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Falmouth: What To Do When You Visit Falmouth

The port and town of Falmouth is located on the River Fal and is on England’s south coast in the County of Cornwall.  Falmouth has the third deepest natural harbor in the world and has been the starting and finishing point for many round the world sailing voyages. Sir Francis Chichester and Dame Ellen MacArthur both carried out record breaking attemps starting from Falmouth. There are plenty of things to see and do when you stay in Falmouth.

The National Seal Sanctuary was opened in 1958 after a baby seal that was only a few hours old washed up on the beach in St Agnes. The sanctuary was based in St Agnes until 1975 when the single pool used for keeping the seals and injured sea birds in was not large enough. It was at this time the sanctuary then moved to Gweek and its owner Ken increased the number of pools and their sizes so that they could care for more seals which were being rescued of the Cornish coast. 

The seals are cared for with a view to returning them to the wild as soon as possible.  But those seals who have suffered too many injuries are kept at the sanctuary if they wouldn’t be capable of surviving again in the wild.

Across the harbor from Falmouth (which houses St Mawes castle) is the historic Pendennis Castle. Both castles were built in the time of the Tudors and were built to form a defensive chain along the south coast during the reign of Henry VIII. Their main aim was to deter invaders from Spain and France. 

Pendennis castle has been used regularly over the years and this means that it is still in excellent shape. Elizabeth I had the castle strengthened and it had the honor of being the last Royalist stronghold to fall in the English Civil War. The castle was also used during both World Wars and you can still see the guard house and underground tunnels from these troubled times. Plus you have a chance to visit the Tudor Keep which has been well maintained and which has seen the recreation of a gun deck.

Close to Falmouth is the Lizard Peninsula, the most southern point in England and is popular with those who don’t want to visit the more commercialized Land’s End. When you visit Lizard Point there is plenty for one to do and you’ll want to explore the satellite dishes featured at Goonhilly Earth Station. If you’re in luck, you may be able to see seals, dolphins or even a shark basking in the water.

In Falmouth itself there are plenty of attractions that visitors to this coastal town can enjoy. One such attraction is Trebah Gardens which are located on the outskirts of Falmouth near to the village of Mawnan Smith. The gardens are spread over twenty five acres and throughout the year there are wide variety of plants to enjoy. But along with the plants there is a large pond, a waterfall and private beach area as well. 

If you get hungry during your time in the gardens, there is a cafe for you to sit down and take in some refreshments. Plus if you find the children are getting a little bored just exploring the gardens then take them to the playground to let off some steam. The gardens are open throughout the year.  

Check out the wide variety of Falmouth hotels and guest houses here.

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