44 Things to Do in Falmouth

The town’s maritime heritage is woven into the fabric of Falmouth and its inhabitants, and remains an important part of the local economy. Whilst many of the larger cargo ships have now been replaced by yachts and leisure craft, you’re still likely to catch a glimpse of some spectacular vessels moving through the harbour.

The town is heavily influenced by its stunning natural surroundings, which over the centuries has inspired many writers, artists, musicians and explorers. Positioned at the mouth of the Fal estuary, the town boasts several golden sandy beaches and is a magnet for those seeking both a seaside holiday and looking to soak up some culture.  

Take a look at our recommended things to do whilst soaking up the sun in this beautiful part of the Southwest, and don’t forget to visit one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants to sample freshly caught seafood and locally brewed ales.

Take a boat trip around the harbour

Undoubtedly the best way to really experience Falmouth’s maritime heritage is to hop on board one of the local ferries for a trip around the Fal. There are several options to choose from, but we would highly recommend taking the ferry over to St Mawes, a fishing village on the opposite side of the estuary on the Roseland Peninsula. With picture-postcard cottages, ancient pubs and traditional harbour, St. Mawes is a must visit if you’re staying in Falmouth. On the way you will cross the Carrick Roads, passing the headland castles of St Mawes and Pendennis. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pod of dolphins or the friendly seals who often visit the harbour!

If you want to explore further up the estuary, take the ferry to Trelissick gardens, and at certain high tides you can even go all the way to Truro. Across the harbour from Falmouth is Flushing, another traditional fishing village, which is served year round by the Flushing ferry. From Flushing, take a walk around to Trefusis Point and Mylor Harbour, or stroll down to Kiln Quay and its beautiful beaches.

Visit the National Maritime Museum

Keeping with Falmouth’s nautical theme, the Cornish outpost of the National Maritime Museum is situated on Discovery Quay, overlooking Falmouth Harbour. The museum contains 15 galleries over 5 floors, offering visitors an immersive journey through Falmouth’s maritime legacy. The site is also home to the National Small Boat Collection, and has a boatbuilding workshop where you can see the shipwrights at work. 

The museum building was custom designed and built on land formerly occupied by boat builders and their sheds, which inspired the green oak cladding which covers the museum. In the main hall, a flotilla of small boats hang high over your head, whilst in the RNLI rescue zone you can learn more about the work of the RNLI and their importance in keeping the seas safe.

Step way back in time at Pendennis Castle

Built by Henry VIII, the name Pendennis comes from the Cornish ‘Penn Dinas’ meaning ‘headland fortification’ – perhaps the most accurate description of this incredible fortress. Set in a prominent headland position, this castle has been the stronghold of Cornish defence since Tudor times. The castle also played an important role in WWII, when new guns were installed and trenches dug for protection. 

Today the castle is managed by English Heritage and attracts countless tourists each year. The site hosts several exhibitions on the history of the castle, as well as the role it played in wartime communications and keeping Falmouth safe. When you’ve exhausted yourself admiring the stunning views, sit down for a bite to eat in the on-site café, which serves local and seasonal Cornish dishes, including some with a Tudor-twist, inspired by the castle’s past.

Go for a swim or soak up the sun on one of Falmouth’s beaches

In its coastal location, Falmouth is fortunate enough to have a number of golden beaches where you can relax and unwind, whilst listening to the waves lapping at the shore. Gyllyngvase beach – known as Gylly to locals - is one of the most popular beaches in Cornwall, and is just a 15-minute walk from the town centre. The Blue Flag beach offers a safe haven for swimming and paddling, and is home to WESUP – Cornwall’s first dedicated Stand Up Paddleboarding centre. If you fancy a bite to eat, visit the award-winning Gylly Beach Café for ice cream, coffee, local dishes and fresh seafood. Gylly beach is lifeguarded between May and September.

Just south of Gylly, and a short walk over the headland, is Swanpool Beach, backed by the Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This gently-sloping beach with sparkling blue water is perfect for children to paddle and build sandcastles. 

A little further south still is the beautiful, unspoilt Maenporth beach. Home to rockpools, fishing boats and smooth sands, Maenporth is a tranquil escape from the bustle of the ‘town’ beaches. 

Discover Exotic Plants in Fox Rosehill Gardens

Located adjacent to the Falmouth University town campus, the Fox Rosehill Gardens were gifted to Falmouth by the Fox family at the end of the Second World War. A peaceful sub-tropical oasis, these gardens host a wide variety of plants from banana trees to bamboos and palms, many of which were brought back from Australia and New Zealand by sea captains. The gardens have been awarded Green Flag status in recognition of their work towards environmental protection and enhancement. 

