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Falmouth

Falmouth is proud of its vibrant maritime history, its strategic location led to the town being established as the southernmost packet ship port in the UK.

The town flourished in the 18th and 19th Centuries carrying passengers and mail to the Americas, the West Indies, Europe and the Mediterranean.

Today the town has retained its maritime importance as the start and finish of many a transatlantic voyage, and regularly hosts international, national and local sailing events. The port is famous for welcoming Tall Ships to its waters, and Falmouth Bay and Carrick Roads offer first class sheltered waters for sailing and diving.

Falmouth, Cornwall's leading South Coast resort has sandy family beaches, a bustling centre with a charming mix of shops from specialist outlets to well known high street names and art galleries as well as an abundance of cafes, restaurants and hotels specialising in dishes using local seafood and seasonal produce.

The mild, maritime climate enables many exotic plants to flourish. The parks and gardens in the area have a lush sub-tropical quality, with many specimens successfully introduced by Victorian plant hunters and packet ship captains.

Falmouth is the meeting point for a network of passenger ferries taking you to Truro, St Mawes or the Helford, along wooded creeks and past picturesque hamlets and villages

Falmouth offers something for everyone, whatever the weather or time of year, from sandy beaches, spectacular scenery, specialist shops from local art to antiques and exceptional sailing in Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary.

Enjoy a boat trip on the river, go for a stroll in one of the parks and gardens or discover delights in the towns shopping streets. Unsurpassed views of Flushing, Falmouth Bay and beyond, can be glimpsed between the buildings or from the opes and walkways meandering through the town.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall's imaginatively displayed collection of boats and artefacts will appeal to even the staunchest landlubber. Discover the towns vibrant arts scene with Falmouth Art Gallery, described as 'family friendly and free', or take in a show or exhibition at Falmouth Art Centre or The Princess Pavilion with their extensive year round entertainment programmes. Pendennis Castle offers a journey through 450 years of history from its magnificent vantage point on Pendennis Headland.