There’s a host of things to see and do in and around Falmouth. Whether you wish to lap up some heritage, natural landscapes, coastal destinations or cultural hubs, the town and its environs are awash with options to suit all types of visitor.
First, take some time to discover the lay of the land by visiting Falmouth’s historic sites and buildings, with Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle on the headlands either side of the estuary making an ideal rainy day choice.
The National Maritime Museum is another top choice, as is Falmouth Aquarium, Ocean Bowl, Ships and Castles Leisure Centre (complete with flume, wave machine and slow running river) and Falmouth Art Gallery. Plus, the town’s entertainment venue at Princess Pavilion presents a year-round schedule of live music concerts, theatre, shows and productions.
Alternatively, enjoy an ocean-bound excursion and hit the high seas with a boat trip, or embark on some exploration with the fleet of Fal River ferries that’ll transport you to a network of new places such as St Mawes, Truro, Flushing, Place Creek and The Roseland Peninsula.
St Mawes rewards visitors with a picturesque harbour and laidback vibe, along with scenic walks aplenty including to St Anthony Head, St Mawes Castle, and Lamorran House Gardens.
Truro presents a tally of traditional and coolly modern cafés and restaurants, as well as various cultural and entertainment venues including the Hall For Cornwall, Royal Cornwall Museum and striking architectural centrepiece, Truro Cathedral.
Part of Cornwall’s coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area inland from Falmouth is also home to the distinct mining landscape of Gwennap, Kennall Vale and Perran Foundry.
Once dubbed the “richest square mile anywhere on Earth”, the remnants of this former mining district can be viewed via the Kennall Vale Gunpowder Works (one of the largest and most complete of its kind in Britain), tramways, Poldice and Wheal Maid mines and arresting ampitheatre at Gwennap Pit.
The Place Ferry will transport you across the water to some seriously special spots and prime walking territory. Here, you can hike along the Carrick Roads to St Anthony’s Lighthouse and relax on the sublime stretches of Great and Little Molunan Beaches before wandering further for more wildlife-watching and water-gazing.
Take a trip across the estuary to the beautifully quaint coastal village of Flushing before exploring the rest of The Roseland, a sprawling Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with highlights including Portloe, Caerhays Castle and Gardens, Roseland Heritage Coast (featuring Porthbeor, Towan, Portscatho, Porthcurnick, Carne, Pendower and Porthluney beaches) and 13th century church at St Just.
Then there’s the Helford: an intoxicating mix of beautiful beaches, sub-tropical gardens, stunning woodland and winding river creeks. Unwind with lunch and mesmerising views at The Ferryboat Inn, roam the breath-taking plant life of Glendurgan, Trebah and Carwinion Gardens, or even explore Frenchman’s Creek via guided kayak trip to discover author Daphne Du Maurier’s eponymous and impossibly picturesque destination.
Or why not venture further afield with a day trip toward The Lizard for Gweek and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, or southward to coastal gems such as Porthallow, St Keverne, Coverack and the country’s most southerly point at The Lizard?
Falmouth offers easy access to some of south Cornwall’s most striking locales, giving you the chance to experience a multi-stop holiday from one lust-worthy base.
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