Falmouth Town Guide

Overview and History

Falmouth is a vibrant town in Cornwall situated on a harbour with stunning beaches around it. Falmouth is a fantastic place to stay because it offers so much to do in and around the area but likewise if you are staying in Cornwall it is a must see destination for a day or night out. Falmouth is a great place for families, or groups of friends as well as couples, you can have a great night out and some great family adventures during the days.

Falmouth dates back to the 17th century where the port was built, outgrowing the town of Penryn next to it. 2 forts were built in Falmouth by Henry VIII during the civil war IN 1642. After the war Falmouth continued to grow and when it was made the Royal packing station in 1688 it grew at pace. When the railways reached Falmouth in the 19th century it became a popular holiday destination as well as a thriving port. Falmouth played its part in WW2 and even sadly lost 31 residents due to the German bombing. With a population of 22,000 locals, today the main industry is tourism and the town certainly delivers to the many guests that visit each year.

Accessibility

Falmouth has a train station which you can use to come from all over the country but also from Truro or surrounding towns that have a station such a s Penzance so if you are staying near then check out the train time tables for easy access into the town. Falmouth also has a bus station and again there are regular buses from surrounding areas accessing the town every day particularly in the peak seasons. There are car parks in the town but it’s best to use the park and ride so that you don’t have the hassle of finding a space within the town. There is some street parking but as you can imagine some is reserved for locals and it is hard to find a space especially when it is busy.

Accomodation

We have selected some of the best places that Falmouth has to offer and if you go to our accommodation section right here on Cornwall Holidays you can get some great deals. There are apartments, hotels and holiday homes, everything to suit your needs.

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Beaches 

There are multiple beaches in and around the Falmouth area but the top 4 are Gyllyngvase Beach, closest to the town, Castle Beach, Swan Pool and Maenporth Beach. Gyllyngvase beach is a very popular beach and a blue flag beach. There is a cafe on the beach offering local produce accompanied by acoustic music sessions, watch the sun go down here and enjoy some fresh fish and tapas. There is a car park 100 yards away so you can park really close too. Also available on Gyllyngvase beach are a selection of water sports. A great spot for the family, couples or groups of friends to spend their days. SOme of our accomodation is right near this beach too. Castle beach is overlooked by Pendennis castle giving it a great dramatic look, this little gem is great for rock pooling and snorkelling. If you want something a bit quieter, walk along the coast path with stunning views to Maenporth beach, a gorgeous little haven for you to relax on. Swan pool beach also has a great water sports centre and is the perfect place for swimming. Kayaking, windsurfing and dinghy sailing are just a few things you can do here. Falmouth beaches have the whole family covered and the best thing is they are free to enjoy. Just be mindful of the dog rules on the beaches as there are seasonal dog bans in some places.

Attractions

Obviously we have talked around the stunning beaches in and around Falmouth as a great day out and of course the beaches are free so a great way to spend some quality family time. In addition to the beaches though Falmouth has many other attractions linking to its history and beauty. The Maritime Museum is a fun way to learn about the influence the sea has had on the region and throughout the year they have exciting exhibitions that you can join, please check their website for details on when these exhibitions are. Pendennis and St Mawes Castles are open to the public to explore. Get transported back to Henry VIII’s time when he was building a sea fort and commissioned these castles to be built. Both castle’s have some great exhibitions for you to attend too. One of the most popular things to do in Falmouth is the river tour, set off from the harbour and explore the beauty of the River Fal. In addition to this kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boards, surfing and fishing, basically every water sport activity you could ask for. In addition to all things water related the area is packed full of cycling and hiking routes, perfect for a cycling or dog walking holiday.

Entertainment and Food and Drink

One of the best night’s out in Cornwall, Falmouth has a wide selection of bars, restaurants and festivals. There are some stunning fine dining restaurants serving the freshest local produce you can imagine, as well as some more informal dining choices with sea views and a fantastic variety of food. Boo Koos serves one of the best burgers around and their menu is amazing. Michael Caine’s new restaurant in Maen Cove serves a stunning menu with a view to match. Takeaway cuisine from all over the world, perfect if you have one of our self-catering accommodation options in and around Falmouth. Head to The Brigg Pirate bar for a cocktail and some eats and immerse yourself in a pirate-themed underground snug. Beerwolf Books, a bar with a difference gives you a trendy hang out and features its own library. There are plenty of quirky places to explore in Falmouth but actually some of the best bars and restaurants are just the ones with no frills that look out onto that amazing view across the harbour or the beach. Loads of options for you and particularly during peak times live music is a common feature of the town. During the summer months, you will also find festivals throughout the town, The Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth week, The Spring Festival and even a gin festival to name a few. The town really does have a great atmosphere. The Princess Pavilions has live acts too such as Ibiza classics, so always check what is going on in Falmouth before you book so you don’t miss out.