Travel to Falmouth

Travel to Falmouth

Wonderful Falmouth is without a doubt one of Cornwalls gems. The town is renowned for its picturesque harbour. Together with Carrick Roads, it forms the worlds third largest natural harbour.

Whether you are looking for ancient castles, gourmet cooking, outstanding museums or immaculate beaches, they can all be found at this lively seaside town. Historically, Falmouth has been one of the most pivotal towns in Cornwall, and it has benefited significantly from increasing tourism in the last few decades.

Transportation to Falmouth

To reach Falmouth by car, drive along the A30 or the A38 from Exeter, or travel on a National Express bus service from London Victoria, which run six times daily. Trains leave hourly from London Paddington Station and British Airways operates four flights per day to Newquay (just a short train ride from Falmouth) from London Gatwick.

A year-round ferry service is available to St Mawes, opposite Carrick Roads. During the summer months, several other ferry operators run mostly sightseeing trips up the Fal. These crafts are also available for rent.

What to see

Falmouth boasts plenty of interesting attractions such as the lovely beaches of Gyllyngvase, Maenporth and Castles at Swanpool as well as heritage and history attractions inside the Cornwall Maritime Museum, which provid insight into Falmouths notorious history, when the place was a haunt for smugglers and pirates.

Falmouths compactness makes it easy for exploring on foot. The certified Blue Badge Guides will lead you along the waterfront and through the towns narrow streets while telling stories about Falmouths maritime history. Or you can discover the town at your own leisure and visit the seafood sellers and craft shops, or observe national and local works which are displayed in the Art Gallery.

If strolling through the streets is not for you, then amble along the promenade at the beach or visit the award-winning gardens of Fox Rosehill and Queen Mary. Swimming is an option at Swanpool, Maenporth or Gyllyngvase beaches. The beaches are also an outstanding spot from where to embark on a pleasant cliff-top walk.

Falmouths star attraction is Pendennis Castle, standing sentinel at the promontorys tip which separates Falmouth Bay from Carrick Roads. Not as refined as its St Mawes sister castle, Pendennis boasts an unbeatable site overlooking the sea on its own pointed peninsula, the firm ramparts providing the finest all-round panorama of Falmouth Bay and Carrick Roads.

Other attractions of historical interest include the Tudor Killigrews' Arwenack House and the fascinating granite pyramid, positioned on the other side and dating from 1737. Falmouth's moving and rich nautical past is the theme at the Maritime Museum. Jaw-dropping views of Carrick Roads and the harbour can be enjoyed from the Moor, but youll have to climb the steep 111 steps of Jacob's Ladder first.

Daytrips

Located in the county of Cornwall, Falmouth is situated at Englands extreme southwest corner. There are plenty interesting places you can take a daytrip to from Falmouth.

The best attractions of the county are the two principal peninsulas of Lands End and Lizard Point. Both rugged and bare, Lands End welcomes the most visitors out of the two peninsulas, and although tacky development does affect it in a negative way, the place will still impress visitors with its dramatic views out to the endless Atlantic Ocean. Lizard Point is more traditional and laid-back, with quaint villages, fine beaches and a picturesque coastline.

The larger town of Penzance boasts excellent examples of the architectural heritage that the region has to offer. St Michaels Mounts medieval towers are just one example. Visitors looking for more magical buildings should go to isolated Tintagel, the place of the remains of King Arthurs castle, and Boscastle, while Penwith Peninsula and Newquay offer vibrant beach resorts and more coastal scenery. The remarkable fishing village of St Ives enjoys the reputation for being one of Cornwalls prettiest localities.

The county of Devon separates Cornwall from the rest of England, an ideal place for outdoor lovers wishing to explore the moorlands of Exmoor and the wilderness of Dartmoor. Alternatively, for a more unique experience, head for the wonderful Isles of Scilly, situated southwest of Lands End.

Activities and leisure

Excellent pubs and seafood restaurants abound, where the meals on the menu are as good as the beers served, especially when the yearly Oyster Festival takes place. For some good shopping, the nautical vendors in the centre of town and the antique fairs at Gyllyngdune Gardens make great stops.

With its proximity to unsheltered and sheltered waters, the port town of Falmouth has long been a popular water sports and boating destination. Try the Ships and Castle Leisure Pool for more active pursuits or charter a boat in the harbour.

Safety issues

Falmouth is by and large a safe town for tourists and you wont feel intimidated or threatened when walking through the streets during daytime or in the evening. However, as with any popular tourist destination, the town comes with some risks of criminals and undesirables. Following some basic courses of action can prevent you falling victim to them.

Police: 999