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THINGS TO DO

The Ultimate Falmouth Guide

CORNWALL'S HARBOURSIDE GEM

Discover Falmouth

The harbourside town of Falmouth is an iconic Cornish location, offering stunning views, intriguing attractions and an amazing foodie culture.

  • Seaside
    Views

    Scenic, harbourside views

  • Heritage
    & Arts

    Rich local heritage, culture and arts scene

  • Explore
    Nature

    Unforgettable gardens with exotic plants

  • Foodie
    haven

    Countless amazing seafood restaurants

LOCATION INFO

Where is Falmouth?

Situated on Cornwall’s south coast along the River Fal, you’ll find the thriving harbour town of Falmouth. Despite not having city status, it is the most populated area in Cornwall, making it a must-visit spot for visitors seeking the best that the county has to offer.

Just a 30-minute drive from Truro, Redruth and Helston, Falmouth is ideally situated between a number of other Cornish hotspots. Here at The Valley, we are just a 20-minute drive away from the vibrant town, so there are plenty of opportunities for action-packed day trips.

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QUIRKY & CREATIVE

Is Falmouth Worth Visiting?

Falmouth has a uniquely quirky and creative atmosphere. With various museums and cultural landmarks, one-of-a-kind shops and unbeatable places to eat, it’s a lovely place to visit, presenting some quintessentially Cornish experiences.

Whether you’re venturing to Cornwall on a couple’s retreat, a family holiday, or even a solo trip, we’d certainly recommend heading to Falmouth to see what all the fuss is about!

falmouth cornwall uk

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Things to Do in Falmouth

From immersing yourself in local arts and heritage to taking in the breathtaking scenery and surrounding natural beauty, Falmouth offers a lot in the way of activities and days out.Here are some of the most popular attractions and things to do in the beloved town of Falmouth

  • Pendennis Castle

    A Tudor fortress commissioned by Henry VIII, offering a chance to step back in time and learn about local military history while taking in some fantastic views.

  • National Maritime Museum Cornwall

    Learn all about the history of local and global coastal communities. With various hands-on activities, the museum is a great place for families.

  • Falmouth Art Gallery

    One of the most important collections in Cornwall, featuring contemporary pieces, local art and renowned masterpieces.

  • Boat Tours & Wildlife Cruises

    One of the best ways to enjoy Falmouth is from the water. Take a boat tour to admire the stunning coastline and get the chance to spot dolphins, seals and other local wildlife.

  • St Mawes Ferry

    Take the ferry across the Carrick Roads to St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula for more amazing views and a day out across the water.

  • Walking Tours

    A guided walking tour is another great way to get to know the town, delving deeper into its history of adventurers and pirates.

  • Coastal Walks

    Head to the South West Coast Path and other spectacular coastal routes to meander along and enjoy the sights before returning to the town centre for refreshments.

  • Watersports

    Take to the waves for a spot of paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking and more. A trip to Falmouth wouldn’t be complete without at least dipping your toes in!

  • Seafront Promenade

    Admire the cerulean waters and boats bobbing along the harbour before popping into the nearby shops and eateries.

  • Queen Mary Gardens

    A picturesque Falmouth garden set behind the main beach, boasting exotic palms and flowers.

  • Gyllyngdune Gardens

    Formal Edwardian gardens with brilliant views of the seafront and Pendennis Castle. Ideal for a tranquil stroll and enjoying a bit of tea and cake at the cafe.

  • Glendurgan Garden

    Just 20 minutes outside of Falmouth, this National Trust garden is famed for its extensive maze and exotic wooded valley.

  • Gyllyngvase Beach

    Falmouth’s primary beach, popular with families and those in need of a classic Cornwall beach experience.

DISCOVER THE BEST SPOTS

Falmouth for Dog Lovers

And if you’re bringing along a four-legged friend, don’t worry, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to go – see our dog owners’ guide to Falmouth.

