Fresh Look for Fowey Bus Stop: Plant-Infused Renovation Takes Root

A bus stop in Fowey, known as the Fowey Pretty Bus Stop, has been recently transformed by artist Sarah Worne into a charming horticultural-themed design titled “Thyme to Stop.” This unique project is part of an ongoing series that began over two decades ago when Jane Tinsley first painted the bus stop to deter anti-social behavior.

Over the years, the Fowey Pretty Bus Stop on Lankelly Lane has undergone various transformations. It was once turned into a library, then a tea room, and even depicted as part of a yacht race. The latest design incorporates both real plant pots and painted ones to create an engaging visual experience for its users.

Sarah Worne, the artist behind this vibrant makeover, explained that her motivation was simple: “I wanted to make people smile.” She mentioned that she has been painting bus stops since 2021, with changes occurring a couple of times a year or less often. “It’s just the joy of bus stop painting,” she noted.

The design encourages interaction by allowing passengers to participate in seed swaps and take home some plant pots. The bus stop has even developed its own Facebook page, boasting over 2,700 followers who appreciate the unique designs it showcases each year.

In previous years, the Fowey Pretty Bus Stop celebrated notable events such as marking the RNLI’s bicentenary in 2024 with a design inspired by Hokusais “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” tackled culinary debates like ‘Jam first or cream first on Cornish cream tea?’ in 2023, and featured floral themes in 2021. Worne emphasized that her designs are always grounded in everyday life rather than being overly topical.

“It really is just for the joy of painting a bus stop,” she said. “People love it, and it’s great when visitors to Fowey notice how special this place is.” This latest design also included Polruans skyline because Worne feels personally connected to that area.