AttractionEnglish Heritage

St Catherine's Castle

Fowey,, Cornwall

Possibly Cornwall's smallest castle, reached with your dog on a short steep coast path from Fowey, with Readymoney Cove at the bottom.

Small, steep and superbly placed. St Catherine's is one of a pair of small artillery forts built by Henry VIII in the 1530s to defend Fowey Harbour, and it may be the smallest castle in Cornwall. It stayed useful far longer than most: modified during the Crimean War, and again in the Second World War when it housed an anti-aircraft gun and an ammunition store. The two-storey blockhouse clings to the cliff with the harbour mouth directly below.

As you take in the gun ports and the harbour view, your dog gets the way in, which is the pleasure here: it sits above Readymoney Cove on the coast path out of Fowey, so you walk through woodland and up onto the headland, with the sea below and Gribbin Head beyond. Readymoney Cove itself is a small sheltered beach at the bottom.

There is a charged car park near the site managed by Cornwall County Council. No dog guidance is posted for the castle, which is unstaffed and open. The path is steep with cliff edges and steps, so keep your dog on a lead. Check seasonal dog restrictions on Readymoney beach before you go.

At a Glance

Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: Paid entry
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is St Catherine's Castle dog friendly?
Yes, St Catherine's Castle is open, unstaffed and free to explore, and no restrictions on dogs are posted at the site itself. The route there is part of the coast path out of Fowey, passing through woodland before climbing up to the headland above Readymoney Cove — a lovely walk for dogs and owners alike.
Are dogs allowed at St Catherine's Castle year round?
The castle itself has no posted dog restrictions and appears to be accessible year round. However, Readymoney Cove at the bottom of the path may have seasonal dog restrictions, so it's worth checking those separately before you visit if you're planning to head down to the beach.
What should I know before visiting St Catherine's Castle with my dog?
The path from Fowey up to the castle is steep with steps and cliff edges, so keeping your dog on a lead is strongly advised throughout. There's a Cornwall County Council car park nearby (charged), and if you're planning to visit Readymoney Cove as part of your trip, check ahead for any seasonal dog restrictions on the beach.

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St Catherines Cove

Fowey, PL23 1JH

50.3275, -4.6449

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