DOG FRIENDLY GUIDE

A SHORT DRIVE AWAY

Beaches Near Falmouth

While the above are the primary beaches included within the bounds of Falmouth town, there are plenty of other sandy shores to explore that are just a short drive away.

Maenporth Beach – 3 miles from Falmouth

Flushing Beach – 5 miles from Falmouth

Grebe Beach – 7 miles from Falmouth
Helford Passage Beach – 7 miles from Falmouth

Loe Beach – 11 miles from Falmouth

Falmouth is also only a 40-minute or so drive from Cornwall’s north coast, where you’ll find famous beaches like Portreath and Porthtowan. So, once you’ve made your way along Falmouth’s shoreline, you’re never too far from the next seaside adventure.

NEARBY BEACHES

Does Falmouth Have a Beach?

Falmouth’s main and most famous beach is Gyllyngvase Beach, which is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The golden white sands and azure waters make for a picture-perfect sandy beach. Holding a coveted Blue Flag award, the beach here is a big hit with families and ideal for a range of seaside activities, from spending the day splashing in the waves to building sandcastles or enjoying delicious bites at the Gylly beach café.

Just along the coast from the slightly larger Gyllyngvase, you’ll find Swanpool Beach. The sheltered cove here makes for a nice swimming and watersports spot. Backed by a Nature Reserve, you’re surrounded by beautiful views from all sides, allowing for a tranquil day away from modern life.

Going in the other direction from Gyllyngvase, you’ll find Castle Beach. The sand and shingle stretch here is quite narrow and mostly covered at high tide. At low tide, you can explore diverse rock pools and take in the views across Falmouth Bay.

SEAFOOD SPECIALS

Where to Eat in Falmouth

Falmouth is a haven for foodies, especially fish lovers who appreciate an ultra-fresh catch of the day paired with the best local ingredients. From fine dining to more laidback cafes and eateries, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of our favourite spots.This list represents a tiny handful of the much-loved foodie spots in Falmouth. Take to the quirky streets and harbourside to find even more unbeatable cafes, pubs and restaurants.

  • Harbour Lights

    A beloved fish and chips restaurant overlooking the harbour.

  • INDIDOG Eatery

    A modern British menu boasting boat fish, shellfish and local farm meat. Situated on the Grade II listed harbour wall with stunning views.

  • Pandora Inn

    A historic inn set a little outside of the town by Restronguet Creek, offering a cosy vibe and delicious gastropub food.

  • UpperDeck

    A restaurant with a lively atmosphere and tasty family-friendly menu boasting tapas, pizza and much more.

  • Harbour View

    Ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks, the diverse menu is packed with local seafood bites, vegan options and delicious desserts.

  • Gylly Beach Cafe

    The perfect spot for a post-beach snack and enjoying freshly cooked local food throughout the day.

  • Star & Garter

    A favourite for Sunday roasts and classic British pub flavours with a Cornish twist.

  • Espressini

    An independent coffee house with delightful sweet treats and drinks, ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up.

  • Fuel

    A quirky cafe and restaurant with welcoming vibes and a classic menu including burgers, fish and chips, snacks, and more.

  • Hooked on the Rocks

    Yet another renowned seafood restaurant celebrating local produce and sustainable fishing practices.

BRILLIANT ACCOMODATION NEARBY

Where to Stay in Falmouth

If you’re keen to visit Falmouth but still haven’t decided on your accommodation yet, look no further than our luxury holiday park in Cornwall. Here at The Valley, we’re ideally situated in the Carnon Downs countryside nestled amongst tranquil woodland and just a 20-minute drive away from Falmouth’s centre.

This means you can get away from the bustle of the crowds while still being near enough to hit all the best, must-visit spots. You can spend your days enjoying the sights of Falmouth before retreating to your cottage or our on-site restaurant for an evening of rest and relaxation.

Start planning your perfect Cornish break and book your stay today.