Sights and Adventures in Historic and Renowned Falmouth

Falmouth’s well-known coastal culture and maritime legacy is the key to understanding the rich cultural heritage of the English. Strategically located at the mouth of the Fal River, Falmouth has been the bastion of England’s independence from continental Europe paving the way for England’s rise as a major world power.

Today, visitors are not only treated to the rich history of the town, they are also given the opportunity to enjoy its many award-winning attractions, beautifully-landscaped and well-maintained parks and gardens, miles of water activity-filled beaches, and breathtaking nature trails. As well as amazing sights and adventures, Falmouth welcomes holidaymakers with some extraordinary places to stay ranging from scenic cottages in Falmouth through to boutique hotels right on the beach.

Visit Falmouth’s World Renowned Attractions

The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society is the home to the development of many of the world’s greatest innovations such as microscopes, pneumatic drills, and the Cornish Man Engine including Alfred Nobel’s demonstration of the use of nitroglycerine in 1865.

Pendennis Castle is the fortification which King Henry VIII built in 1540 to protect England from the threat of naval attack by the French and Spanish armada. Explore the walls, battlements and pieces of artillery as well as the famed Tudor gun-deck to relive its historic past.

Relive the glory of English supremacy as Masters of the Ocean by visiting the Maritime Museum. Immerse yourself in the interactive displays of maritime artifacts as well as the story of Nordic and Viking settlers on English soil.

Take your family to the multi-awarded Falmouth Art Gallery for a day of interactive workshop sessions that can include Matisse to hands-on automata. The Gallery houses some of Britain’s best works of art such as those from Laura Knight, Henry Scott Tuke, and Thomas Gainsborough, to name a few.

Take a Leisurely Walk with Nature

For plant lovers, Fox Rosehill Garden is a definite must. Known as a serene sub-tropical haven, the Garden has been home to a variety of plant life that are not found elsewhere on the British Isles. The garden is also recognized for its work on the protection and enhancement of the environment.

Enjoy the exquisite vista on Gyllyngdune Gardens walking past well-maintained rose garden, a one-of-a-kind Edwardian bandstand, and greenhouse.

The seven-acre Kimberley Park is home to many ornamental trees that effectively turns the park into a green oasis. It is perfect for families especially with young children who can play on the park’s play area.

The Queen Mary Gardens is a peaceful garden that is intended to provide respite for the weary soul. Its strategic location just a few minutes from the beaches of Falmouth makes this garden a must-see after a fun-filled day frolicking in the beach.

Enjoy Thrilling Fun and Excitement

Falmouth also offers a variety of outdoor sports and recreational activities that are sure to satiate every visitor’s thirst for some excitement.

Bathe under the sun in the golden beaches of Gyllyngvase and Swanpool. These coves are perfect for kayaking, boating, sailing, windsurfing, rockpooling, and sport fishing. You can try the many watersport activity centers that dot the town’s beachscape such as the WESUP Paddleboard Centre, Elemental UK, Falmouth School of Sailing, and St. Mawes Kayaks & Water Taxi.

Challenge yourself to rock cliff jumping and rockpooling on Pendennis Point or explore the various marine life on the waters off Castle Beach.

Enjoy the view of more than a hundred species of water fowls from geese to swans and kingfishers at the Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve while slowly kayaking or canoeing through its pristine waters.

Treat the whole family to fun and frolic in the leisure pools of Ships & Castles complete with a 70-meter flume, geysers, spa pools, bubble mats, and a large swimming area for kids.

Whatever your dream vacation is, be it historical, educational, laid-back, relaxing, artistic, or even adventuresome, Falmouth definitely has everything for everyone.