Falmouth Holiday Guides| Holidays in Falmouth South West Cornwall

Falmouth
- South West Cornwall

Falmouth Harbour

FALMOUTH in Britain's Western Approaches is South West Cornwall's premier resort and home to Cornwall's Maritime Heritage.

Washed by the ocean and warmed by the Gulf stream, Falmouth basks on the shoreline of the world's third largest natural harbour - the gateway to a beautiful network of rivers and creeks.

Falmouth Beaches

Gyllyngvase Beach Falmouth

Falmouth is famous for its beaches and castle and infamous for its smugglers and pirates -the town has protected the deep water anchorage of the Carrick Roads since Tudor times.

Playing and relaxing on Falmouths four main beaches of Gyllyngvase, Castle, Swanpool and Maenporth is a true delight. Feel the sand between your toes as you stroll along these wide expanses, cleansed daily by the ebb and flow of the Atlantic.

This is surely the perfect arena for sunbathing, swimming, sandcastle building or simply forgetting the rest of the world exists . . .

For a wilder time, try tackling the rapid river run and wave machine at Ships & Castles Leisure Pool on Pendennis Headland or run the gauntlet at Laserforce, Falmouth's live action laser game.

Tourist Trips from Falmouth Harbour

You can discover more about Falmouth's nautical and notorious past at the Cornwall Maritime Museum or take a guided maritime walk with our qualified Blue Badge Guides.

Getting about could not be easier. Leave your car behind and climb aboard one of the many pleasure boats and ferries which ply the local waters to St Mawes, Flushing, Smuggler's Cottage at Tolverne, Truro and the Helford Passage. Yachts with skippers can be chartered by the day.

 

Falmouth Harbour

Falmouth was once home to the Packet Ship service which sailed to the Mediterranean and the Americas from 1688 to 1852 carrying mail and goods.

These world wide links across the seas led to the development of large private gardens, where exotic plants from as far afield as China and Australasia thrived in the regions subtropical climate.

These award winning gardens are now open to the public and are packed with magnolias, rhododendrons, tree ferns and palms. In addition to Falmouth's four central gardens of Fox Rosehill and Queen Mary - both Green Flag Park Award winners, Kimberley Park and Gyllyngdune, the vast gardens of Trelissick, Glendurgan and Trebah are all within easy reach.

Explore Falmouth's bustling town centre with its craft shops, fresh seafood sellers, harbourside pubs and restaurants plus chandlers and vendors of all things nautical.

The Arts Centre (The Poly) in the heart of town has a lively programme of events from theatre to film and exhibitions from local artists while the Art Gallery with its Tuke and Waterhouse paintings hosts touring displays from all over Britain.

The Princess Pavilion theatre and tea-rooms are set among the subtropical Gyllyngdune Gardens by the beach and is a great place to pick up bargains at the antique fairs and flea markets held throughout the year.

The resort also has the only full size all weather bowling green in Cornwall.

Falmouth is a dazzling waterworld - with sailing and diving schools, local fishing trips and watersports activity centres offering expert advice, tuition and equipment for hire - making it oh so easy for you to spend hours and even days enjoying your favourite water-based activity or even learning a new one.

Falmouth:

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National Maritime Museum Cornwall

National Maritime Museum - HM Bark Endeavour

Open 7 days a week

'An experience as alive as the sea'
A unique and interactive displays of boats and their place in people's lives. The main Gallery- National maritime museum

This unique maritime heritage is exhibited over three floors (in 12 state-of-the-art galleries), each focusing on different aspects of industry, work and communications.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has been designed to create a wide appeal, offering a diverse range of 'hands-on' displays and an unrivalled collection of boats - including many in active use on the water.

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Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The National Seal Sanctuary is set in the picturesque Helford Estuary, by the beautiful village of Gweek, in Cornwall.

The Sanctuary is a busy rescue centre, and also has resident Grey Seals, Californian and Patagonian Sea Lions, Goats, Ponies and Otters

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FALMOUTH'S HISTORY

falmouth History
Arwenack House - Falmouth

Falmouth has come along way since 1600 when it only consisted of two houses, a smithy and an alehouse, but when Sir Walter Raleigh stayed with Sir John Killegrew at Arwenack House, he was so impressed with its geographical features that he recommended that the site should be developed as a port.

Sir John gained Parliamentary approval to develop the site and within a few years the village started to grow.

Originally known as Smithwick or Smithick it later became known as Pen-y-come-quick ("the head of the narrow vale").

In 1660 a Royal proclamation changed the name to Falmouth. For nearly 300 years Falmouth remained one of the principle ports of the world, where during the mid eighteen hundreds it was not an uncommon site to see 350 ocean-going sailing ships at anchor in the "Carrick Roads" at any one time.

As Falmouth developed during the seventeenth century, the oldest building that it can boast is the Elizabethan manor of the Killegrew's at Arwenack House. However, much of this was destroyed during the Civil War, and what remained was incorporated into the replacement building built in 1786.

The parish church of King Charles the Martyr was built between 1662-64, while off the main streets some of the original 17th and 18th century cottages may still be seen.

Pendennis Castle - photo by permission of Willhsmit
Pendennis Castle

Pendennis Castle
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50.14722°N 5.04777°W

On the nearby headland of Pendennis Point stands the imposing Pendennis Castle, built between 1539-64 by King Henry VIII as a defence against the French - one of a chain of forts running along the coast of the southern half of Britain from Hull to Milford Haven.

