Explore Poldark Country, when you visit Falmouth
Another great reason to visit and stay in Falmouth, is it makes a great base for exploring Cornwall. It is easy to stay and enjoy our beaches, attractions, restaurants, waterfront bars and great shopping centre. If you are staying for a few days however, we always recommend our visitors get out their guide books, pull on their walking boots and explore Poldark country.
Two of the places we love to explore all year round, are Gunwalloe on the South Coast and Chapel Porth on the North Coast. Both offer superb views, history, stunning archaeology and just a chance you may bump into Ross & Demelza Poldark!
Gunwalloe – TR12 7QE
The parish of Gunwalloe sits on the Lizard Peninsula and makes up part of the Penrose estate. There are three main beaches along this area of the South West Coast path all varying in their topography. Halzephron, (swimming is strongly not advised), was once predominantly shingle but more recently has become very sandy with great views back toward Helston and Loe Bar.
Halzephron – TR12 7QD
Dollar Cove
Dollar Cove
Dollar Cove
The eagle eyed Poldark fans among you will notice this beach from one or two scenes of the series. Named after the ship, San Salvador, Dollar cove is rumoured to still hold its treasure. Heavily laden with silver dollars she was wrecked here in 1669, silver coins are said to still wash up during stormy weather. This is a very rocky beach but well worth a visit to take in the stunning cliffs and rock formations. This is a dog friendly beach all year round.
Marshlands
Gunwalloe
Gunwalloe
A rich variety of wildlife and nature makes the marshlands around Gunwalloe a nationally important site.
The Church of St Winwalloe
Some Parts of the church can be dated back to the C13th, the majority of this quaint beach side church dates back to the C15th. The bell tower is detached from the church much like that of St Feock and Gwenap Church – St Weneppa. Church Cove, the most popular beach out of the three, is located along side the Church.
Gunwalloe
Gunwalloe
Gunwalloe
The Gunwalloe area is managed by the National Trust, there is pay and display parking available at Gunwalloe. Wheelchair and pushchair access on to Church Cove and Dollar Cove. There is a privately owned refreshment kiosk during seasonal times and lifeguards are on site during peak season.
If you fancy heading off to the North Coast exploring, then we recommend heading to St Agnes Head.
Wheal Coates – Towanroath engine house
The set of mining buildings make up the Wheal Coates site and sit within the St Agnes headland, just above the popular beach of Chapel Porth. As soon as you arrive at the site it’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed mining sites in Cornwall.
Towanroath Engine House
Chapel Porth
Wheal Coates
Many of the scenes of Poldark galloping along the cliff tops are filmed along Chapel Porth.
Chapel Porth
Chapel Porth
Chapel Porth
Chapel Porth
Find Wheal Coates at – Wheal Coates, Beacon Drive, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0NT
This is a National Trust site, there is parking available with a walk down to Chapel Porth beach. There is an information point at Wheal Coates, toilets are located at Chapel Porth beach along with a refreshment Kiosk.
Looking for somewhere to stay when you visit Falmouth?
Take a look at our accommodation.
