Falmouth Tourist Information

Falmouth is the leading south coast resort, and has the third largest natural harbour in the world. The setting is superb, with four bathing beaches and a bustling waterfront marina. The cliff top walks offer wonderful views over the wooded river country inland, and of Carrick Roads and Falmouth bay.

Falmouth has a strong maritime tradition; Sir Walter Raleigh first saw the potential for a port here, with its natural strategic advantages. Sir John Killigrew developed the deep-water harbour, and in 1689 it became the base for the Falmouth Packets, which carried the mail to America.

Pendennis Castle - Built by HenryVIII, has defended the anchorage of Carrick Roads for over 450 years. Re-visit the castle's history from Tudor times to the re-fortification in both world wars. Museum and discovery centre with displays of coastal defence armament and access to former secret installations.

Cornwall Maritime Museum - The CMM exhibits the Packet Ship and Oyster Fisheries Galleries; as well as many fine models, maritime artefacts, prints and port records.

Falmouth Art Gallery - Displaying contemporary art and sculpture, prints and drawings, photography and textiles. The permanent collection changes every 6 months, and there are 10 temporary exhibitions a year.

Trebah Garden - Dramatic uniquely beautiful, sub-tropical 26-acre ravine garden running down to private beach on the Helford River. There are water gardens, a koi pool, waterfalls and colour all year round. A paradise for plantsmen, artists and families.

Glendurgan Garden - A valley garden to the Helford River and Durgan. Planted since the 1820's by the Fox family and from 1962 by the National Trust. There is exotic vegetation, with camellias, magnolias, specimen trees, and a laurel maze.

Penjerrick Garden - This is a ten acre uncommercialised garden created by the Fox family in the 19th century. There are Rhododendrons, Camellias, Magnolias and magnificent trees. A bridge takes you to a luxuriant wilder valley with ponds, bamboos and tree ferns all set in a peaceful atmosphere.

Picture Credit: Roy Westlake / Cornwall Tourist Board