King Harry Ferry
A historic chain ferry crossing the River Fal, offering scenic views and a vital link to Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoids weekend tourist rush
King Harry Ferry
Best Time
Avoids weekend tourist rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic chain ferry crossing the River Fal, offering scenic views and a vital link to Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula.
"A joy to use, friendly operators and we only experienced a short wait either side."
Check Ferry Website First
Always check the official King Harry Ferry website for current prices, operating hours, and any service updates.
Factor in Wait Times
Expect short waits, especially during peak season or holidays. Arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic River Fal Crossing
River Fal Estuary
Enjoy picturesque views of the River Fal and surrounding Cornish landscape during this unique chain ferry journey.
Efficient Route to Roseland Peninsula
Connecting Feock and Feock
A vital link saving significant driving time to explore charming villages like St Mawes and St Just in Roseland.
Unique Chain Ferry Experience
The Ferry Itself
Witness the fascinating mechanics of this historic chain ferry, a memorable part of the Cornish travel experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Crossing
Ferry Fares & Payment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Ferry Website First
Always check the official King Harry Ferry website for current prices, operating hours, and any service updates.
Factor in Wait Times
Expect short waits, especially during peak season or holidays. Arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding.
Enjoy the Views!
Take a moment to soak in the beautiful scenery of the River Fal during your crossing. 
Friendly Staff
The ferry operators are generally friendly and efficient, making the journey pleasant.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ferry Website First
Always check the official King Harry Ferry website for current prices, operating hours, and any service updates.
Factor in Wait Times
Expect short waits, especially during peak season or holidays. Arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding.
Enjoy the Views!
Take a moment to soak in the beautiful scenery of the River Fal during your crossing.
Friendly Staff
The ferry operators are generally friendly and efficient, making the journey pleasant.
Cycling Considerations
Cyclists may need to remove panniers; staff are usually happy to assist.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the King Harry Ferry to be a delightful and essential service, offering beautiful views and significant time savings. While some find the fares a little high, most agree it's good value for the convenience and unique experience it provides. The friendly operators and efficient crossings are frequently praised.
"A joy to use, friendly operators and we only experienced a short wait either side.
Some people got a little confused with the road markings but I’m not sure how much clearer things could be made.
Personally I think it’s a little bit expensive but then perhaps the running costs dictate this, who knows, but I think we paid £11 for a return ticket."
Gareth Taylor
"It's a ferry. You queue, you drive on and drive off after crossing the river/bay. £7.50 for a car or van one way. 3 crossings each way per hour. Pleasant enough."
Stephen Searles
"Great way to cross from the Roseland peninsula when visiting Truro- saves around 27 miles of driving. Good value at £11 return for a car, & the crew are friendly & efficient."
Julia Harris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King Harry Ferry connects the Feock peninsula with the Roseland Peninsula across the River Fal. It's a key route for accessing areas like St Mawes and Truro without a long detour.
The ferry typically operates seven days a week. It's always best to check the official King Harry Ferry website for the most current operating hours, as these can change seasonally.
The ferry accommodates cars, vans, and motorcycles. Cyclists and pedestrians can also use the ferry, though cyclists might need to remove panniers.
The actual crossing is quite short, usually only a few minutes. The main time consideration is any waiting time for boarding.
Yes, Enterprise Boats operate on the River Fal and can be viewed approaching Trelissick, offering a different perspective of the waterway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fares are charged per vehicle. Reviews suggest around £7.50 for a car one-way and £11 for a return ticket, but it's essential to verify current King Harry Ferry prices on their official website. +1
Payment is typically made on board the ferry. It's advisable to have cash or a card ready, though specific payment methods should be confirmed on their website.
No, advance booking is generally not required for the King Harry Ferry. You pay upon boarding.
Some reviews mention return ticket prices being a good value, saving significant driving time. Confirm current return ticket options and prices on the King Harry Ferry website.
The rule about removing panniers for cyclists is likely for safety and ease of loading/unloading on the ferry deck. Staff are usually helpful with this.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a straightforward and efficient river crossing. You queue, drive on, and enjoy the short journey with pleasant views.
The ferry typically makes three crossings per hour from each side, ensuring relatively frequent service. +1
The views across the River Fal are consistently described as beautiful and picturesque, offering a lovely scenic element to the journey.
Some visitors have noted confusion with road markings, but generally, the signage is adequate for navigation.
You might see various boats on the river, including pleasure craft and potentially even unique sights like steam rollers being transported.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ferry in action, the surrounding estuary, and the unique chain mechanism. The views of the Cornish coastline are also excellent subjects.
Yes, you can easily take photos from your vehicle or while standing on the deck during the crossing.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful golden hour shots of the river and ferry.
Occasionally, unusual vehicles like steam rollers are transported, offering unique photographic moments.
You can often see Trelissick Garden and the general beauty of the Roseland Peninsula from the ferry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks for the journey, and make sure to point out the boats and scenery on the river. The ferry is a practical way to access family-friendly spots on the Roseland Peninsula, like beaches or easy coastal walks, making it a convenient part of a day out.
🚴 Cyclists
This crossing significantly opens up cycling routes, allowing you to connect different parts of the coast and enjoy the scenic beauty of the River Fal. It's a practical and enjoyable way to cover more ground and experience more of Cornwall's stunning landscapes.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Plan your day around the ferry crossings to maximize your time. The relatively frequent service means you won't be waiting long, and the scenic journey adds a pleasant element to your trip, making it a worthwhile addition to any Cornish day excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Mechanics of the King Harry Ferry
+1This unique method of propulsion gives the ferry its distinctive character and sound. The rhythmic clinking of the chains is a familiar soundtrack for locals and a novel experience for visitors. The ferry's role extends beyond mere transportation; it's an iconic Cornish landmark that offers a glimpse into traditional engineering and a more leisurely pace of travel. Many visitors find the mechanics of the chain ferry to be a highlight of their journey.
While the ferry is a modern convenience, its operation harks back to a time when such engineering feats were crucial for connecting communities. It's a testament to enduring infrastructure that continues to serve its purpose effectively. The King Harry Ferry is more than just a crossing; it's a piece of living history that adds a unique charm to any trip to Cornwall.
Navigating the Roseland Peninsula via Ferry
Beyond these well-known spots, the Roseland Peninsula offers hidden coves, coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, and tranquil countryside. The ferry's location at Philleigh Landing places you right in the heart of this beauty, making it an ideal starting point for day trips. Whether you're seeking a leisurely drive through scenic lanes or an active exploration of the coastline, the King Harry Ferry provides a convenient and scenic entry point.
Many visitors use the ferry as part of a larger Cornish adventure, combining a visit to the Roseland with other attractions in the area. The efficiency of the crossing means you can maximize your time enjoying the unique charm and natural beauty that the Roseland Peninsula has to offer, making it a truly worthwhile part of any itinerary.
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