Latest news with #Fowey
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Teen paddleboarders rescued in fading light
Two teenagers on a paddleboard have been rescued after getting into trouble off the Cornish coast, rescuers say. Looe RNLI was alerted about the stranded teenagers off Downderry at 20:57 BST on Saturday after onlookers reported seeing them waving their paddles "in distress". Once at the scene, Looe RNLI said it found two teenagers a "fair way out to sea and unable to return to shore in the fading light". An RNLI spokesperson said the pair were taken back to the lifeboat station to warm up and await the arrival of their parents. More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Fowey to receive fastest class of lifeboat 'You build up an enormous bond with your boat' RNLI
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
From Cornwall to Qatar, these are the world's next cruise ship hotspots
For every destination that accuses cruise ships of swamping them with too many visitors, it's easy to forget there are others enthusiastically rolling out the red carpet to attract ships in greater numbers. Cultivating such business can be a boon for fledgling ports keen to establish their tourism credentials as it brings worthwhile rewards, primarily by helping to boost their local economies. Cruise Lines International Association estimates that each passenger is worth £100 per day and in turnaround ports, where cruises start or finish, the figure is higher as guests often tag on hotel stays. For destinations that are otherwise relatively inaccessible, cruise calls can be a lucrative lifeline and even for seasoned hubs, there's much to be said for spreading the benefits where visiting cruise ships can help to extend the tourist season. British ambitions While Europe is a traditional cruising ground, popular holiday spots Cyprus and Madeira are two islands that have made their cruising ambitions clear with plans to woo more cruise companies to their shores. Another is the UK, already an established cruise hub that saw around two million passengers step ashore on a record number of port calls last year that topped 2,500. Cruise Britain, which represents around 45 of the country's ports and destinations, said smaller ports such as Fowey and Dartmouth were eyeing more ship calls, along with Aberdeen and Belfast, while investing in infrastructure and developing a broader range of shore excursions to cater for visitors. New hotspots However, it is further afield that countries are looking at how they can jump on the cruise bandwagon. India, which is known for voyages along the holy waters of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra rivers, has designated cruise tourism a priority. As part of a bid to position itself as a global destination for river and ocean voyages it is capitalising on its vast coastline and extensive network of inland waterways. New passenger terminals are planned for a string of ports, spearheaded by the country's largest cruise terminal, which opened in Mumbai in April 2025. Bali is another with its eyes on the cruising prize. The tropical isle has long been an embarkation point for sailings into the Komodo National Park and other Indonesian archipelagos, but now hopes to become a major cruise hub. This is an ambition shared by the Philippines, which wants to capitalise on the undiscovered allure of the thousands of islands in the republic's waters to appeal to ships of all sizes, with potential for some to base themselves in Manila. Luxury line Seabourn reports that most destinations in the South Pacific, notably Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and French Polynesia, are actively seeking more cruise calls, especially from smaller expedition vessels. Qatar calling The Arabian Gulf is another area coming to the fore where authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar are pumping millions of pounds into upgrading cruise facilities and forging partnerships with lines such as Celestyal and MSC Cruises which both base ships there. 'It's an exciting time for cruises in the region as it's still relatively new,' said Celestyal's chief commercial officer Lee Haslett. 'Cruising offers a unique way to explore multiple countries in one trip and Doha and the United Arab Emirates are perfectly positioned for this and for guests looking for winter sun.' Even the world's cruise capital, Florida, isn't resting on its laurels, with Miami, Port Canaveral and Port Tampa Bay adding new multi-million pound terminals. 'Port Canaveral continues to surprise us with just how much it's grown and it has become one of the most exciting places to start a cruise in Florida,' said Chris Gray Faust, US editor of cruise review site Cruise Critic.'Galveston [in Texas] used to be a secondary US port and now it's a major player with its new terminal opening later this year.' Under-the-radar Boutique line Windstar Cruises says it is regularly courted by ports wanting to increase cruise business. 'As a destination-focused cruise line we want to find new ports that can provide variety for our guests and make our itineraries stand out with new experiences and new locations,' explained head of UK & Ireland sales Augustus Lonsdale. In Norway, the fjord town of Haugesund, rich in Viking heritage, along with Trondeim and the little-known isle of Froya have recently slipped into Windstar itineraries accompanied by the southern Italian ports of Taranto and Reggio Calabria. Further afield, Tomonoura in Japan, described as an old-fashioned fishing town whose more recent claim to fame was as a location for Marvel superhero film The Wolverine, has also made its debut. Lonsdale accepts that Windstar's small ship status means destinations do not require the same level of infrastructure as large vessels and he expects further growth from the South Pacific along with Central and South America. 'The places we've added are interesting because they show there are still classic cruise destinations, such as Italy and Norway, with new areas to share and they are still being proactive. It's not just new countries to cruise,' he concluded.
