Take a break from the quiet of the Roseland during your holiday in Cornwall by heading to the hustle and bustle of Falmouth. The Roseland is beautiful and there’s nothing better than serene walks on quiet beaches. But if for one day you fancy something a little more energetic, Falmouth has got everything you need. Home to a rich maritime history and an arts scene cultivated by students from Falmouth University, there’s plenty going on throughout the year in this harbour town.
You can drive to the town if you’d rather but for a day out with a difference leave the car at home. Head for the St Mawes ferry and see the coast as it was meant to be seen: from the water. Watch the cliffs pass overhead as the ferry boat bounces over the waves towards Falmouth town. See the houses built all higgledy piggledy over one another and keep a special eye out for the observatory tower which looks over all of the town. You’ll depart the ferry in the heart of the town on the Prince of Wales pier, ready to explore everything that Falmouth has to offer. From this point you have several options of where to go first: the town, the beaches or the harbour.
Spending (and saving) on Falmouth High Street
Take some time to browse the shops along the main street of Falmouth. The high street has everything from your regular chains to more bespoke shops for the most Cornish of gifts. The Cornish Store offers all things Cornish, with a choice of Cornish tartan, pasty pillows and homemade Cornish fudge, of course. For more art-focused stores, take a look around Cream Cornwall. We love their beautiful combinations of textiles and drawings to make gorgeous pieces for your home. Avid readers should visit the Falmouth Bookseller, the town’s independent book stockists. You don’t get many of these around anymore. With visits from Dawn French in the past, there’s always something going on at the Bookseller.
Places to eat and drink in Falmouth
From award-winning fish and chips to various vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, there’s plenty of choice for eating and drinking in Falmouth. Pop into Harbour Lights for some fish and chips to make the most of your seaside adventure. For a quick pit stop, you can find a classic Cornish cream tea at De Wynn’s, Falmouth’s oldest tea shop. They’ve been getting cream teas right since 1822 and still continue to have visitors pouring through their doors. On a rainy day, cosy up with a good book in our favourite pub bookshop, Beerwolf. Serving up great coffees with even greater books.
Falmouth’s top spots to visit
You’re spoilt for choice with beaches in Falmouth. With four beaches along the coast by the town, you could visit all of them in one day or take Gyllyngvase beach as your base and explore the others via the water. There’s kayaking and paddleboarding hire available at Gylly Adventures and ice creams and snacks available from the Gylly Beach Cafe beach hut. For families, we’d recommend the National Maritime Museum where you can discover the harbour history of Falmouth and hear more stories from across Cornwall. You can find spectacular views from Pendennis Castle whilst exploring the Tudor keep built for Henry VIII.
To experience Falmouth from across the river, choose one of our cottages on the Roseland.
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