Enjoy a Pint of the Local Vegan Brew

Verdant Brewing Co was founded in 2014 by three local Cornishmen who wanted to try something a bit different. Specialising in US-style craft beers, the 100% vegan Verdant Brewing Co now brews 8000 litres of beer per week from their base in Falmouth. The brewery has an adjacent shop where you can sample and buy their beers, and if you happen to find yourself at the Verdant Seafood Bar then you can combine their delicious pints with fresh seafood. The restaurant was named one of the 15 best in Cornwall, and specialises in tapas-style seafood dishes.

Seek out your creative side at Falmouth Art Gallery

Founded in 1978 and supported by Falmouth Town Council, the Falmouth Art Gallery is home to one of the largest art collections in Cornwall and the Southwest. The permanent collections feature many British artists, whilst the temporary exhibition spaces often host borrowed pieces from national galleries and local Cornish artists. The gallery also hosts one of the most important master print collections outside London, including works by Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso and Francis Bacon.

Go Wildlife Watching with Orca Sea Safaris

Head out to Carrick Roads and see how much wildlife you can spot! Orca Sea Safaris will take you out on their purpose-built boat, along the stunning Cornish coastline whilst talking you through the local wildlife and recent sightings. You can expect to be delighted by dolphins, seals, sea birds, whales and even basking sharks.

Learn to Sail, or hire a Kayak at Loe Beach Watersports

With all those boats basking in the harbour, you won’t be blamed if you get the urge to take to the water yourself! Located between Falmouth and Truro, Loe Beach Watersports offers adult and children’s lessons in sailing, powerboating, kayaking and paddleboarding. If you want to explore the Fal estuary and its secret creeks and coves for yourself, then you can hire kayaks and paddleboards daily or by the hour for a spectacular adventure.

Visit the seals at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Situated about 20 minutes from Falmouth, on the Helford estuary, is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Each year the sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates over 70 grey seal pups in their on-site seal hospital, which nurtures the seals back to health before releasing them back into the wild. They also have some permanent residents, including Ray, the blind seal who was found with a bump to his head and rescued in 2001 from Widemouth Bay. 

In addition to seals, the sanctuary is also home to a raft of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and beavers, as well as goats, ponies and sheep in the paddocks. There are plenty of beautiful picnic spots overlooking the Helford estuary, and signposted walks around the site will take you down from the main pools to the ‘secret creek’ where three rescued resident beavers (Twiggy, Barbara and Norbert, since you ask) live. 

There is a children’s playground, café, shop and even some underwater viewing windows where you can get up close and personal with the seals. The sanctuary is even dog-friendly, so the whole family can enjoy a day out!  

Fly down the flume and bounce in the waves at Ships & Castle Leisure Pool

Falmouth’s Ships and Castle Leisure Centre is located near Pendennis Castle, on the headland overlooking Falmouth harbour. The nautical-themed pool has the longest flume in Cornwall at 70m, which is bound to be a hit with kids on those rainy British days! There’s also a wave machine, lazy river, Jacuzzis, and various water features to interact with. The shallow beach area is perfect for smaller children who are just starting to explore the water, in safety and away from the bustle of the main area. 

Escape to pure relaxation at St. Michael’s Resort Spa

Everyone needs pampering now and then, and what better place to unwind than at the stunning St. Michael’s Hotel and Spa in Falmouth? Featuring a beautifully warm hydrotherapy pool, rainforest steam room, herbal Finnish sauna and Cornish sea salt room amongst others, this indulgent spa will soak away any stresses or worries you have. When you’ve finished all that exhausting relaxation, enjoy a bite to eat in the Garden Kitchen, or tuck into afternoon tea in the Brasserie on the Bay.

Join the Falmouth Uncovered Walking Tour

Taking you on a journey through the town’s rich history, this is a walking tour with a difference! Uncover the pirates and sailors who roamed the streets, their colourful characters and pasts brought to life through storytelling and drama. This is a history tour which will leave you seeing Falmouth in an entirely different light…

