Falmouth: Things to Do, Beaches & Tips
A lively harbour town on one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, Falmouth has a castle, a brilliant maritime museum, sandy town beaches and ferries across the water. It's a great base for exploring the south coast.
Top things to do in Falmouth
- Pendennis Castle is Henry VIII's artillery fort on the headland, with a keep to explore and huge views over the harbour mouth.
- National Maritime Museum Cornwall has boats hanging from the ceiling, a lookout tower and an underwater window. It's ideal on a wet day.
- Hop on a ferry to St Mawes or Flushing. The foot ferries run from the town piers, mostly in season.
- Walk round Pendennis Point on Castle Drive, from the docks to Gyllyngvase, for sea views the whole way.
- Browse the high street, which is full of independent shops, galleries and cafés.
Beaches in Falmouth
Gyllyngvase ("Gylly" to locals) is the main town beach, with soft sand, a café and lifeguards in season. Castle Beach next door is rocky and great for rock pooling at low tide, while Swanpool is a sheltered cove with watersports hire.
Nearby
The Helford River has two famous sub-tropical gardens, Trebah and the National Trust's Glendurgan, which has a maze. Across the water, St Mawes and the Roseland are a short ferry ride away; see the St Anthony Head walk in our coast path guide.
Getting there and parking
The Maritime Line branch train runs from Truro to Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks, which saves parking in summer. Driving, the town centre car parks fill up quickly in August, so arrive early. Falmouth Week brings sailing races and crowds in August.
Where to eat and drink nearby
- Gylly Beach Café, Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
- The Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek, near Mylor
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