Falmouth is the 3rd largest natural harbour in the world and is guarded by the impressive castles of St Mawes and Pendennis, built by Henry VIII. It still has fascinating working docks, where you can often see cruise ships, naval boats or ferries, in addition to the marina areas full of smaller yachts and launches.

The Lower Deck has four lovely beaches within walking distance:

• Castle beach – popular with locals and great for rock pooling
• Gyllyngvase Beach – attended by lifeguards for safe swimming, with a volley ball net and great cafe/restaurant.
• Swanpool Beach – more pebbly but with a selection of watersports available, crazy golf course and beach cafe with fantastic speciality ice creams.
• Maenporth Beach, is a little further along the coast with a very gently shelving sandy bay. It also has a beach cafe and a restaurant, The Cove, just across the road.

Falmouth is a bustling town with a wide range of interesting shops to explore, selling everything from clothing to souvenirs and on Saturdays there are often seasonal markets. It’s very easy to while away an hour or two pottering along, in the town.

Should you encounter some of our ‘liquid sunshine’, the Maritime Museum is a surprisingly fascinating place to while away several hours, as are Pendennis and St Mawes castles ( St Mawes is a short ferry ride away). If you are looking for a more relaxing activity, why not visit the pool and spa treatments at St. Michael’s Hotel on the seafront. Alternatively take a look around the Art Gallery or view a film at our local arts centre The Poly, visit the multi-screen cinema for latest releases. For golfers, there is a spectacular cliff top golf course in Falmouth, or for those with less experience, a fun pitch and put course or crazy golf at Swanpool. Finally, the coastal walks in the area can be enjoyed from our doorstep and provide breathtaking scenery, whatever the weather or season.

The town is full of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, with something to suit every taste (Italian, Chinese, Indian, South African, Caribbean, fusion cooking and lots of fresh fish and local produce). Whatever your budget, you will find choices, from the best fresh fish and chips or pasty, to pizzas, or fine dining experiences.

No need to visit an out of town supermarket, (although there is a large ASDA on the ring road and a local Sainsburys), everything can be bought locally. There is a good butchers, a fresh fishmonger, great fresh bakeries, delis and a selection of different pasty shops! There are also two small Tesco stores in the town, (one only 5 minutes walk away, with late opening times). Falmouth really does have everything you need on the doorstep!

There are often interesting events going on in the town, especially in Falmouth Week during August, when there are parades, fireworks, sailing regattas and different party nights with visiting bands- lots of fun- not to be missed. In May there is the Fal River Festival which has a range of music, dance and arts events. In June, there is the international Sea Shanty Festival, with acts in every pub in town as well performances on large public stages on the harbour front and Discovery Quay. In October, the town also has an Oyster Festival with tastings, cookery demonstrations and market stalls. Finally, Falmouth was proud to be selected as the host town for the Tall Ships race in 2014, 2008 and 2023. We are looking forward to their return in the future.

Winter breaks mean you can take advantage of the offers on at many of our local restaurants and enjoy the sights of Cornwall without the summer crowds. Be prepared for any weather – our winters are invariably mild and we have often enjoyed an al fresco pub lunch in January or February, in bright sunshine wearing a very light fleece! April and May are often warm and sunny with the benefit of fewer crowds and the lighter evenings to enjoy. September is also quieter than the summer months but you can often still enjoy lovely weather.

Falmouth is a really lively, interesting town, all year round and a perfect base from which to explore the rest of Cornwall.