The 23 Best Things to do in Falmouth

Despite being one of Cornwall’s major towns, Falmouth is small enough to explore on foot and that makes visiting an altogether more pleasant experience! Falmouth is all about the water since it is located in a somewhat protected harbour on Cornwall’s south coast. And, of course, since this is coastal Cornwall, there are several wonderful beaches nearby! The lovely old port and docks are on one side of town and sandy beaches on the other, separated by a grassy headland complete with a Tudor castle! Make no mistake, this is a functioning port with some enormous ships, taking advantage of what is said to be the world’s third-biggest natural harbour. Whether you’re on a Cornwall road trip or a weekend getaway, Falmouth is a glorious place to visit, so welcome to the best things to do in Falmouth!

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The Best 23 Things to Do in Falmouth

The best way to really appreciate Falmouth’s maritime legacy is to take a ride around the river Fal on one of the local boats. There are various choices, but we suggest catching the ferry to St Mawes, a fishing community on the Roseland Peninsula on the other side of the estuary, but more on this shortly. St. Mawes, too, with its picture-postcard cottages, old inns, and mediaeval castle, is a must-see if you’re staying in Falmouth. In line with Falmouth’s maritime motif, you should also visit the National Maritime Museum. Pendennis Castle will transport you back in time, or you may swim or relax on one of Falmouth’s beaches. There is so much to do in Falmouth that you’re going to need a holiday to rest after your visit! Don’t forget to book yourself somewhere fabulous to stay in Falmouth – our best places to stay in Falmouth are here.

1. Take a Walking Tour of Falmouth, Cornwall

Falmouth Uncovered is a walking tour that walks you through the town and its history to show Falmouth as it once was, a riotous mix of pirates, sailors, and explorers. This is a history tour with something for everyone to appreciate, with thrilling tales for adults and engaging activity papers for kids.

• Falmouth Uncovered Tour Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Address of Falmouth Uncovered: 2 Discovery Quay, Port Pendennis, Falmouth TR11 3XP, United Kingdom
• Cost for Falmouth Uncovered: Adults – £14
• Website for Falmouth Uncovered: https://www.falmouthuncovered.co.uk/

2. Visit Pendennis Castle

Pendennis Castle, a seaside castle with stunning views of Falmouth, is a must-see in Cornwall. While visiting this historic monument, you can climb to the peak of the Castle, learn about its WWII past, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Pendennis Castle, perched on a cliff above Falmouth, is one of Henry VIII’s most impressive and well-preserved coastal defences. Since Tudor times, the Castle has protected the Cornish coast, and it has been critical to the country’s protection throughout both World Wars. I recommend beginning your visit by walking around the perimeter to take in the spectacular views of the Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary, which can be seen from the Castle, before seeing the displays that depict the Castle’s history from Henry VIII to World War II. Pendennis Castle is one of our top recommended castles to visit in Cornwall and you can read about the others here.

• Pendennis Castle Opening Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Address of Pendennis Castle: Castle Dr, Falmouth TR11 4LP, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Pendennis Castle: Adults – £13.40, Child – £8.00 – English Heritage members get in for free (join here and save a fortune!)

3. Go to the National Maritime Museum

There are 15 different galleries here at Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum, plus a boatbuilding workshop, and interactive displays.   The museum is located on Discovery Quay in the heart of Falmouth.  The award-winning museum brings maritime issues to the fore and highlights their present-day relevance.    There are changing exhibitions, currently, Monsters of the Deep explores the myths legends and “monsters of the deep”, plus heaps on the coastguards, the art of British Tattoos, and the mysteries of the rock pools that you’ll find on beaches all over Cornwall.  Add to that the National Small Boat collection, artworks, maps and charts and you’ve got a great place to visit.

• National Maritime Museum Opening Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Address of National Maritime Museum: National Maritime Museum, Cornwall Trust, Discovery Quay, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for National Maritime Museum: Adults – £15.50, Child – £7.75
• Website for National Maritime Museum: https://nmmc.co.uk/

4. Walk around Falmouth Harbour

While you’re in Falmouth, don’t forget to take walk around the harbour! Early evening is a fabulous time to visit.

