep hillside, has been a place of trade, piracy, smuggling and fishing - with each era leaving its mark on the cosy cottages and winding streets. Today, the town centre is bursting with attractions for visitors, from restaurants to beautiful boutiques; shoppers will love stop-offs such as The Webb Street Company for gifts, or Quba & Co for nautical clothing. There's also a pretty parish church and, while not open to the public, the impressive exterior of grand Place House - private residence of the local Treffry family - towers above town.