Top 5 Things to Do in Falmouth

Falmouth is a wonderful place to visit. It has true old-world charm with a bustling historic harbour, the mighty Pendennis Castle at the seafront and a promenade of grand hotels. The town is also blessed with stunning beaches and all you could need for a perfect day at the seaside! Whether you are visiting for the day or are planning a longer break, Falmouth has plenty to offer and you can find our favourites below.   

#1 Wildlife Cruises

The multi award-winning cruises offered by AK Wildlife Cruises are a wonderful way to see the outstanding diversity of marine wildlife around Cornwall's spectacular southern coastline and surrounding waters and are available all year round from the small and friendly historic town of Falmouth. With passionate naturalists on board every trip and the potential of sighting and interacting with dolphins on any cruise throughout the year, they are popular with all ages! AK work closely with various conservation groups and Wildlife Trusts to help monitor and protect the animals in these waters. Whales and dolphins, basking sharks and seals plus a whole diversity of bird life can be found in the rich and sheltered waters of Falmouth Bay, and photography is actively encouraged. With the fabulous shelter afforded by the beautifully vast and diverse Fal estuary, the third deepest natural harbour in the world, we never lose a day to the weather!

 

#2 Pendennis Castle

Built by Henry VIII in the 1540s to defend the important natural harbour, this impressive fortification is now operated by English Heritage and is open to the public. Pendennis Castle has an important history of defending the area from Spanish and French invasions and was also refitted for use during both World Wars. Today you can experience the history of the fortress with costumed actors and the sights and sounds of the battles it witnessed. There are also permanent exhibition galleries telling the story of the castle’s use and inhabitants since its foundation in Tudor times up to the Second World War. Visitors to Falmouth will also be able to enjoy the firing of one of the castle’s guns every day between April and October.

#3 Glendurgan Garden

Cornwall is home to some of the country’s best gardens and Glendurgan is certainly one of them. Set across three valleys that run down the beach hamlet of Durgan, Glendurgan is teaming with hundreds of beautiful native and exotic plants. Depending on the time of year you can see the steep valley sides carpeted in stunning wildflowers, enjoy wandering around the garden ponds and relax on the pristine beach at the bottom of the valley. Begin your visit at the Camellia walk with its abundance of colour all year round, continue to the Holy Bank with its ancient trees and views of the Helford River, explore the olive grove and apple orchard, before discovering the exotic plants in the lower valley. You also have to test your skills in the 180 year old maze that continues to puzzle visitors! The garden is operated by the National Trust, but was created by the Fox family who also founded the Fox Rosehill Garden in Falmouth town (also well worth a visit!).

 

#4 Head to the Beach

A trip to Falmouth would not be complete with out some time spent on the beach! There are two main beaches in Falmouth, the Blue Flagged Gyllngvase beach with its fine white sands and the striking Swanpool beach at the edge of the town. Gyllngvase beach is one of the most popular and pristine beaches in Cornwall with its crescent of sand set beautifully in the rural Cornish countryside. It is also home to the award winning upmarket Gylly Beach Café. Both beaches offer a range of activities whether you want to simply sit and relax or take part in some water sports. You will find all the facilities you need for the perfect day out on the beach at both including a café and toilets.

#5 National Maritime Museum Cornwall

This museum is housed in an impressive building right on the harbourside and tells visitors about all things nautical. Over three floors you can learn about the history of the boat, the local maritime history, the importance of the weather and local wildlife. The museum has plenty of interactive elements too with one exhibit where you can use fans to sail model ships, take a look-out in the museum tower and explore the deeps with the two huge underwater windows. Make sure not to miss the fascinating Nav Station for a series of interactive exhibits about using sea charts and meteorology. It is a great day out for all the family and is open all year round.