A hub of maritime activity for hundreds of years, Falmouth remains one of Cornwall’s most vibrant destinations.
Still a popular port, the coastal fortress of Pendennis Castle and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall provide a fascinating window into the town’s seafaring history, which has been drawing artists to the area (along with Falmouth’s stunning landscapes) for over a hundred years.
Since then, artistic influence has rippled through the town, which now hosts one of the UK’s leading arts universities. The cobbled high street is full of art galleries, an exceptional range of dining experiences, and independent shops - a true reflection of the town’s creative energy.
In this art lover’s guide to Falmouth, we reveal how to immerse yourself in the town’s internationally recognised art scene and make the most of your stay, through places to visit, artistic workshops, creative events and a peek into Falmouth’s fascinating art history.
Famous artists and Falmouth’s art history
Over the past 200 years, Falmouth has developed as an artistic hub thanks to influential artists in the area and its connections to Cornwall’s broader artistic and creative movements.
Charles Napier Hemy
From 1881, Charles Napier Hemy lived and worked as an artist in Falmouth from his floating studio, the Van der Velde (a converted seine boat). His subject matter was the sea, ships, and maritime workers, and he was regarded as one of the greatest marine painters of his era, with his style conveying a great sense of movement. Hemy’s work can be viewed at Falmouth Art Gallery or the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Henry Scott Tuke
Also associated with Newlyn’s artistic scene, Henry Scott Tuke (1858–1929) is one of Falmouth’s most prestigious painters, known for his paintings of young men in Cornish landscapes, along with his watercolour and oil depictions of boats and maritime subjects. Over 280 pieces of his work are housed at the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society (the largest collection in public ownership) and Falmouth Art Gallery.
Falmouth Art Gallery
In 1898, Henry Scott Tuke and William Ayerst Ingram (a notable landscape and marine artist linked to the Newlyn School) encouraged the opening of Falmouth Art Gallery. Boosting Falmouth’s reputation as a creative centre, it attracted artists from across Cornwall, including those responsible for establishing St Ives’ artistic scene, and still hosts exhibitions by a range of notable artists and photographers today.
Falmouth School of Art
In 1833, The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society was founded "to promote the useful and fine arts, to encourage industry and to elicit the ingenuity of a community distinguished for its mechanical skill." By 1902, Falmouth School of Art opened as a natural evolution of this. Over time, the school’s offering has expanded, and today it functions as Falmouth University, which offers a range of photography, fine art, media and sustainability-related courses.
Artists workshops in Falmouth
Discover the best places to hone your artistic skills in Falmouth with these fun and inspiring workshops…
Falmouth Art Gallery
Best for: Family-friendly workshops
Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth, TR11 2RT
Including free and low-cost workshops for families, keep an eye out for toddler painting sessions, school holiday events, and a range of mixed media classes. Plus, ad hoc workshops to complement the gallery’s rotating exhibitions.
Falmouth University
Best for: Specialist short courses
Falmouth University, Penryn and Falmouth campuses
Alongside their impressive catalogue of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Falmouth University also hosts a range of short courses. Choose from one-day, three-day and evening classes in subjects including photography, sculpting, painting, bookbinding, digital art, writing, printing and maskmaking.
The Poly at Falmouth
Best for: Children’s workshops and pottery throwing
24 Church Street, Falmouth, TR11 3EG
In Falmouth town centre, The Poly offers a wide range of themed workshops for both adults and children, along with life drawing, fantasy make up, and environmentally friendly craftmaking. They also host some of the best pottery throwing courses in Cornwall, including drop-in sessions.
Trebah Garden
Best for: Nature-inspired workshops
Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ
A stunning subtropical haven nestled near the Helford River, Trebah Garden’s workshops are heavily inspired by nature. Try your hand at botanical watercolours, willow weaving, sustainable textiles, mindful journalling and plenty more. Don’t forget to explore the gardens while you’re there!
Inspire Makers
Best for: Jewellery making workshops
5 High Street, Falmouth, TR11 2AB
Providing an introduction to different types of jewellery making, Inspire Makers hosts “kitchen table” based classes at their studio with half or full-day sessions. Try your hand at creating enamel earrings, sea glass rings, silver bangles and other styles of jewellery making.
Lino Lord
Best for: Linocut workshops
Krowmere, Budock Water, TR11 5DS
Learn the art of lino printing with a hands-on workshop guided by an experienced artist and teacher. Perfect for groups, families, friends, or one-to-one sessions, you’ll learn how to linocut during a six-hour class and have several pieces of art to take home afterwards.
