Falmouth holidays offer so much more than your classic seaside resort credentials. Overlooking the beautiful Fal Estuary and Roseland Peninsula, this wonderful maritime town with its vintage shops and curbside coffee culture flaunts an almost cosmopolitan atmosphere.
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The National Maritime Museum
A fantastic day out and a must-visit destination for the whole family and history buffs alike. This iconic institution immerses visitors into Cornwall’s maritime heritage through its varied exhibits, artifacts, models, and interactive displays. With a stunning backdrop of the historic port and the deep blue waters of the Fal Estuary, the museum is a fascinating journey through centuries of maritime exploration and trade.
Visit their website here>>
Pendennis Castle
Set high on a headland overlooking Falmouth Bay, the castle which built by Henry VIII to defend against potential invasions dates back to the 16th century and offers panoramic views of the coastline, making it both a historic marvel and a scenic attraction.
Today, its well-preserved ramparts, gun emplacements, and underground tunnels provide a vivid glimpse into its military past offering visitors an immersive experience through interactive exhibitions, informative displays, and the chance to explore the castle’s nooks and crannies.
Visit the website here>>
Trebah Garden
Resting on the banks of the Helford River, this subtropical wonder includes 26 acres of exotic plants, vibrant blooms, and lush greenery with over four miles of footpath from which to explore. Wander beneath canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow tunnels of colour that cascade down to the property’s very own secluded beach on the river. The perfect day out, the garden is open all year round, with various flowering plants, trees and shrubs on display during every season.
Two restaurants including The Boathouse Beach Café which serves local ice cream and coffee, and Trebah Kitchen with a range of deliciously wholesome dishes, mean you’ll have lovely way to unwind and refuel after all that fresh air exploration.
Visit the website here>>
The Roseland Peninsula
Just a short ferry hop over from Falmouth, this beautiful spot offers an unspoilt landscape of cliffs, creeks, woods and beaches. Those who love to explore on foot can discover quiet coves and sheltered bays as well as remnants of medieval and military history and wildlife in the water and sky. Joining The South West Coast Path means you can head inland to join the area’s circular walks, some of which take you through the narrow winding streets of the village of St Mawes.
Pendennis Castle’s smaller twin, St Mawes Castle, a Tudor fortress also built by Henry VIII, stands proudly on the headland and offers wonderful views of the coastline.
Find out more here>>
One of the most picturesque bodies of water in all of England, The Fal Estuary lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers not only some incredible coastal scenery, but also the opportunity for boat-based sight-seeing and water sports of every kind including sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and paddle-boarding.
Ferries and Boat Trips
Travelling by boat is one of the best ways to enjoy the unique waterways of the Fal River.
You can enjoy the harbours of Falmouth and St Mawes, the tranquil waters of the Fal River from the comfort of traditional and modern boats.
A trip on the St Mawes Ferry takes in Pendennis and St Mawes Castle as well as the won-derful views of the water… and there’s always plenty of wildlife to see so keep your eyes peeled for seals on Black Rock or that elusive pod of dolphins.
Find out more or book a ferry trip here >>
Sailing Trips
If you would like to explore the natural beauty of this stunning corner of the world, there’s no better way than from the comfort of a yacht. Take A Turn Yachting offers chartered trips where you can either sit back and enjoy the views whilst their qualified and experienced skippers sail you through the Carrick Roads, or take control; their skippers will show you the ropes and make learning to sail a smooth and easy process.
For full day charters either bring a picnic to enjoy in a secluded bay, take a water-taxi ashore in the Helford or beautiful St Mawes.
Find out more here>>
Watersports Hire and Lessons
Offering paddleboarding and kayaking lessons and rentals as well as guided tours, Falmouth River Watersports aims to provide a safe and friendly environment for guests of all abilities to enjoy Mylor harbour and the wider Carrick estuary.
Choose to paddle and picnic, or paddle and pub stop, all the while enjoying wonderful views of landmarks like Pendennis Castle, St Mawes Castle and Trelissick Garden.
Find out more here>>
Gyllyngvase
Gylly Beach in Falmouth is a top spot in Cornwall, known for its golden sand and calm, safe waters. It’s lively during holidays, with activities for families. Great for all ages, especially kids. You can try paddle boarding and kayaking, with lessons available. The bay is sheltered, making it perfect for beginners. Young children can play in the shallow waves and explore rock pools full of marine life.
Swanpool
A beautiful sand and shingle crescent, this beach is perfect for family days in the sunshine. A sandbar separates the beach from a calm lagoon which is an excellent spot for kayaking, paddle-boarding, sailing, and swimming. You can rent kayaks and equipment on the beach, and Elemental UK Watersports school which is based on the beach and operates all year round – caters for groups large and small, teaching a wide range of water sports from stand-up paddle boards (SUPS) and sailing to coasteering and kayak tours. A lovely cafe right on the sand serves a range of quirky ice-creams as well as home-made cakes, soups and toasted ciabattas, and there’s Crazy Golf nearby which means you can make a full day of it. Gyllyngvase Beach is a short walk away along the South West Coast path.
Four golden sandy beaches mean bucket and spade days are firmly on the agenda, and a historic harbour with its multi-million pound National Maritime Museum, golf courses, tropical gardens and coast path walking routes mean year-round activity and enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
Falmouth lies on the south coast of Cornwall whereas Newquay lies opposite on the north coast – around 25 miles away or 50 minutes’ drive on the A3075. It’s certainly doable if you’re planning a day trip but it is advisable to check local traffic reports prior to setting off, as the route can get busy especially during the school holiday months.
By car, the journey from London to Falmouth takes about 4.5 to 6 hours, with the option of taking the M4 and A30 route or the M3 and A303, and while scenic, traffic delays are frequent during busier times of the year. Alternatively, ditch the hassle of traffic and travel by train from Paddington Station to Truro, with a change to Falmouth which takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. For those looking for a lower cost option, National Express and Megabus have coach services from London to Falmouth, with the journey taking 8 to 10 hours.
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