Falmouth
Lively town situated on a large harbour, fun for all the family
Aberfala
Falmouth is a port and university town in south Cornwall, built around the third-deepest natural harbour in the world. The town has five beaches, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall on its waterfront, and Falmouth University’s campus in the heart of the town. With a resident population of around 22,000, it supports a year-round programme of festivals and events rather than relying solely on the summer season.
History
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.
Things to Do
The beaches in and around Falmouth make for 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 castles 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 water-related activities, the area is packed full of cycling and hiking routes, perfect for a cycling or dog walking holiday.
Eating & Drinking
One of the best night’s out in Cornwall, Falmouth has a wide selection of bars, restaurants and festivals. There are some excellent 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 seasonal, produce-led 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 hangout 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. 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.
Getting Here
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 as Penzance so if you are staying near then check out the train timetables 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 are reserved for locals and it is hard to find a space especially when it is busy.
Guides for Falmouth
- Things to Do in Falmouth with Kids - Pendennis Castle, the National Maritime Museum, Trebah Gardens, and boat trips on the River Fal
- Best Beaches in Falmouth - Gyllyngvase, Swanpool, Maenporth, and quieter coves around the headland
- Where to Eat in Falmouth - 10 restaurants, beach cafes, and gastropubs in Cornwall’s best south coast food town
Places to Stay in Falmouth
Hand-picked accommodation from cottages to boutique hotels.
Live availability in Falmouth
Sample dates: 8 May 2026 - 10 May 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Falmouth.
Beaches near Falmouth
From hidden coves to golden surf strands.
Things to Do in Falmouth
Attractions, activities, and experiences.
Upcoming Events in Falmouth
Festivals, markets, and seasonal happenings.
Guides for Falmouth
Best Family Hotels in Cornwall
Cornwall has more family-friendly hotel options than most people expect - it is not just cottages and caravan parks. From 4-star cliffside resorts with dedicated kids' clubs and surf schools to Victorian seafront hotels with heated pools and holiday parks with water flumes and beachside lodges, there is a range that spans every budget. The north coast from Bude to Mawgan Porth concentrates the biggest resort hotels, while St Ives and Falmouth offer more classic hotel stays with beaches on the doorstep. One practical note: peak summer weeks (late July and August) at the better-known hotels fill 6 or more months in advance - the Headland and Bedruthan in particular book solid by Christmas for the following summer.
Holiday Homes in Falmouth
Discover the ultimate escape to the charming coastal town of Falmouth. Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the culture and coastline of Falmouth by staying in one of its best holiday cottages. From cozy seaside retreats to spacious family-friendly properties, we’ve got you covered with a list of the top holiday cottages in Falmouth. Whether you’re seeking peace and tranquility or a fun-filled family adventure, our curated selection is guaranteed to provide the perfect home away from home. So, get ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in the ultimate holiday experience in Falmouth!
Best Luxury Hotels in Cornwall
Luxury in Cornwall comes in several distinct forms. There are the clifftop spa hotels - adults-only escapes with sea-view hot tubs and coastal treatments. There are the Victorian country house hotels set in landscaped grounds with pools, golf, and chauffeur services. And increasingly, there are the food-destination hotels that justify the room rate as much by what's on the plate as the thread count on the pillow. Cornwall now has 3 Michelin-starred restaurants: Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow, Outlaw's Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac, and Ugly Butterfly at the Headland Hotel in Newquay - the latter awarded in February 2026, making it Newquay's first Michelin star. That puts the county alongside some of the most food-credible hotel destinations in England. The hotels listed here represent the strongest options across the county: coast-facing spa resorts on the north coast, 5-star country houses on the Roseland, clifftop properties with direct beach access near St Ives, and a resort-scale property in Fowey. Prices vary significantly by season - the Nare Hotel, the Headland, and the Scarlet all charge substantially more in July and August than in November. Booking 3-6 months ahead for peak summer is standard at this tier.
