Falmouth is home to the world’s third largest natural harbour, two ancient castles and more than than a dozen festivals
Home to the world’s third largest natural harbour, two ancient castles and more than than a dozen festivals (at last count) - Falmouth is work a visit at any time of year.
A visit to Cornwall’s maritime home is not complete without a visit to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. The multi award-winning museum sits on the edge of the harbour and continues its Viking Voyagers adventures until 2017. Head to the Lookout Tower for incredible views of the harbour and beneath it.
Falmouth Art Gallery is home to the town’s incredible collection of artworks which includes Newlyn School artists, Turner-prize nominees and alumni from Falmouth School of Art. This month their new exhibition will feature – among others – Turner Prize winner Richard Long’s work for its celebration of the Soil Culture programme and UN International Year of Soils.Long is one of six important international artists to be featured who have engaged with soils over many years. Others include Paolo Barrile, Mel Chin, Herman de Vries, Ana Mendieta and Claire Pentecost. Soil Culture is on show 19 Sep 2015 - 21 November.
Explore history with the two fantastic castles; Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle sit opposite each other guarding the harbour from attack. Pendennis – on the west – is holding spooky Halloween tours (29-31 October). This is a chance for after-hours discoveries, tales of ghostly apparitions, dastardly deeds and ghoulish goings-on. A short ferry ride across the estuary is St Mawes Castle built by Henry VIII . This elaborately decorated coastal fortress is worth a visit just for the spectacular views - and don’t forget to complete the triple with a visit to the grade 1-listed Little Dennis (TR11 4WZ) on the headland.
For a true Falmouth shopping experience, you’ll need comfortable shoes and a whole day to explore its many boutiques, art galleries and shops. We must mention The Poly which has just opened a new contemporary craft and design shop. The Guild stocks a range of beautifully-made work from artists and craftspeople who live locally or who studied at Falmouth University. Work includes jewellery, ceramics, prints, glass and 3D work, exclusively available.
Head to the Glylly Beach Café which takes some beating for its view – and its breakfast. Sitting on Gyllyngvase Beach – one of Falmouth’s favourite beaches boasting Blue Flag status - its a great place to enjoy brunch after a bracing winter walk on the beach.
What’s better than perfectly cooked fish and chips? Fish and chips with panoramic views over Falmouth Harbour perhaps? Harbour Lights offers locally sourced fish, cooked the way you want it.
The South West Coat path is a great way to see Falmouth. Bring your camera and choose from Falmouth to Portloe taking in 13 miles of stunning views across |The Roseland Peninsula – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the 10 miles from Helford to Falmouth.
There are many garden glories to be discovered in and around Falmouth. But we’ve picked
Glendurgan Gardens. Owned by the National Trust, there is endless family fun to be found on clear autumn days in the famous historic maze – and when you’ve had enough of the gardens, walk down to the sheltered beach at the bottom.
