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All you need to know
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, water sports fan, beach lover or culture vulture, holidays in Falmouth are jam-packed with things to do.
Perched on the edge of the world’s third largest deep water harbour, Falmouth is a beautiful and bustling town, steeped in maritime history. Colourful old captain’s houses perch above the water, while the sheltered harbour is filled with fishing boats and sailing yachts.
It’s no surprise that holidays in Falmouth revolve around the sea. Here you can wake up to the sight of boats sailing by and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Seasoned sailors flock to Falmouth for the sheltered waters and stunning surrounding network of rivers and creeks, while there’s plenty of opportunity for beginners to learn the ropes at the local sailing schools, or explore the water on kayaks, boats and paddle boards. There are plenty of boat trips from Falmouth harbour, from Sealife Safaris and fishing trips to tranquil river cruises. One of our favourite things to do when on holiday in Falmouth is to hop on a ferry to St Mawes and spend the day exploring the pretty fishing village.
Back on dry land, there’s plenty to see and do. If you’re planning a family break in Falmouth, a visit to the National Maritime Museum is a must, as is a walk around Pendennis Castle, not only for the fascinating history but for the stunning, panoramic views. You’ll find the streets filled with interesting shops, cafés and galleries, plus there’s a busy calendar of events to choose from including Falmouth Week, an oyster festival and the quirky Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival.
Sit back and watch the waters lapping at the shore on one of Falmouth's four beautiful, spacious sandy beaches. Spend the day on Blue Flag Gyllyngvase beach, a popular sandy bay perfect for sandcastles, sunbathing, SUPing and sunset watching. If you love the idea of discovering your own secret cove, set off along the South West Coast Path and follow the banks of the nearby Helford River to find an idyllic picnic spot.
You won’t struggle to find great places to eat in Falmouth, from fine-dining fresh seafood restaurants to traditional fish and chip takeaways. Why not buy some fresh fish and take it back to your cottage and cook up a feast in the comfort of your own kitchen? Or better still, catch your own on a fishing trip!
Explore the treasure trove of hidden coves, waterside pubs, beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife of the River Fal by hiring a boat with Falmouth Boat Hire. Simple to skipper and with everything provided this is a great day out for all ages.
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Get your culture fix at Art World Gallery, a friendly gallery with an interesting mix of Modern and Contemporary British art, as well as a collection of French and Italian artists and sculptors. Simply admire the art, or buy the perfect piece to take home with you.
Art World Gallery, 62 Church Street, Falmouth TR11 3DS (T: 01326 219323)
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Through their varied exhibitions programme the National Maritime Museum brings new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues, and highlight their relevance to the present day. They also bring rare objects from around the world to Cornwall to tell local, national and international stories.
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Enjoy £1 off admission with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card
Great museum with plenty to interest all ages. Glad they belatedly found out that there were two different half term weeks in the country! Great craft activity
November 2019
An interesting place to visit especially on a damp day.
June 2019
Great experience for all ages. Very interesting and informative displays.
April 2019
A beautiful hotel with dining options for non guests and a world class spa to relax and unwind in, all in a fabulous location in Falmouth.
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Enjoy 10% off spa treatments, St Michaels Hydrothermal Experience and food at Brasserie on the Bay with your Toad Hall Cottages discount card
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One of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses, Pendennis Castle has protected Cornwall against invasion since the Tudor period and operated throughout the period 1539–1956. When you visit you can learn about how the castle has evolved, experience the sights and sounds of battle, and examine the role of the castle as part of Fortress Falmouth during the First World War. The castle dominates a high rocky headland on the south side of the Fal Estuary, overlooking the English Channel. It’s a great day out for families or those who are just interested in the area, with lots of events available throughout the summer months. The castle is open from March to September and prices start at £7.90 for non English Heritage members.
a wet and windy trip but a good castle to explore
November 2019
A rustic seafood restaurant in bustling Events Square in Falmouth with a menu bursting with fresh crab, lobster, oysters, scallops and mussels cooked in unique styles. Expect a great atmosphere, friendly staff and not to go home hungry. Open for lunch and dinner.
The Shack Falmouth, 9 Tidemill House, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall (T:01326 212 800)
Waterside restaurant with a mouthwatering menu of a range of breakfasts, burgers, seafood, salads and lots more including kids options. Wash it all down with some serious cocktails whilst taking in the view.