Travel Daily News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Azamara Cruises announces new Summer 2027 cruises
Azamara Cruises unveils Summer 2027 with 68 sailings, six Grand Voyages, immersive experiences, extended stays, and exclusive access to cultural events. LONDON – Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line known for Destination Immersion and Extended Destination Days, has announced its highly anticipated Summer 2027 cruises. Featuring 68 sailings and six Grand Voyages across its fleet of intimate vessels, Azamara Cruises continues to lead the industry with more time in port, and unmatched access to marquee events, lesser-travelled ports, and longer stays in each destination. 'The 2027 summer sailings will be our most diverse yet, continuing to demonstrate Azamara's commitment to immersive, enriching travel,' said Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara Cruises. 'From returning to beloved U.K. ports like Dartmouth and Fowey to sailings timed with iconic events like the Monaco Grand Prix and Japan's Cherry Blossom season, Summer 2027 is all about delivering meaningful, in-depth travel experiences.' Pawlus adds, 'Our Grand Voyages, in particular, some spanning more than 40 nights, are the epitome of our Destination Immersion Elevated ethos – designed for curious travellers who want to see more, stay longer, and dive deeper into every destination, all while enjoying the intimate atmosphere and personalized service of our small ships.' Summer 2027 Cruises Highlights Include: Six New Grand Voyages – Discover the World on Extended Itineraries: Azamara Cruises invites guests to embark on extraordinary Grand Voyages, ranging from 35 to 41 nights. These extended journeys visit multiple countries and continents, giving travellers ample time to explore iconic cities and hidden gems. Itineraries include Miami to Venice, Copenhagen to New York, Kobe to Vancouver, and Athens to Lisbon – each designed to showcase Azamara's signature blend of comfort and cultural immersion. Every Grand Voyage also includes complimentary airfare, shore excursion credits, WiFi for two devices, weekly laundry service, and an upgraded beverage package. Europe in Full Bloom – A Season of Iconic Cultural Moments: Guests can sail through the heart of Europe during its most vibrant season, with curated itineraries offering access to world-famous events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Edinburgh's Military Tattoo. Nearly half of all cruises feature late nights or overnights, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in authentic local culture after dark. Whether it's joining an exclusive AzAmazing Evening, taking part in a guided night tour, or savouring a Destination Celebration Dinner under the stars, guests can enjoy Europe's most iconic destinations long after the sun sets—from twilight strolls in coastal villages to moonlit concerts in historic city squares. Back to Beloved Ports – Azamara Cruises Returns to Dartmouth and Fowey: For the first time since 2009 and 2018 respectively, Azamara Cruises returns to the picturesque U.K. ports of Dartmouth and Fowey – intimate harbours steeped in history and natural beauty. Dartmouth, home to the famed Britannia Royal Naval College, charms visitors with its medieval castle and scenic river cruises, while Fowey captivates with its literary heritage, stunning estuary views, and idyllic Cornish streets. Accessible only to smaller ships, these hidden gems showcase Azamara's ability to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger cruise lines simply can't. Destination Immersion Elevated – 22 new PerryGolf Cruises, 10 new Country-Intensive Cruises, and Curated Shore Excursions: The 2027 summer cruises feature 22 new PerryGolf and 10 new Country-Intensive Cruises that allow travellers to dive deep into a single country's culture and coastline. Guests will enjoy expanded Azamara Ashore programming, including expertly crafted shore excursions and overnight land programs created in partnership with top local tour operators. Immersive Access to Asia – Experience Japan's Cherry Blossoms and Beyond: Sailing in spring, Azamara Pursuit will bring guests through Japan during the stunning cherry blossom season- offering opportunities to witness this natural wonder across both northern and southern ports such as Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Kobe and more. These itineraries combine cultural landmarks with natural beauty, all delivered with Azamara Cruises' signature local insight. Own the Night – More Late Nights and Overnight Stays: Summer 2027 cruises offer 89 overnight stays and 381 late nights, giving guests unmatched access to destinations after dark. As the only cruise line offering evening tours, Azamara invites travellers to experience the magic of each destination long after the sun sets. David Duff, Managing Director UK & EMEA at Azamara Cruises, shared: 'As demand grows for more immersive and authentic travel in the UK market, our Summer 2027 deployment reflects Azamara's unwavering focus on creating experiences that connect guests with the heart of each destination. We've carefully curated itineraries that blend iconic landmarks with unexpected discoveries, allowing our travellers to forge deeper connections wherever they sail.'
Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Slashed prices and desperate sellers: inside Cornwall's flooded second homes market
For the past 11 years, Debbie Pugh-Jones has owned Napier Cottage, a two-bedroom property overlooking a river in the quiet village of Golant near Fowey in Cornwall. 'It was a dream of mine to go and live by the coast, and when I found this cottage, I thought it was perfect,' she says. Lying at the mouth of a deep estuary, close to the open sea, Fowey is a pretty harbour town with narrow streets winding through the town near the water's edge. Counted among some of the Cornish coastline's hotspots, it's long been popular with wealthy second home owners; in the past, this kind of property would have been snapped up. Keen to move nearer to her son in Bath, Pugh-Jones put Napier Cottage on the market last August for £425,000. There were no bites. Since that time, the asking price has been reduced first to £375,000 and now to £350,000. Still, no one has come forward to buy it. 'During Covid, I could have sold it for £440,000. I'm now on my fourth estate agent and, since August, I've only had three viewings and no offers.' She lives in the house full-time, but it would make a perfect holiday home – and therein lies the problem. 'The trouble is that there are just no buyers,' she adds. 'First, there was the general election, then the Budget in the autumn and now all the increased taxes. It's not an expensive house, but the wind is blowing in the wrong direction for second home owners. When I speak to others in the village, a number are thinking of selling up.' Cornwall is sometimes called the 'second home capital of England'. In Poluran, a village close to Pugh-Jones's home, more than half of houses are second homes or holiday rentals, according to research last year from the Lanteglos by Fowey parish council. The attack on second home ownership has come thick and fast in recent months. In last year's Budget, buyers of second homes were hit with a 5pc stamp duty surcharge, up from 3pc. In addition, the furnished holiday lettings tax regime, which gave tax breaks to landlords who rented out fully furnished properties, was removed this year. This means that those properties which once attracted 10pc capital gains tax now meet the standard CGT rate for residential property, currently 24pc. Finally, and perhaps most punitive, Cornwall council (like others) now makes second home owners pay double council tax, a move that was also introduced in April. (There is a 12-month exemption for those actively marketed for sale or let, which some experts have suggested is a loophole that homeowners are using to avoid the tax rise.) 'Flooded market' Justin Knight is a senior valuer at The Property Shop, the estate agency in Fowey that is marketing Napier Cottage. It has two other offices in mid-Cornwall: Bodmin and Lostwithiel. While those two are operating in a normal market – that is, neither location is dominated by holiday homes – it is in Fowey where properties are not selling. The same is true in two other holiday home favourites: St Ives and Carbis Bay, says Vicky Jones, of estate agent Keller Williams. She describes a 'marked increase' in the number of second homes and holiday properties coming to the market. Kevin James, of Bradleys estate agents, says supply is up 22pc since May 2024. He believes that Cornwall's property market is entering a new phase as tax reforms 'begin to reshape the second home landscape'. Many agree. 'Fowey is a pretty sailing town, not a working fishing port which functions throughout the year, and the impact has been noticeable since the measures were announced last year,' says Knight. 'People who paid 'Covid prices', when the rush from towns and cities that saw prices here leap in some cases by up to 20pc, are reluctant or can't afford to sell at today's values. And now that the market is flooded with houses for sale, there's a double knock-on impact.' Figures from Rightmove show that properties in Fowey take five more days to sell this year compared to 2024, and that prices have slipped 1.5pc in the last year. Truro-based estate agent Ian Lillicrap of Lillicrap Chilcott keeps a keen eye on second home hotspots both within and beyond his patch, including the Cotswolds. 'The market is flooded in all the obvious areas. It's clear that many who bought properties to rent as holiday homes took out mortgages when rates were low and when they could offset the costs against returns.' Interest rates since then have of course risen, and now they face lower demand and much higher costs. 'They've had a culture shock and a rude awakening.' 'Fabulous bargains' This fall in demand has mainly hit the middle of the market; those at the top end can afford to wait it out – and pay the increased council tax. Jonathan Cunliffe, who runs his own agency, says at the top end of the market it's back to normal after the frenzy of the pandemic. 