Maya’s
Best for: Arts and crafts workshops
49 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, TR11 3PW
A creative space and shop, Maya’s hosts a variety of classes and workshops including crafting, journaling, drawing, printmaking and macrame. Most are beginner-friendly, and the space is beautiful, bright, and inclusive. Afterwards, browse Maya’s stunning printwork and apparel, which are on display in the shop.
Starglazers
Best for: Pottery painting workshops
17 High Street, Falmouth, TR11 2AB
Make your way to Starglazers Pottery Painting Café to unwind and get creative. Workshops take place throughout the day and involve selecting your piece of pottery, then decorating it with provided paints. After a few days, after it’s been fired, you can collect your work to take home with you. There are also adults-only workshops and themed nights like tarot, gin, and seasonally themed classes.
Kiandles
Best for: Candle painting workshops
15 High Street, Falmouth, TR11 2BY
Kiandles’ candle painting workshops explore painting with wax to create one-of-a-kind candle designs. Book onto a workshop, then buy your handmade candle made from recycled wax sourced from restaurants and bars in the town. Available for adults and children, this is an eco-friendly creative activity in Falmouth’s buzzing Old Brewery Yard.
Art festivals and events in Falmouth
Falmouth is known for its lively festival scene, including Falmouth Food Festival, Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth Week and Falmouth Oyster Festival. It’s also home to some of the region’s most exciting arts festivals:
Falmouth International Arts Festival (5th - 8th March 2026): Including an award-winning schedule of events for the whole family, Falmouth International Arts Festival (FIAFEST) centres around theatre, film, music, art and dance, with a range of performances and participatory workshops.
Benow Festival (20th - 21st March 2026): Hosted by Falmouth Art Gallery, Benow Festival is a celebration of women and creativity, including a series of workshops, performances and film screenings.
FORM Art Festival (15th - 17th May 2026): Celebrating the visual arts heritage and creative culture of Falmouth, FORM Art Festival is not-for-profit and includes talks, workshops, and exhibitions in venues across the town. Plus, an art fair at Falmouth’s Princess Pavilion.
Where to draw your inspiration
There are plenty of things to see and do in Falmouth to inspire your creative practice. Here are some of our favourites…
Explore the landscape
It’s Cornwall’s landscapes and light that first attracted artists to the region, and as a peninsula with both riverside walks and seafront strolls, Falmouth has great options for soaking up the scenery. Favourite walks around the area include a circular route around Pendennis headland to admire views over the Carrick Roads and the world’s third deepest natural harbour, passing by one of Cornwall’s most-loved castles.
Take a boat to St Mawes
Discover the maritime heritage that has been inspiring artists in Cornwall for centuries by taking a boat ride to St Mawes on the other side of the Fal River. With galleries of its own, a sister castle to Pendennis, and a host of beautiful waterside eateries, it’s the perfect way to connect to the town’s coastal heritage. Other options for getting on the water include paddleboarding around nearby coves or kayaking the majestic Helford River.
Sketch or paint ‘plein air’
Grab a sketchbook and make your way to one of Cornwall’s natural spaces to capture the light, atmosphere, and activity outdoors – after all, ‘plein air’ painting is one of the main things that brought 19th and 20th century artists to Cornwall. Recommended spots include Falmouth’s four town beaches, perfect for overseeing the comings and goings of boats. Or, head to Falmouth’s subtropical gardens, where the local microclimate allows a fascinating collection of subtropical plant species to grow.
Explore the town
Falmouth is a living piece of history, with creative and maritime influences running through its veins, which makes it one of Cornwall’s most vibrant town centres. Start on the Old High Street, where antiqueries, indie shops, and some of the town’s best pubs and bars await. As you merge into the main high street, you’ll have a choice of galleries and shops, alongside cafés and restaurants with sea views where you can contemplate your next idea. For a deeper dive into the area’s history, join Pirate Will on a guided walk of the town.
Visit the Helford River
If you’re staying in Falmouth, a day trip to the Helford River (just 6 miles away) is not to be missed. Here, sessile oak woodland overlooks ancient crooked creeks, and the serene beauty of the place is otherworldly. Stop off at one of Falmouth’s dog-friendly pubs along the riverbanks and bring a camera or sketchbook. Or, opt for a guided tour by boat with Helford River Cruises.
Looking for somewhere to stay while you immerse yourself in Falmouth’s creativity? Choose from our beautiful selection of self-catered holiday cottages in the area.