The Shed Falmouth, 6-7 Tidemill House, Discovery Quay, Falmouth (T:01326 318502)
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Voted one of the Top 10 Fish & Chip Shops in the UK , you can eat inside in the spick and span quayside restaurant, or take away and enjoy your meal outside with the hustle and bustle of the harbour all around you. All the fish served here is delivered daily from local fishermen and is 100% responsibly sourced.
Harbour Lights Fish & Chips, Arwenack Street, Falmouth TR11 3LH (T: 01326 316934)
Great fish and chips, good service.
November 2020
Best fish, chips and mushy peas we have ever had
September 2020
take away fish and chips were fantastic
November 2019
Good service, great fish and chips.
April 2019
Inspired by Rick Stein’s culinary travels, here you’ll find classic fish and chips alongside a host of other delicious fish and seafood, all locally sourced and of the highest quality. Eat in in the family friendly restaurant or order a takeaway to eat al fresco on the quay as the sun goes down.
Rick Stein’s Fish Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3XA (T: 01841 532700)
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With its impressive crescent of sand, great amenities and Blue Flag status, it’s no wonder Gyllyngvase Beach is one of the most popular in the area. Found just south of Falmouth town centre this beach is ideal for families, and with its calm seas and gently sloping sand is a good spot for kayaking and paddleboarding too. Local company WESUP are based here offering wetsuit and equipment hire and SUP activities for all ages and abilities. And nearby is the acclaimed Gylly Beach Café with its sun terrace built out over the beach, fantastic views and a menu packed full of local seafood. There’s lifeguard cover from May to September, a large car park and public toilets. Dogs allowed from October to Easter Sunday.
Beach was very busy when we visited with long queues for food. We took the coastal path and things were much quieter. There were a lot of dog walkers enjoying the path and not all of them were cleaning up after their dogs.
September 2021
Lovely beach
September 2020
There’s a thin arc of sand and shingle to flop on here at Falmouth’s most northerly beach, but that’s not the main attraction … at low tide a wide expanse of rock pools is exposed where kids and adults alike can spend hours discovering the watery pools packed with miniature sea life. Diving and snorkelling are popular here too, with plenty to see in the clear waters beyond the rocks. If you forget your bucket and net you can buy one at the beachside café, also serving drinks, ice creams and sandwiches that can be enjoyed on their large sundeck with lovely sea views. Keep an eye on the tide times though as at high tide the majority of the beach can be covered. There’s no lifeguard or car park, but plenty of parking along the road running parallel to the beach. Dogs allowed from October to Easter Sunday.
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A lovely sandy cove on the outskirts of Falmouth with lots of sand and clear water for swimming. If relaxing on the sand’s not your thing though, the beach backs onto Swanpool Nature Reserve where you can walk dogs on leads or feed the ducks and swans, and there’s also a beach cafe, kayak hire and 18 hole crazy golf course. Dogs allowed from October to Easter Sunday
A lovely beach but does get a bit crowded sometimes. Parking can be a problem in busy times too.
September 2021
Even in the middle of what has been one of the busiest summers cornwall has seen, this still offered space and attractions without the crowds. Loved being able to take the dog for a swim before 10am and after 6pm
September 2021
Lovely beach and costal walk
September 2020
Lovely beach, not fine sand but ideal for Kayaking and paddleboarding
August 2020
A lovely beach, plenty of parking, sheltered, 2 good cafe/ restaurants - whats not to like
August 2019
A beautiful beach with nice walks into Falmouth.
June 2019
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A scenic sweep of golden sand flanked by cliffs, this family friendly beach looks out across Falmouth Bay towards Pendennis Castle and the lighthouse at St Anthony Head. There’s plenty of sand and shallow water which is great for children and excellent facilities, including a cafe selling great food and beach equipment, plus toilets and car park. Maenporth is also a lovely spot to launch a kayak or paddleboard, both of which can be hired on the beach during summer months. Dogs allowed from October to Easter Sunday.
Fantastic beach
April 2024
Lovely and clean, beautiful.