5. Go to Falmouth Art Gallery

Alfred de Pass, a local collector and benefactor curated the collection of English and French Impressionism, Old Masters, marine art, Surrealism, children’s book pictures, prints, and automata that you’ll find in Falmouth’s Art Gallery. You’ll find works from Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse, Albrecht Dürer, Warhol, and Francis Bacon, to mention a few. The museum also recently acquired etchings by Munch and Renoir, 20th-century paintings by Prunella Clough, and works by contemporary British art notables including Mary Webb, Simon Burton, and Marguerite Horner. This is a great rainy day activity in Falmouth, and there’s more inspiration here.

• Falmouth Art Gallery’s Opening Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Address of Falmouth Art Gallery: Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth TR11 2RT, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Falmouth Art Gallery: Admission is free
• Website for Falmouth Art Gallery: https://www.falmouthartgallery.com/  

6. Have a Spa Day in Falmouth

Everyone needs and deserves to get pampered once in a while, and what better place to do it than Falmouth’s lovely St. Michael’s Hotel & Spa? This luxurious spa, which includes a delightfully warm hydrotherapy pool, a rainforest steam room, a herbal Finnish sauna, and a Cornish sea salt room, will relax you entirely.  Book a Spa Day in Falmouth here!

• St. Michael’s Resort Spa Opening Time: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Address of St. Michael’s Resort Spa: St Michaels Resort, Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4NB, United Kingdom

7. Learn to Sail in Falmouth

Falmouth is one of the greatest places in the UK to train or improve your sailing abilities – just ask Sir Ben Ainslie! Because of its protected deep harbour, the Carrick Roads area provides the chance to sail in most weathers.  Whether you decide to arrange a sailing day experience on a tall ship or a Cornish Gaff rigged cutter or take an RYA accredited course, it’s a great location to do it in!

• Classic Sailing Opening Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Address of Classic Sailing: Classic Sailing Ltd, Mermaids, St Mawes, TR2 5AA, United Kingdom
• Classic Sailing Experience fees: Price varies, check the website
• Website for St. Classic Sailing: https://classic-sailing.com/

8.Adopt a Donkey – or at least go visit a donkey near Falmouth

The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1995 by Mary Berryman, and today is home to more than 100 rescued donkeys and horses.  You can come and visit (there’s no charge for admission), or even find your special donkey and adopt them.

• The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary Opening Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Address of The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary: The Flicka Foundation, Penryn, TR10 9JB, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary: The Flicka Foundation does not charge admission but would appreciate a contribution — any amount helps.
• Website for The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary: https://www.flickafoundation.org.uk/

9. Visit the home of the Trembling Sea Mat

A shingle bar separated the Swanpool from the sea, meaning that originally it was a freshwater lake.  However, in 1826, a tunnel was built, which drained most of the lake, to about a third of its original size. And now, because of the culvert that the tunnel created, water comes in and out with the tide, so the Swanpool is now a brackish mix of both salt and fresh water, allowing it to support a diverse diversity of fauna, including ducks, moorhens, and breeding swans. It also is home to diverse plant life as well as a rare animal found nowhere else in the UK, the Trembling Sea Mat. (despite the name, and its appearance, it is an animal, not a plant!)  The Swanpool is both a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and there’s more about Falmouth’s Trembling Sea Mat here.

10. Go Diving in Falmouth

Cornwall Divers was established in 1980. They are a well-known Padi 5-star scuba diving facility and can assist you whether you want to learn to dive or are already trained and looking for some of the best diving Cornwall has to offer. Cornwall Divers also provide air fills, equipment sales and service. a convenient location, they can give you the best learning experience possible.

• Cornish Diving School Opening Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Address of Cornish Diving School: Cornish Diving School, Bar Rd, Falmouth, TR11 4BN, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Cornish Diving School: Prices vary per diving lesson
• Website for Cornish Diving School: https://cornishdiving.co.uk/

11. Play Golf in Falmouth

Falmouth Golf Club is a mature and well-kept golf course overlooking Cornwall’s south coast and Falmouth Bay, including vistas of Pendennis Castle and St. Mawes. The golf course has tree-lined holes on the front 11 and a return loop up around the clifftop. The clubhouse here has a welcoming environment and serves locally produced food and beverages. Visitors are always welcome, and there is a PGA Professional on-site, as well as a well-equipped Pro Shop. 

