This seaside town offers a wealth of traditional Cornish activities, from catching waves at sandy beaches to savoring mouthwatering seafood dishes.
A visit to Falmouth offers a glimpse into a traditional Cornish seaside town that also embraces its artistic side. The town’s deep-water harbor has a storied history, including a brush with 18th-century piracy. Today, locals maintain their connection to the sea through family-run fisheries that supply local restaurants and paddleboarders navigating the estuary.
What truly distinguishes Falmouth is its vibrant creative scene, bolstered by the students from its two universities—one of which is among the UK’s top institutions for the arts. Indie theatre, music, comedy, and art exhibitions thrive in intimate venues, while annual events like the free sea shanty and oyster festivals are much-anticipated highlights on the local calendar.
What to do
To experience multiple local highlights at once, follow the South West Coast Path. Begin your journey at the 16th-century Pendennis Castle and make your way across Gyllyngvase (known as «Gylly») and Swanpool Beaches, exploring serene coves, lush forest, farmland, and scenic valleys on your way to Helford Passage. This moderate route spans around seven miles, but shorter alternatives are available. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, harbor porpoises, and the occasional common seal or minke whale. Celebrate the path’s 50th anniversary by purchasing a commemorative «passport» online and getting it stamped at various stops along the trail.
For a full coastal experience and to embrace the locals’ favorite watersport, try paddleboarding. Visit the welcoming team at Blü Paddle Co on Gylly Beach for equipment rentals or guided tours.
The National Maritime Museum is also marking its 20th anniversary. Here, visitors can delve into the science and stories of the sea. The museum’s latest exhibition, titled Pirates, delves into the grisly history of Cornish smuggling, while other exhibits focus on significant maritime events from the region’s past. The main hall even features the Robertson family’s incredible survival tale aboard the yacht tender Ednamair.
History buffs can join a walking tour with Falmouth Uncovered, which delves into the darker aspects of Falmouth’s history, providing unique insights into the town’s past.
Where to eat
The waterfront Star & Garter offers not only stunning views but also a delicious culinary experience. The gastropub and chophouse prepares local ingredients over wood and flame, creating dishes like grilled pollock in saffron broth accompanied by smoked mash and parmesan-topped greens. For those seeking stylish accommodations, the Star & Garter has that covered as well.
For a cool and contemporary dining option, check out IndiDog, named after the owners’ friendly Hungarian visla. This restaurant features sweeping harbor views and a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by regular music performances. The seafood-focused menu boasts locally sourced ingredients with Asian-inspired twists on classic dishes.
Don’t miss
Just a few miles southwest of Falmouth is Trebah, a stunning 26-acre subtropical valley filled with exotic gardens. This lush paradise features a giant gunnera patch, rhododendron and bamboo groves, all nestled beneath a towering canopy of jungle-like tree ferns and resilient palms. A spring-fed stream flows down to a private beach on the Helford River, which is home to remnants from the Second World War that serve as a poignant reminder of Cornwall’s significant role in the 1944 D-Day landings.
We like
The Seaweed Institute brings together community, nature, and cuisine in a project centered entirely around seaweed. The institute aims to connect people with Falmouth’s oceanic environment through day-long workshops focused on foraging, cooking, and crafting with different types of marine algae. These workshops are interspersed with discussions about seaweed’s significance in Cornish culture, offering a unique and educational experience for participants.
Where to stay
Located in a peaceful, verdant part of town, Merchants Manor is a former shipping merchant’s residence that has been transformed into a stylish, adults-only boutique hotel. The hotel boasts bright and chic rooms adorned with local art, while those looking for a touch of luxury can book a garden cabin with a private whirlpool bath. The on-site three AA rosette restaurant, Rastella, is another standout feature. Rates start at £240 per night, including breakfast.
Occupying a prime spot by the harbor, the Greenbank Hotel has been a mainstay in Falmouth’s hospitality scene since 1785, even hosting The Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame during the writing of his beloved book. The hotel’s two-AA Rosette restaurant, The Water’s Edge, offers exquisite Taste of Cornwall tasting menus. The rooms are classically decorated with a marine theme, and the suites feature freestanding baths. Rates start at £179 per night, including breakfast.