Monday 4th May at The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival 2026
Daphne du Maurier, before she left for Finishing School in France in 1925.
This morning begins with a reading group discussion led by Ella Westland, with The House on the Strand as the chosen book. In this haunting work, written just as Daphne was leaving her beloved Menabilly to live at Kilmarth, her time-travel narrative draws the reader deep into the seductive past of Cornwall.
For the first talk of the day, join Patrick Charnley in conversation about his debut novel, This, My Second Life. This novel, set in the wild landscapes of Cornwall, is about resilience, identity and rebuilding after profound loss, and was written while Patrick recovered from a cardiac arrest that nearly ended his life, so this is sure to be a gripping event. He is the son of the acclaimed writer Helen Dunmore.
The first event after lunch introduces us to Eva Zu Beck, and this is definitely the talk for anyone craving adventure, purpose, or a wilder way of being. Eva will be talking about her book, The Wilder Way, and reflecting on the physical and personal journeys that have shaped her path. Eva explores what it means to choose a life of freedom, embrace discomfort and carve out your own direction in a world that expects the opposite.
Early afternoon will find Chrissie Le Marchant leading a guided walk through Daphne du Maurier's Fowey.
At 4pm, a very exciting event takes place - An Ocean Voyage, Bookended by Caminos! Join a fascinating talk ahead of the Tall Ship Morgenster's departure from Fowey, as past participants and the ship's captain discuss reviving one of Europe's most historic pilgrimage routes. Discover how modern pilgrims retrace the ancient Camino Inglés sea journey, walking the Saints' Way from Padstow to Fowey, sailing to A Coruña aboard the tall ship, and then walking the Camino Inglés to Santiago de Compostela. This talk is perfect for walkers, adventurers and anyone drawn to the romance of the open sea.
The day ends with Jon Woolcott talking about his book The Tattooed Hills – Journeys to Chalk Figure. He will take the audience on a journey through Britain's chalklands, uncovering the stories, symbolism, and shifting meanings of the mysterious figures carved into the hills, be they white horses, giants, ancient crosses, badges, or even a long-lost panda – cut into the chalk and exposed to the sky.
For full details of times and locations, please check the programme here: https://www.foweyfestival.com/events-2026-4th-may/