• Falmouth Golf Club Opening Time: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Address of Falmouth Golf Club: Falmouth Golf Club, Swanpool Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5PR, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Falmouth Golf Club: £40.00
• Website for Falmouth Golf Club: https://www.falmouthgolfclub.com/

12. Head to the beach in Falmouth

Falmouth’s best-known beaches are Gyllyngvase and Swanpool. Gyllyngvase Beach is Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach. The beach has golden sand and shallow water and during the summer there are RNLI lifeguards. The award-winning Gylly Beach Cafe serves Falmouth Bay beef and seafood all day. On a frigid winter day, you can also have tea on the sun patio. Swanpool Beach, 1.5 miles from town, is a popular family beach. Swimming is generally safe here, however, there are no lifeguards.  In the summer, the beach offers crazy golf, a bouncy castle, a café, and kayak rentals. Like beaches?  Then check out our guide to the best beaches in South Cornwall here.

13. Visit a Garden in or near Falmouth

Cornwall’s moderate coastal climate has resulted in some of the most beautiful gardens in the country. The most well-known of Cornwall’s famed gardens dates back to the nineteenth century and were constructed as a result of Victorian plant hunting voyages.  If you’re a garden lover, then you’ll want to head to our guide to Cornwall’s Best Gardens.  There’s heaps of variety in Cornish gardens from woodland gardens to sculpted parks to subtropical glades, even the most passionate gardener will find something to their liking. Gardens bloom much earlier in the season than you may imagine. The exotic plant collection will amaze you – specific gardens will transport you to South Africa, Chile, Australia, or even the Balearic Islands! The nearest gardens to Falmouth are Trebah, Glendurgan, and Trelissick.

14. Watersports in Falmouth

You can guarantee there are lots of possibilities to get involved in Watersports in Falmouth in the (usually) calm waters of the world’s third-biggest natural harbour. The Falmouth Watersports Centre is located in the Boat Park on Grove Place, only a few steps from the National Maritime Museum. The centre has several watersports clubs for rowing, sailing, and canoeing, as well as a bar terrace with views of the harbour. Hire a paddleboard or kayak at Gyllyngvase Beach or Swanpool Beach to explore hidden caverns and secret beaches. The rental centre not only provides you with safety equipment, and monitors weather conditions, but also recommends the best spots to visit.

15. Walk some of the South West Coast Path near Falmouth

The Swanpool to Maenporth coastal route is one of the best ways to explore Falmouth’s breathtaking landscape and two beautiful sandy beaches. Bring your dog or go it alone and enjoy the fresh air on a simple, quiet walk. The overall distance of the walk is 1.7 miles, and you can begin at either beach. Choose a sunny day and treat yourself to a delicious lunch on the beach, complete with Cornish ice cream. The beach in Maenporth is a great site for a picnic because of its sandy beachfront, clear shallow water, and a treasure trove of rock pools – but so is Swanpool beach for the same reasons, and it has the extra benefit of a nature reserve behind it.

16. Take the Boat from Falmouth to Trelissick

It’s a glorious trip up the river from Falmouth to Trelissick – and Enterprise Boats provides cruises along the Fal Estuary from Falmouth to Trelissick, a stunning National Trust property near Truro, and one of our favourite Cornish Gardens. The ferries also go to Truro at high tide on certain dates (usually they leave Falmouth at 4 pm and return by 630pm). You’ll get the opportunity to tour the estuary, as well as explore Trelissick Gardens.   You can book tickets to Trelissick from Falmouth on the boats here.

17. Go on a Secret Spy Mission in Falmouth

You have to start them young if you want the greatest detectives in the industry! The Falmouth Mystery Treasure Trail is a great fun experience involving cracking codes and solving riddles. This is a serious whodunnit, and super sleuths of every age will have to remove every suspect until the truth is revealed.  Your spy trail starts when you download a PDF, which includes the necessary instructions directing you to clues hidden across the town on signs, monuments, and buildings. They’ll lead you closer and closer to your culprit. The path begins at Discovery Quay and should take around 1.5 hours to finish, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the attractions. Stop at the Maritime Museum before strolling around the harborside and taking in the traditional Cornish views, where perhaps there will even be time for ice cream!