October 2023
Absolutely loved Maenporth. Lovely sheltered beach with fantastic cafe
August 2023
Lovely beach but early morning dog owners do not on occasion clean up on their dogs. We had to borrow a shovel on two occasions to clear the mess
August 2023
If you think this will be a quiet, hidden gem then you’d couldn’t be more wrong. It’s a very busy, active beach with lots to do and changing tides. We felt very blessed to be staying so close so we didn’t have to arrive super early to get a car parking space. Loved how safe it felt most of time, except when the fog came rolling in as fast as a wave! Enjoyed paddling, swimming, rock-pooling, playing with local dogs (after hours), someone built an incredible pyramid sandcastle which the kids and adults enjoyed.
August 2023
This beach is beautiful! Not too busy and everything is within a short distance.
July 2023
My favourite beach. Sunrise from here is something else!
April 2023
Used the beach but time off visit big waves so paddle boarding out off the question but had great fun on the body boards. Not a crowed beach parking prices reasonable, parking right on the beach .
September 2022
Lovely beach our third year in a row. The only problem which is not unique to this beach, is weaver fish. I do think visitors need to be made more aware of the adviseability of wearing beach shoes to protect against this problem. I think all beaches should have signs to this effect.
August 2022
Mix of sand and shingle beach. Quite a bit of seaweed when we were there but of the lettuce type so not too problematic. Not much in the way of waves so not good for body boarding but good for paddle boards or kayaks and swimming. Nice little take out cafe.
August 2022
Lovely beach and so convenient to Maenporth Estate. Shame about the seaweed that arrived! But beautiful nonetheless.
August 2022
Lovely beach
July 2022
Wonderful beach, very clean. Lovely view , didn’t use coffee shop so can’t comment.
June 2022
A lovely, perfect beach, ideal for everyone and great for rock pooling. Really clean too.
June 2022
Beautiful...although it did say no dogs, and there were plenty!
June 2022
Love this beach never tire of the view
October 2021
Lovely 'out of the way' beach with great outlook. Can be a bit 'smelly' when the tide it out in the lagoon nearby but does not distract from the beach or surrounds.
September 2021
Beautiful beach a hidden gem
September 2021
Great beach with a mix of sand and stones. Interesting caves when the tide is out. The tide goes out quite far so a bit of a walk to the sea but great for kids and adults alike.
September 2021
Lovely secluded beach -safe for children and doing water sports. Cafe and toilets nearby. Only downside no tap to wash sand off feet.
September 2021
Beautiful
September 2021
A bustling and busy sandy beach offering water sports and swimming and yet without the crowds of other parts of Cornwall. The coastal walks from there are glorious too.
September 2021
Great beach.
August 2021
Love this beach. It’s just stunning. Definitely returning.
August 2021
This is a great beach for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, exploring caves and rock pooling. Clean clear water, easy car parking and toilets plus a little cafe.
July 2021
Nice beach but disappointed that many dogs were running free on it. Witnessed several dogs pooing on the beach. This is supposed to be a dog free beach from Easter to October and I visited in June. Does no one police this blatant ignoring of the rules?!!
July 2021
Lovely Sandy beach with great cafe, toilets, parking and coast paths to enjoy.
July 2021
Fantastic holiday in a beautiful location. The holiday home was spacious, clean & the whole site was Covid friendly. We chose this holiday as we felt it was the safest option during these difficult times and everything about it came up to & beyond our expectations. My granddaughter especially enjoyed using the children's playground & indoor pool. The booking procedure and use of the swimming pool was ideal. Well organised. Many, many thanks. We came home feeling relaxed after a great week.
September 2020
Best beach in the area, its like been on a Greek island when the sun is shining
September 2020
Better beach than Swan pool, ideal for young children, gently sloping, perfect for water sports
August 2020
Really convenient if staying at maenporth estate. Mix of sand, shingle and rocks. Great for rock pooling. Calm sea so safe for families and watersports such as paddle boarding and kayaking. Wasn't overcrowded even when very warm!
August 2020
Beautiful quiet cove idyllic spot
July 2020
great beach complete with smugglers cave
November 2019
Lovely beach with decent facilities, but beach needs regular cleaning even after bank Holiday week
September 2019
This is a fabulous family friendly beach as it is quite sheltered. A great place to paddle board, relax and eat ice cream! You do need to get there early as the car park and beach fills up really quickly. I would also recommend beach shoes as several people were stung by weaver fish who were hiding in the sand as the tide went out. Definitely worth a visit ????
August 2019
Perfect beach
June 2019
Lovely beach ,best off season.
June 2019
A beautiful beach and wonderful setting.
June 2019