Welcome to Falmouth - A Visitor's Guide to its beaches, attractions and accommodation

The town of Falmouth lies on the south coast of Cornwall unsurprisingly at the mouth of the River Fal. Its harbour and waterway, known as Carrick Roads, form the third deepest harbour in the world and was formed at the end of the last Ice Age when sea levels rose and drowned the river valley of its predecessor. Geologically, it is actually termed a ria. Arguably Cornwall's premier port, Falmouth has a strong maritime heritage which can be explored at National Maritime Museum. The town's location makes it the ideal base to tour Mid and West Cornwall. The Roseland and Lizard Peninsulas are close by with Cornwall's only city Truro a short drive or even ferry trip away. There are some excellent attractions around Falmouth with Pendennis Castle, St. Mawes Castle and the Ships and Castles Leisure Centre springing immediately to mind. There are some excellent beaches at Castle, Gyllyngvase, Swanpool and Maenporth and a host of boat trips and ferries running from the Prince of Wales and Custom House Quays. Sheltered as it is on the east of the Lizard Peninsula, Falmouth has a mild climate and has a host of fine hotels from which to explore.

History

The Castle at Pendennis was constructed between 1540-45 under instruction from King Henry VIII to guard Carrick Roads and has a sister castle just across the water at St. Mawes. Until the early 17th century Falmouth was only a small hamlet known as Arwenack [but also known as Smethick or Pennycomequick], the chief town of the area was Penryn - granted Charter as a Town in 1216. receiving a royal charter, as a borough in 1621, whilst Falmouth wasn't granted its Town Charter until 1661. Largely built by Sir Peter Killigrew and continued by his son Sir John Killigrew, Falmouth grew steadily. They successfully applied to the King to construct a town around their manor of Arwenack and the area was chosen as the best location for the Post Office Packet Station in 1688. The Falmouth Packet Service began operating from Falmouth in 1689 and this continued until 1850. In their time the ships carried mail between all corners of the British Empire.

Transport Links

Falmouth is well served by transport links. The town is linked to Truro to the northeast by the A39 and to Helston in the west by the A394 roads with good public bus services on to Truro, Helston, Redruth and Camborne. There is a frequent train service along the 'Maritime Branch Line' from Truro and there a large number of ferries such as Fal River Links and Enterprise Boats connecting to the villages of Flushing (Nankersey), St. Mawes, up the river to Penryn or sightseeing boats up the Fal to Truro and Trelissick Gardens or down to the Helford River on the Lizard Peninsula.

Accommodation in and around Falmouth

Looking for somewhere to stay near Falmouth? An overnight stay in an Hotel or a week's break in a cosy cottage? Visiting Cornwall and just looking at your options of where to stay in general? We do the hard work for you...We have something for everyone.

Shopping & Other Attractions

Falmouth has a good assortment of shops running from The Moor along Market Street, Church Street to Arwenack Street down to Trago Mills and the National Maritime Museum at its far end. Taking this tour you pass the Wetherspoons inn - 'The Packet Station', Argos and a Tesco Metro to head right along Market Street. To your left lies a Burger King fast food emporium, whilst ahead of you lies the Prince of Wales Pier with its myriad of boat trips and ferries available for hire. Walk along Market Street passing a Marks and Spencer store at 44, whilst a little further on lies a Bonmarche store. Other shops passed on the tour are include a nice variation of cafes including Bodenes at 36 Arwenack Street and the nearby Fish Restaurant, whilst just around the corner overlooking Custom House Quay is the picturesque Chain Locker pub. Younger visitors may wish to visit the Mi Bar and club (formerly the 'Cork & Bottle) whilst The Grapes Inn and Star and Garter public houses are usually lively. There are a selection of good clothing shops including Seasalt at Church Street and Peacocks, whilst bookworms may wish to peruse the wares in the Falmouth Bookshop. The usual chain stores such as Woolworths and W H Smiths are nearby as well as Fat Willys and Tribal Maniax Surf shops. In fact, there's something for everyone....