• The Falmouth Mystery Treasure Trail Opening Time/Tour Time: Trails are self-guided and may be downloaded directly from the Treasure Trail website. On any day of your choice, follow the Trail, solve the puzzles, and experience the sites. There is no need to call for opening hours. All Trails are intended to be completed throughout the day.
• Address of Falmouth Mystery Treasure Trail: The Falmouth Treasure Trail starts at, Market Street, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3AE, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Falmouth Mystery Treasure Trail: The trail costs £9.99. (Not per person). For a party of 4 to 5 individuals, one Trail booklet is advised.
• Website for Falmouth Mystery Treasure Trail: https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/

18. Go on a Wildlife Watching Trip

Orca Sea Safaris, one of Cornwall’s most popular boat adventures, provides wildlife and coastal safaris from Falmouth aboard the purpose-built Seaquest of Falmouth, taking in the stunning scenery of the Carrick Roads.  You’ll see the spectacular beauty of our glorious coastline while searching for sea life that may be there. Dolphins, seals, whales, seagulls, and basking sharks are among the many animals that live and visit this area.

• Wildlife Watching Trips Opening Time/Tour Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Address of Wildlife Watching Trips: North Quay Haven Marina, Falmouth TR11 3HH, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Wildlife Watching Trips: 2 Hour Coastal Explorer – £42.50, 1 Hour Bay Discovery – £26.50
• Website for Wildlife Watching Trips: https://www.orcaseasafaris.co.uk/

19. Take a Wild Food Walk – aka Learn To Forage in Cornwall

Foraging is a fabulous way to connect with nature and fresh, seasonal foods. Wild foods provide an incredible variety of flavours that may thrill both new and experienced foragers and chefs. Wild Food Walking in Cornwall combines a leisurely 2–3-mile guided hike with finding, understanding and learning about 8–10 wild edibles.   This is a great way to find out what’s possible and to taste foods created with foraged wild foods, such as bread with salsa verde or dips, cakes, fruit leathers, or chocolates (all with wild ingredients).  This is a super way to explore wild Cornwall and you can see more about foraging in Cornwall here.

20.Visit Kernow Adventure Park

Kernow Adventure Park is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets for outdoor activities. Kessel Quarry, which was previously a successful granite quarry, is now flooded with spring water and bordered by sheer granite cliffs. The natural pool is located inside Kessel’s stunning 21-acre location near Falmouth, and it does seem more like a wildlife sanctuary than an activity centre!  There’s paddleboarding and new electric boats for 2022.  There’s also a specific area for open water swimming too! 

• Kernow Adventure Park Opening Time/Tour Time: 10:30 am to 7:00 pm
• Address of Kernow Adventure Park: Kernow Adventure Park, Halvasso, Penryn, TR10 9BZ, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Kernow Adventure Park: A one-hour session costs £20 per person
• Website for Kernow Adventure Park: https://www.kernowadventurepark.com/

21. Climb Jacobs Ladder in Falmouth

Jacob’s Ladder is a staircase of 111 stairs leading from the Moor in Falmouth. The stairs are named for local businessman Jacob Hamblen, who commissioned the staircase to connect several of his residential and commercial properties. 

22. Take the Boat from Falmouth to St Mawes

The St Mawes Ferry, one of Cornwall’s most famous ferry rides, travels from Falmouth to St Mawes 364 days a year. The 20-minute trip takes in the Carrick Roads’ world-class scenery, which includes two medieval castles (read more about the castles here) and an abundance of marine life in Falmouth Bay. Taking the ferry – which is just a 2.8-mile ride, saves you a 29-mile drive! The fleet of ferries that travel from Falmouth to St Mawes consists of three boats: the Duchess of Cornwall, the May Queen, and the Queen of Falmouth. 

