About
St Catherine's Castle stands above the entrance to Fowey Harbour, one of a pair of small artillery forts built under Henry VIII in the 1530s. Later alterations during the Crimean War and the Second World War show how this commanding position continued to matter long after the Tudor guns had gone. The surviving stone defences are compact, but reviewers particularly enjoy the views across the water towards Polruan. Reaching the castle is part of the outing: the official approach from the car park via Readymoney Beach includes a steep woodland climb and can be muddy. Visitors recommend setting navigation to Readymoney car park rather than trying to drive to the castle. Public toilets are at the beach, and there are sheer, unguarded drops within the ruins, so keep children close and do not climb the walls. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Check today’s timesSee all times
- St Catherine's CastleDaylight hours
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open during reasonable daylight hours.
The approach includes a steep woodland climb and can be muddy. There are sheer unguarded drops within the ruins.
Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome at the castle; beach dog restrictions are separate and were not verified.
Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome at the castle; beach dog restrictions are separate and were not verified. Ordinary site admission is free.
Dog walks in the surrounding area: Not confirmed. Dog access on surrounding routes was not separately verified in this brief official-source review.
Leads: Dogs on leads.
Seasonal dog restrictions: Not confirmed; follow signs and current site notices.
Assistance dogs: Not confirmed separately by the official page.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
Ordinary admission is free for everyone. Special tours or events may have separate terms.
ParkingParking not known
The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.
Parking details
Park at Readymoney car park and continue on foot via Readymoney Beach. The castle cannot be reached by car; the official approach is about three-quarters of a mile.
Named visitor car park listing matched against the operator's parking and arrival instructions; the pin is the driving arrival point, with the rest of the visit on foot.
Walking routes1 route
Readymoney Beach approach to St Catherine's Castle(opens the full route on the National Trust site)
WalkDog access not confirmed
From the charged Readymoney car park, follow the official three-quarter-mile approach via the beach and steep woodland path. Castle admission is free; surfaces can be muddy.
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Checked 2026-09-13
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