During the Civil War the castle was held for the Crown by the 80 year old Colonel John Arundel of Trerice, who defended it during a six month siege in 1646.

The Parliamentarian besiegers were so impressed with the courage of the Royalist forces, that when they finally surrendered in August 1646, they allowed the 24 officers and 900 men to march out of the castle with full military honours - bearing their weapons and banners flying.

Pendennis Castle

Pendennis castle looking out towards St. Antony Head and the 'Fraggle Rock' Light House

Nowadays, Pendennis Castle, with its incredible views across the ocean to the headlands of St Mawes and the Lizard Peninsula, resounds to the clamour of battle re-enactments, jousting tournaments and concerts and remains one of Falmouth's principal attractions.

Today Falmouth offers the tourist a variety of facilities and makes an ideal location for exploring the south western coast of the county. Nearby attractions include; St Just in Roseland, Helford Estuary, St Mawes, Lizard Peninsula.

HOLIDAYS in FALMOUTH

Parking Available

Anacapri

Tel: 01326 311454. AA, CTB member,, SWT, FHA AA 4 star En-Suite B&B Stays in Falmouth with Sea Views-


Pets Allowed Parking Available

Falmouth Holiday Homes

Tel: 07717 000040.   Self-catering Holiday Rental in Falmouth with Sea Views- sleeps Over 10 people Sat + Sun Changeover, Prices from £295 to £3995 - onsite swimming pool - Pets Welcome


Pets Allowed Parking Available

Spinnaker

Tel: 07885 756 696.   Self-catering Holiday Rental in Cadgwith, Helston with Sea Views- sleeps 6. Fri Changeover, Prices from £523 to £1643 Pets Welcome


Parking Available

Rosemullion House

AA 4 stars B&B Stays in Falmouth with Sea Views- sleeps Over 10 people


Parking Available

The Cabin, Packet Quays

Tel: 01209 860268.   Self-catering Holiday Rental in Falmouth with Sea Views- sleeps 2. Sat Changeover, Prices from £420 to £720


Parking Available

Cornish Seaview Cottages by the sea

Tel: 01428 723819.   Self-catering Holiday Cottage Rental in cornwall with Sea Views- sleeps Over 10 people - suitable for Large Groups,


Parking Available

Old Temperence House B&B

Tel: 01326 280986. Quality in Tourism / Visit England 4 star Silver Award En-Suite B&B Stays in St Keverne sleeps 8. Prices from £47.5 to £80


Pets Allowed Parking Available

Sea View Holiday Park

Tel: 01326 290635.   Self-catering Holiday Caravan Rental in Kennack Sands, Lizard Peninsula with Sea Views- sleeps 4. - suitable for Large Groups, Sat Changeover, Prices from £250 to £680 - onsite swimming pool - Pets Welcome
Latest Special offers:

  • 15% off any 7 nights booking from 13th April 2024 to 18th May 2024

updated 5thMarch 2024

Pets Allowed Parking Available

Little Tolmennor Barn

  Self-catering Holiday Rental in Breage, nr. Helston sleeps 2. Fri Changeover, Pets Welcome


Pets Allowed Parking Available

Trewince Holiday Lodges

Tel: 01872 580289. Quality in Tourism/Visit England 3 and 4 star Self-catering Holiday Rental in Portscatho with Sea Views- sleeps 6. - suitable for Large Groups, Mon,Thur,Fri,Sat Changeover, - onsite swimming pool - Pets Welcome


Parking Available

Gadles Farm Cottages

Tel: 01872 863214. Visit England / Quality in Tourism 4 & 5 star Self-catering Holiday Cottage Rental in Truro sleeps 4. Prices from £280 to £800


Pets Allowed Parking Available

Simply Sea Views

Tel: 01326 741090.   Self-catering Holiday Rental in based in Porthleven with Sea Views- sleeps Over 10 people - suitable for Large Groups, Prices from £440 to £1000 Pets Welcome


Pets Allowed Parking Available

Flushing Holiday Cottages

Tel: 07717 000040.   Self-catering Holiday Cottage Rental in Falmouth with Sea Views- sleeps Over 10 people - suitable for Large Groups, Sat + Sun Changeover, Prices from £295 to £3995 - onsite swimming pool - Pets Welcome


Pets Allowed Parking Available

Ginentonic Holiday Cottage

Tel: 01326 280986. Visit Britain 4 star Self-catering Holiday Cottage Rental in St Keverne sleeps 3. Sat Changeover, Prices from £390 to £575 Pets Welcome


Holiday Accommodation in Falmouth

Falmouth Tall Ships

Tall Ships Race - Falmouth Harbour


Falmouth -boats in harbour

Boats in Falmouth Harbour


HOLIDAYS IN FALMOUTH

Where to stay locally Holiday Finder - The easy way to find the ideal holiday accommodation for you

Falmouth Holiday accommodation

Where to Stay in Falmouth


Self catering Holidays in Falmouth

Hotels, Bed and Breakfast in Falmouth
Late Vacancies & Special Offers

Marazion - St Michael's Mount | Praa Sands | Porthleven | Mullion | Gunwalloe | Helston | The Lizard Peninsula | Coverack | Helford Estuary | Mawnan Smith | Falmouth | Truro


Holidays Tourism and Accommodation in Cornwall and Devon

Falmouth

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