8 reasons why we love Falmouth
There is no denying that we love Falmouth! We are lucky to call this wonderfully vibrant and scenic seaside town home. Whilst the UK remains in a national lockdown, we reflect on why we love this special place and provide some pleasant escapism.
1. Beautiful beaches
Situated next to Pendennis Point, we start with Castle Beach. It makes for excellent for rock-pooling and at high tide the whole beach disappears – ideal for snorkelling. On low tides you can walk to Gyllyngvase across the rocks – be careful though, they’re slippery!
Gyllyngvase, or Gylly, is a Blue Flag beach which is a real hive of activity. On calm days it is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. On certain swells it’s rolling waves become surfable too!
Around the corner, you’ll find Swanpool, a sandy cove a half mile over, which is another popular spot for water-sports. A further scenic two-miles along the coast path you’ll find Maenporth, a peaceful haven with shallow, crystal clear waters.
2. Independent shops and eateries galore!
We are spoilt for choice! Take a wander down the Old High Street, through the heart of the town towards Discovery Quay and you’ll pass a splendid assortment of independent shops. These range from hand-made wares, books, eclectic homewares, vintage clothing and nautical supplies.
Nestled amongst these businesses is also a host of restaurants and cafes which will have you covered whether you’re after fine dining, pub grub, coffee & cake or a pasty! Many boast using local produce and all bring their own flavour to the town.
The amount of love our local shopkeepers and businesses put into everything they do gives Falmouth it’s upbeat and inviting atmosphere.
3. A vibrant art scene
In the centre of the town within the municipal buildings is Falmouth Art Gallery. This holds a collection of over 2,000 artworks, including Pre-Raphaelite and British Impressionist paintings alongside more contemporary works. The Poly shows a varied range of exhibitions and the theatre shows independent films, local and national theatre and live events.
Contemporary commercial galleries like Beside the Wave and Cor Gallery sell the work of local artists. Grays Wharf in Penryn showcases contemporary art works and offers courses for beginners and beyond.
Falmouth University, a highly regarded creative institution, feeds into the art scene and ensures it is continuously evolving, from its quirky Woodlane Campus and more recent Tremough Campus.
4. Lively events
Falmouth’s events calendar is always spectacular, from The Sea Shanty Festival (this year held virtually), Falmouth Week and Falmouth Oyster Festival to name but a few.
Though this year will look a little different, Falmouth will be the host port for the historic Tall Ships Race from 17 – 19 August. First held in 1956, this will be Falmouth’s fifth year hosting. These magnificent ships will be moored in the Carrick Roads and inner harbour, before racing to A Coruña in Spain.
Another recently announced event taking place is the G7 Summit. This year world leaders will convene in Carbis Bay, near St Ives in June. Falmouth will play an official role, hosting the International Media Centre at the National Maritime Museum. Visit Cornwall estimate this will give the local tourism industry a welcome boost.
5. Rich maritime history
Falmouth’s world significance grew as it was appointed as the Royal Mail Packet Station in 1688. For over 150 years, the Packet Ships carried letters and news to and from different corners of the growing British Empire. These crucial ships filled the harbour, landing at Greenbank or Custom House Quay.
In 1969, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person to single-handedly sail around the world in his yacht Suhaili. Taking 313 days, Falmouth was chosen as his port of departure and arrival. Dame Ellen MacArthur followed suit in 2007. She became the fastest person to do so then, with a time of 71 days, 14 hours and 18 minutes.
You can read more about Falmouth’s fascinating history here from the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.
6. The spirit of adventure
Though modern life may be quite different now, this sense of adventure still lives on in Falmouth. In summer (and increasingly in winter too!) we see locals and visitors exploring it’s hidden corners. Paddle boarders and kayakers sweep around headlands in search of secluded coves, often accessible only by the water. Hires are available from WeSUP at Gylly and Elemental at Swanpool. Swimmers brave the cold water year round – like beacons of bright swimming caps dotted across the beaches.
Another fantastic way to see Falmouth from a different perspective is from the ferries which navigate the Fal River. The various routes are great for a day out – from St Mawes you can look back across to Falmouth. Travelling through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and spotting wildlife makes for a magical experience.
7. The sub-tropical climate
Cornwall has a generally mild climate, which means it’s can be great to visit outside of summer too, with pleasant weather stretching into September, even October.
There is also a host of plant life which thrives on this, and we have a multitude of glorious gardens and parks to match. Within Falmouth we’re spoilt for choice, with Kimberley Park, Fox Rosehill Gardens, Gyllyngdune Gardens and Queen Mary Gardens.
A little further afield, situated on the Helford, is Trebah Garden and Glendurgan Garden, which both meander down to the river, boasting exotic and native plants. Close to Mylor Bridge, Enys Gardens is considered to be one of the oldest gardens in Cornwall with an impressive, relatively recent Georgian house built in the 1830’s.
8. Falmouth’s lovely visitors
What really makes Falmouth ‘Falmouth’ is the people – we miss hosting our wonderful visitors from the UK and beyond. Our broad range of accommodation on offer makes Falmouth an ideal choice to visit, with self-catering , bed & breakfasts and hotels. Take a look at the links to start dreaming about your next holiday.
Our accommodation providers have worked hard to ensure they are compliant in safety measures to help protect everyone against Covid-19. When local and national restrictions allow it, we can’t wait to safely welcome you back.
Do you love Falmouth too?
Yes – we’re biased – but we think Falmouth is a bit of an ‘all-rounder’. Though we could go on forever we’ll stop at eight reasons! Let us know in the comments below if you think there is anything you think we missed. Why do you love Falmouth?
words / Catie Close