More Things to do in Falmouth

• Flambards Theme Park. Just 20 minutes from Falmouth, Flambards offers something for both the thrill-seeker and those wanting a gentler experience. Take a ride on the Hornet roller coaster, or prepare to get soaked on the Colorado River Log Flume! You can also step back in time and explore Flambards’ indoor attractions, including a Victorian village and Britain through the Blitz.
• The Poly. Try your hand at pottery throwing in a workshop, catch a show or ever-changing exhibition. This cultural heart of Falmouth’s arts scene, The Poly is home to an arts cinema, community pottery and makers guild, all housed within a beautiful listed building.
• Go horse riding on the beach with Newton Equestrian. Feeling the wind in your hair, these stables offer both beginners and more advanced rides, on beaches and heathland across the Lizard peninsula.
• Experience virtual reality laser tag at RazeVR – Cornwall’s only VR arena! From cyberpunk skyscrapers to a haunted mansion, RazeVR offers a host of experiences for both solo and multiplayer games.
• Burn off some energy at Raze the Roof – set adjacent to RazeVR, Raze the Roof is an indoor soft-play arena which will delight kids with ball pools, rope walks, ball cannons, trampolines and car tracks. There are separate spaces for junior, toddlers and babies, and the venue caters for both adult and children’s parties alike. 
• Go sea kayaking or coasteering with Gylly Adventures! Explore shipwrecks, hidden coves and secret caves in this adrenaline-filled adventure by boat or on foot. 

• Hire a boat and explore the Fal estuary at your own pace. Founded in 1954, Falmouth Boat Hire offers several different types of boats seating up to 6 people plus dogs. Hire for an hour or a day, and set off on your own adventure around the harbour. You can even try your hand at fishing!
• Discover the stunning Kennall Vale – a lush green woodland with a fascinating industrial past. This former gunpowder factory turned nature reserve is set aside the River Kennall, deep in the woods.

Unusual Things to do in Falmouth

Fancy doing something a bit out of the ordinary? We’ve got you covered with these weird and wonderful things to do…

• Be your very own 007 with a Secret Spy Mission around the town! Explore Falmouth in this self-guided tour, cracking the clues as you go to solve the mystery of the Falmouth Oyster Festival. Perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, this immersive and dun experience will guide you around all the sights of Falmouth whilst giving you something to puzzle over!
• Keep cool at Cornwall’s only underground tin mine museum. Located a short drive from Falmouth, the Poldark Tin Mine (yes, that Poldark!) is part of Cornwall’s rich mining heritage, where you can venture deep underground to discover the inner workings and history behind the industry that Cornwall so heavily relied on. 
• Climb the 111 steps of Jacob’s Ladder – not for the faint-hearted! Commissioned in the 1840s by local businessman Jacob Hamblen, these steep granite steps were originally designed to link Jacob’s property and business premises. Worn with the footprints of time, these steps are a test of nerves whether you’re going up or down!
• Enjoy an ice cream at Roskilly’s Farm on the Lizard. This working farm raises Jersey cows who graze on the lush pastures surrounding the Lizard peninsula. Roskilly’s specialises in unusual ice cream flavours, usually trialling ‘one-offs’ each year. Past favourites have included trifle, cream tea, hokey-pokey and crème brûlée to name a few. You can work up an appetite or walk off your ice-cream headache around the farm on their beautiful trails.
• Visit the rescue donkeys at the Flicka Foundation, and learn all about this charity who have rescued and rehabilitated over 1000 animals since their founding in 1995. You can stroll around the paddocks during the summer months, and during the winter you can find the donkeys warm and cosy in their barns. Pop in to the vegetarian café for a cup of tea, or visit the gift cabin for all your donkey-themed souvenirs!

Things to do with Dogs in Falmouth

Cornwall is well known for being exceptionally dog friendly, despite seasonal beach bans in some places. Every year dogs from all over the country come down to stretch their paws on sandy beaches, or to enjoy curling up under a table in a dog friendly pub. Read on to discover our top dog-friendly picks. 

• Take a hike on the South West Coast Path! This is one which will certainly help release any pent-up canine energy. The SWCP stretches 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, and runs the full length of Cornwall’s coasts. You can walk for miles in either direction, just remember you’ll have to get back again! There are plenty of circular walk ideas on the SWCP website.
• Head down to Trebah Gardens and Polgwidden Cove for a secret beach experience. These stunning sub-tropical gardens and the hidden Polgwidden Cove are perfect for your four-legged friend. As well as complimentary poo bags on arrival, there are designated doggy tables in the café, dog bins dotted around the gardens and water bowls at the visitor centre.
• Explore the extensive parklands of Trelissick Gardens – accessible either by ferry or car, just a short hop from Falmouth. This large National Trust estate offers miles of beautiful walks along the Fal estuary and through the estate’s parkland. Whilst dogs are not allowed in the formal gardens, the surrounding estate more than makes up for this. There are seasonal coffee and ice cream huts, and a café where you and your pooch can take a break.
• Enjoy a stroll around Stithians Lake and Country Park. There’s a 5 mile circular route through meadows, wetland and heathland, or shorter walks around the lake’s shores. Explore the imposing Stithians Dam, or crouch low in a bird hide to watch the local wildlife. When you’ve spent all that energy, head down to the Wild Vibes café for a drink and bite to eat.

