Polruan lies on the Eastern side of the Fowey estaury, opposite the larger and better-known village of Fowey, on the other side. A passenger ferry, which you can see off the end of the pontoon here, on its way across to Fowey, connects the two four times an hour and takes about five minutes. There's also a car ferry that crosses at Bodinnick, a little further inland.

Polruan is set on a steep hill with one narrow, cottage-lined street that ends here at the Quay. There are two pubs, the Lugger, which is on the Quay and the Russel Inn just a little further up. It also has a cafe, a small shop with a Post Office and one or two other shops selling craft goods. The absence of much commercial development gives Polruan an authentic unspoilt atmosphere. It feels like a place where people live and work, rather than just visit.

Polruan has some interesting historic buildings including the 8th Century St Saviour's church and a 15th century blockhouse, one of two coastal defences built on opposite sides of the river. The village has a carnival on August Bank holiday and it's also a good spot from which to enjoy the Fowey Regatta which takes place the week before.