Falmouth

Based around a thriving harbour Falmouth is gateway to the beautiful Fal River which runs through Cornwall's National Lanscape. The town is famous for its creative buzz with many art galleries displaying contemporary works and venues showcasing independent films and live bands. The many reasons to visit include, the fascinating maritime heritage; the National Landscape along the Helford and Fal Rivers – perfect for walking and family days out; watersports; boat trips running from the pier and quay; and plenty of family friendly attractions. Falmouth is surrounded by several fantastic family friendly beaches and is known for its year round events calendar.

Falmouth’s maritime legacy and coastal culture is a huge part of its charm boasting world class watersports on its sheltered waters including gig rowing, kayaking, diving and regularly hosting sailing events such as Falmouth Regatta, and the Pendennis Cup.

Reasons to visit Falmouth

• Fascinating maritime heritage

• Four world-class beaches; Castle beach, Gyllyngvase beach, Swanpool beach and Maenporth beach, brilliant for families Watersports – surfing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving Home to the world's third largest natural deep-water harbour Positioned next to parts of Cornwall's National Landscape along the Helford and Fal Rivers

• Great festivals and events calendar all year round

• Creative buzz; think art galleries; exhibitions; independent shops

• Foodie paradise; expect freshly caught seafood, delicious delis, food festivals, beachside restaurants, traditional pubs, a wide-range to suit all budgets

• Beautiful walks and trails nearby

Explore the Fal estuary on the ferries that criss-cross the water connecting Falmouth with the charming harbour town of St Mawes and the city of Truro. The ferry runs all year round but do check timetables for up to date information.

The multi award winning National Maritime Museum Cornwall houses a huge collection of boats, retells stories of intrepid explorers and provides an observation window where you can see what’s happening underwater in the harbour.

Pendennis Castle is one of the finest fortresses built by Henry VIII. Explore the restored Victorian and WWII defences complete with sounds and smells and head to the Discovery Centre where hands-on activities allows visitors of all ages to really get to grips with history.

The award winning Falmouth Art Gallery (free entry) is one of the leading galleries in the South West and is family friendly too. It has changing displays of some of the best British art with a regular programme of special exhibitions complementing works by luminaries such as Henry Scott-Tuke and Sir Alfred Munnings.

Exotic sub-tropical plants thrive in Falmouth’s mild maritime climate and at the well cared for Kimberly Park Municipal Garden you can sit amongst the immaculate oasis of ornamental trees and formal flower beds and enjoy a picnic. Other gardens include the internationally renowned Trebah Garden, family and dog friendly with a dramatic coastal setting on the Helford River and at Gyllyngdune Gardens, a restored heritage garden by the sea.

Falmouth’s host of beaches offer surfing, snorkelling, sailing and plenty of lounging around in the sun, everyone can enjoy the area’s varied seaside activities. Spend a family day on the beach at Gyllyngvase, just fifteen minutes from the town centre, where it's great for rock pooling at low tide, and has plenty of facilities close by including a café/restaurant. Falmouth's beaches include Castle beach, Gyllyngvase beach, Swanpool beach and Maenporth beach.

Falmouth is a foodie paradise, tuck into freshly caught seafood from the delicious deli's, food festivals, waterside restaurants, and traditional pubs.