Other dog-friendly attractions which have already been mentioned include the Seal Sanctuary, Flicka Donkey Sanctuary, Pendennis Castle and Fox Rosehill Gardens.

Eating out in Falmouth

Falmouth is an absolute hive of culinary delights, with restaurants and cafes providing dishes from across the globe in this beautiful waterfront town. Here are our top picks!

• Grab some pizza and cider at Stable Pizza – located in the Old Custom House on Custom House Quay, the Stable is dog-friendly and serves up some ‘seriously good’ pizza as well as craft beers and local ciders.
• Enjoy a lazy brunch at the Muddy Beach Café in Penryn. A favourite of students and locals alike, the Muddy Beach Café prides itself on serving up locally-sourced food and great coffee. With a spacious outside terrace overlooking the harbour, this dog-friendly café is a great way to start the day.
• Soak up Falmouth's spectacular views at the beautiful Harbour View restaurant? Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, or perhaps just a drink or afternoon tea, this warm and relaxed restaurant with its seasonally changing menu is the perfect place to spend a few hours chilling out.
• Pop down to the Packet Quays and visit the pub of the year – The Boathouse. One of the last remaining independent pubs in Falmouth, The Boathouse specialises in locally sourced, seasonal food.
• Grab some tapas at The Lookout, and enjoy it whilst watching the boats go by on their sunny patio. 
• Get your seafood fix at the Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar. Situated down a narrow passageway and overlooking the docks, this cosy bar specialises in fresh seafood and great wines.
• Try some South African dishes at Amanzi! This contemporary restaurant keeps it fresh and simple with plenty of flavour and spice to excite your taste buds. With a blend of traditional and modern dishes, Amanzi is sure to take you on a real culinary journey.

• Sip a cup of coffee at Koffiji... whilst deciding which of their delicious cakes you want to eat. This family-run café is situated next to the Maritime Museum and offers light breakfasts, afternoon tea and of course, the famous Cornish Cream Tea.
• Catch your breath after a swim at the wonderful Gylly Beach Café. Situated at the northern end of Gylly Beach, this café is rumoured to serve the best hot chocolate in Falmouth. With a large outdoor and indoor space, this popular café and restaurant serves everything from cakes to seafood.
• Sample some street food at Fal Falafel. Located on The Moor, this award-winning vegan street food is sure to fill a hungry tummy. Each meal is served in biodegradable packaging, and this authentic Middle Eastern food is freshly prepared each day before heading out onto the street.
• Combine cocktails and tapas at Bahama Mamas, Falmouth’s newest tapas bar with a Caribbean twist. Serving both craft beers and craft coffees, Bahama Mamas is the place to go for passionate, superb food and a great atmosphere.
• Try some vegan favourites at Sloth and Sparrow, the plant-based kitchen in the heart of Falmouth. Ranging from colourful tacos to immense sandwiches, this eatery is the place to go for a range of amazing cuisines, all completely vegan.
• Immerse yourself in the wild surroundings of the Potager Garden Café. Born from an abandoned plant nursery, this amazing café is a space to unwind, learn, eat and meet. The café hosts regular craft workshops, including basketmaking, natural inks and weaving.
• Relax in the Brasserie with a View at Indidog Eatery. Located on the historic Fish Strand Quay, this brasserie serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner in a stunning waterside location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Falmouth nice for a holiday?

Falmouth is a brilliant holiday destination if you are looking for a mixture of relaxation, adventure and culture. Perfect for both kids and adults alike, there are so many activities to choose from and things to see – you definitely won’t get bored!

What is Falmouth known for?

Falmouth is famous for its beaches and location on Carrick Roads, the beautiful mouth of the Fal river. Its waterside location means it has strong connections to smuggling, fishing, trading and maritime traditions. All of these can be explored around the town, where history comes alive in museums and tours.

What should you not miss in Falmouth?

Our top must-see places in Falmouth include Pendennis Castle, Gylly Beach, a harbour boat trip and the National Maritime Museum. If you’re short on time, these places will give you a quick taste of what Falmouth is all about!

What can I do on a rainy day in Falmouth?

Fortunately we know that the British summer can get the better of us and turn wet. With that in mind, Falmouth has lots of indoor attractions, including Raze the Roof, Raze VR, the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth Art Gallery and the Poldark Mine Museum. If you’re truly sick of the weather and need some pampering, head over to the St. Michael’s resort for a luxury spa day!