Top 8 Things to Do in Falmouth

Are you planning on staying in Falmouth for your next staycation? If so, then you’re in for a treat!

Home to a host of Blue Flag beaches, the world’s third largest natural harbour and a seafaring culture unique to this part of the country, it makes for a fantastic place to consider spending your next holiday in Cornwall. And with so many things to see and do in-and-around this bustling coastal town, you and your guests won’t struggle to fill up your time with exciting ideas and activities whilst staying here.

Keep scrolling to uncover all the best things to do in Falmouth during your next seaside escape…

1. Visit Falmouth Art Gallery

Home to one of the most impressive collections anywhere in the county, Falmouth Art Gallery is easily one of the best attractions in the town and makes for a unique and interesting place to consider visiting whilst staying here.

Featuring a number of works covering the Arthurian legend that’s closely associated with Cornwall, here you’ll also find works from famous painters like Thomas Gainsborough, as well as plenty of works from lesser-known local artists too. With a shop on-site to buy prints of some of their pieces, visiting this vast gallery is one of the top things to do in Falmouth for art enthusiasts.

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Postcode: TR11 2RT
Website: https://www.falmouthartgallery.com/Gallery/Home

2. Explore Pendennis Castle

Built by the legendary King Henry VIII, Pendennis Castle is one of the largest coastal forts anywhere in England, making a visit here one of the top things to do in Falmouth. Built between 1540 and 1542, this impressive site is operated and protected by English Heritage and features tonnes of interesting structures and relics to marvel at, making it one of the best castles in Cornwall.

Nestled on a rocky headland on the southern edge of the town, here you’ll also find a fantastic restaurant of the same name where you can unwind, relax and catch up on the day’s events after exploring this vast landmark.

Not only that, but due to its elevated location, you’ll also get to witness unforgettable views of the town and the coast from here, making it a brilliant place to consider going for a day trip during your break.

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Postcode: TR11 4LP
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle

3. Gyllyngvase Beach & Castle Beach

Being a coastal town, it should come as no surprise to hear that Falmouth calls itself home to a handful of wonderful beaches, two of the best being Gyllyngvase Beach and Castle Beach. Nestled on the town’s southern shores, these two beaches are magnets for holidaymakers, sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts, drawing in surfers from all over the country to ride its waves.

If you fancy trying out a water sport for yourself whilst staying here, why not stop off at Gylly Adventures for an unforgettable canoe or kayak tour of the coast? Not only that, but on the beachfront you’ll also find a brilliant takeaway and café to enjoy after spending an afternoon soaking up the Cornish sunshine!

It’s also important to note that both of these popular beaches also enforce restrictions for dog walkers throughout the year, with Gyllyngvase Beach operating a seasonal ban between May 15th and September 30th between 10am and 6pm; Castle Beach’s restrictions are slightly less strict, operating a seasonal ban between July 1st and August 31st, also between 10am and 6pm.

Parking: Spaces available along Cliff Road, as well as Gyllyngvase Long Stay Car Park
Parking Charge: Pay & Display (Both)

4. Take a Ferry to St Mawes

Falmouth has long had a rich seafaring culture, being nestled on the coast at the mouth of the iconic Carrick Roads, a haven for sailing enthusiasts. So, if you’re hoping to get out on the water during your stay here, then one of the top things to do in Falmouth is to grab a ferry to the nearby village of St Mawes.

With two piers in the town that can take passengers over to this quaint village, being Custom House Quay and the Prince of Wales Pier, the journey takes around 20 minutes each way. When you arrive at St Mawes Pier, you’ll be faced with the sight of the impressively imposing St Mawes Castle that sits on the edge of Castle Cove.

Similar to Pendennis Castle, it too was built in the 1500s and makes for a brilliant place to go for a wander. Before heading back to Falmouth, make sure to stop off at either the Rising Sun pub or The Watch House restaurant, two fantastic places to grab a bite to eat and a drink before catching the ferry!

Website: https://www.falriver.co.uk/ferries/st-mawes-ferry/timetable

5. Visit Trebah Gardens

Known for being one of the most popular and impressive botanical gardens in the county and easily one of the top things to do in Falmouth, Trebah Gardens is situated just a 20-minute drive south from the town and makes for a brilliant place to spend a full day out.

Home to 26 acres of sub-tropical plants, trees, flowers and canopies, here you’ll also find Trebah Beach that forms part of the site, a small yet beautiful stretch of golden sand that’s well worth the walk!

What’s best is that there’s also a brilliant café here too, known as the Trebah Kitchen, where you can sit out and enjoy a coffee whilst taking in the spectacular views of the gardens.

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 9:30am – 5pm
Postcode: TR11 5JZ
Website: https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/

6. Visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Home to 15 galleries split over five floors, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is easily one of the top things to do in Falmouth, drawing in thousands of visitors each year. Dedicated to the long seafaring history of the area, it’s conveniently located in the heart of the town on the aptly named Discovery Quay next to the waterfront.

Home to a collection of boats of various sizes and ages, it also hosts unique and interesting exhibits, this year they’re hosting an event dedicated to piracy and its association with Cornwall. Featuring weapons and relics from the Age of Piracy, it’s well worth checking out if you’re heading to Falmouth for your holiday this year.

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Postcode: TR11 3QY
Website: https://nmmc.co.uk/

7. Watersports at Swanpool Beach

The most southern of Falmouth’s beaches and a hotspot for surfers, Swanpool Beach is where you’ll find the Elemental Watersports Centre, an equipment rental centre where you can hire your own kit for windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or even power boating.

However, even if water sports aren’t your thing, this beach still makes for a fantastic place to spend the day soaking up the sunshine on its golden sands. There’s also a well-renowned seafood restaurant known as Hooked on the Rocks that serves some of the best locally caught produce.

Not only that, but there’s also a great minigolf course just behind the beach that overlooks the Swanpool that’s also well worth visiting if you fancy tapping into your competitive side! It’s also one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, due to the fact that despite having seasonal restrictions in place between July 1st and August 31st (10am-6pm), it’s much less restrictive than many of the county’s other beaches.

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Postcode: TR11 5BG
Website: https://elementaluk.com/

8. Enjoy Falmouth’s Bars & Restaurants

Being a university town that draws in thousands of students each year, Falmouth is home to a bustling food and drink scene, with tonnes of wonderful pubs, bars and restaurants to enjoy whilst staying here.

In terms of restaurants, some of the most popular places to eat and drink can be found at the Events Square on the waterfront, a large open air seating area lined with bustling bars and restaurants like the Quayside Inn, The Falmouth Stable and Habanero’s Burrito Bar to name just a handful.

It also offers impeccable views of the water and boasts an unforgettable party atmosphere later in the evening, making it a fantastic place to go for good vibes and great food and drink!

Find your ideal accommodation in Falmouth

At Cornish Cottage Holidays, we have a great range of Falmouth holiday cottages in our portfolio. Choose your ideal holiday cottage from which to explore the town and enjoy these awesome Falmouth things to do.

Browse Falmouth holiday cottages here!

Looking for even more ideas and inspiration for your next Cornish escape? Then be sure to check out this article covering the most famous landmarks in Cornwall. Not only that, but this in-depth guide on the top 10 things to do in Cornwall and this list of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall will be sure to help you out even further!

Image Credits: Simon Cobb – (CC0 1.0); Tim Green – (CC-BY-2.0); Daderot – (CC0 1.0); Nilfanion – (CC-BY-SA 4.0)