'There aren't many owners who need to sell at any cost. Most will wait until the market recovers, so it's difficult to see a complete collapse in prices.' James says that while those who relied on tax efficiencies to make ownership viable are selling up, those prepared to weather 'short-term policy headwinds' will continue to invest. It is properties valued between £250,000 and £700,000 that have seen the highest drop in enquiries, says Philip Norgan of Smart Estate Agent in Penryn. Some clients are adjusting their prices, but others are holding firm 'because they can't afford to go as low as necessary'. Lillicrap says there was a flurry of properties looking to exchange before the changes came in at the end of March, with a particular keenness from those in 'old money' areas such as Rock in north Cornwall. Some of these owners have had the house in the family since the 1960s and have seen a huge gain in value in the intervening years. A house that was worth tens of thousands might now be several million, attracting a significant tax bill in its wake. Figures from Lillicrap Chilcott paint a picture of how the market has shifted. Of the last 60-odd properties sold since early April, 66pc have been to local buyers moving within Cornwall. In 2022, that figure was 50pc. Second home buyers have dropped from 25pc in 2022 to just 14pc. 'As I see it, those buying a second home with their head rather than heart will find it a lot less attractive than it was 18 months ago,' says Lillicrap. For those with the means to buy, vendors are ready to sell. Lillicrap has just taken on a two-bedroom apartment by the marina in Port Pendennis in Falmouth. 'The owner said that only a few weeks ago she would have asked £600,000, but as she's in tune with what's happened across the nation, she's putting it on the market for £499,950,' he says. 'There are some fabulous bargains to be had,' adds Clare Coode, of buying agent Stacks Property Search. 'Canny agents are aware of this, and I have never seen more off-market opportunities than I have this spring.' At the top end of the market, buyers are enjoying what Josephine Ashby of John Bray Estates calls 'a rare abundance of choice and a selection of property that may not reappear on the market for generations' as owners reduce prices. And people are still buying, such as those who snapped up an off-market clifftop property in Polzeath on the first viewing.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Health bosses permanently close Fowey Hospital
Health bosses in Cornwall have decided to permanently close Fowey Hospital after mothballing the facility nine years had launched a bid to save the hospital in March but the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board had now determined it was not viable for healthcare Property Services, which owns the Fowey Hospital building, and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which owns the gardens, said a decision on the future use of the site had not been move drew a mixed response from residents when asked by the BBC for their views. Margaret Gardener she was "very sad about it" but acknowledged the facility had not been operational for nearly a decade."They talk about the doctors doing lots of extra things, but I don't know how they manage that because I find it really difficult to get them to answer my phone," she resident Kevin Rouse, who runs a Cornish brand shop in the town, questioned efforts to keep the hospital open."It's six beds and to make it viable you need 16 beds," he said."Are they wasting their time protesting?" Julie Yeo, who drives the Fowey mini bus that carries passengers from the top car park down the steep narrow streets to the harbour, said: "I think it's terrible."It's such a lovely old building that could have been used, especially back in 2020 when it was desperately needed, but it's been closed for so long now I think this seems to be the end." Chris Williams, another resident, said: "You need larger health facilities these days and we've already got a GP practice, so my view is that it's a sensible judgement."I would like to see good investment in the hospitals of Cornwall rather than rebuilding a cottage hospital." NHS Property Services said surplus property "creates funds that are then reinvested into the NHS" with proceeds "split equally between local and national capital investment projects"."We will work with our colleagues at the ICS and Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust - who own the land immediately adjacent to the property - to determine the best options and outcome for the site in accordance with our policy for surplus properties," it said. Challenge expected The ICB said it requested "the community benefits from any future use of the site, which was raised during the engagement process". "It requests that they engage with the Fowey community to explore if and how Fowey Hospital charitable funds can be reallocated to benefit the health of the local community," it Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are working through next steps to determine the future use of the gardens and find a partner to help with the transfer of charitable funds to support investment in the community."Rob Rooney, from the campaign group Reopen Fowey Hospital, said it would be challenging the decision.