• St Mawes Ferry Opening Time/Tour Time: 8:30 am to 4:45 pm
• Address of St Mawes Ferry: No. 4, Prince of Wales Pier Steps, Falmouth TR11 3DF, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for St Mawes Ferry: Single – Adult £8, Child (Ages 4-16) £5
• Day Return – Adult £12, Child (Ages 4-16) £7
• Website for St Mawes Ferry: https://www.falriver.co.uk/ferries

23. Visit St Mawes Castle

St Mawes Castle is the most elaborately ornamented of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery defences. St Mawes was one of many forts erected between 1539 and 1545 to protect the important Carrick Roads seaport near Pendennis Castle against an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain. The region surrounding Falmouth was thought to be a place where an invading enemy might establish a vital foothold, therefore significant protection was required. St Mawes Castle has a magnificent clover-leaf form and was previously surrounded by eight octagonal walls. It’s one of the top castles in Cornwall to visit and is managed by English Heritage (so members get in for free)

• St Mawes Castle Opening Time/Tour Time: The operating hours at St Mawes Castle vary according to the season. St. Mawes is closed on weekdays and only accessible on weekends throughout the winter. It’s a good idea to verify with English Heritage about the precise days you want to visit.
• Address of St Mawes Castle: Castle Dr, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5DE, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for St Mawes Castle: St. Mawes Castle admission is £4.60 for children, £7.60 for adults, £6.90 for students, and £19.80 for families (including children under the age of six) (2 adults up to 3 children). English Heritage members can visit St. Mawes for free. You can join English Heritage online and save money on your St Mawes admission cost.

Map of Things to do in Falmouth

You can also see the Falmouth things to do map here.

Things to do near Falmouth

If you’re making Falmouth your base, then you’ve made a great choice as there’s lots to do near Falmouth – here are some of the best things to do near Falmouth.

Visit Truro from Falmouth

With a population of roughly 20,000 people, Truro is Cornwall’s only city and the most south-westerly city in England. It’s a little city, with fewer residents than the area surrounding Falmouth! The city is really part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it receives 1745 hours of sunlight each year, compared to 1481 in London, which is one of the reasons that the quality of life is so high here! There is so much to do here, including superb water activities, sailing, and visiting historic gardens. The breathtaking Truro Cathedral, the Royal Cornwall Museum, the Maritime Line Train, the renowned King Harry Ferry, and the St. Agnes Heritage Coast are all accessible.  Want to know more about what to do in Truro?  Our guide is here.

Visit Gweek Seal Sanctuary from Falmouth

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from the Cornish coast. Each year they rehabilitate more than 70 pups that have had to be rescued for various reasons.  The sanctuary, located in Gweek, also is home to those animals who are no longer able to be returned to the wild.  As well as Seals you’ll also find Southern and California Sealions, plus otters, penguins, sheep, ponies, goats and even beavers! 

• Address of Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG.
• Cost to enter Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek: £16.50 for adults, £13.50 for children.  Family tickets are available.
• Opening hours of Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek: 10 am until 5 pm, last admission 3.30 pm

Go to the Flambards Theme Park from Falmouth

Flambards is Cornwall’s number one theme park and is a fantastic family getaway, offering a variety of indoor activities (yes you read it right, indoor, so this is a great place to come when it rains!), family entertainment, and exciting rides. Among the exciting rides offered are the Hornet Rollercoaster, SkyRaker, and Colorado River log flume. The carousel and teacup rides provide a more classic experience. The indoor activities include a Victorian town set up and a ‘Britain in the Blitz’ environment. There are also indoor play alternatives available, as well as award-winning undercover (i.e. rainy day) activities that include a Victorian village and a ‘Britain in the Blitz’ setting.

• Flambards Theme Park Opening Time/Tour Time: Flambards will open at 10 am On Ride and Attraction Days, the final admission is at 3 pm Attractions and rides are closed 30 minutes before Flambards closes at 5 pm (rides close at 4:30 pm). Indoor Attraction Only Days – the final admission is at 3 pm, and the attractions shut at 4 pm (Attractions shut at 3 pm on Fridays.)
• Address of Flambards Theme Park: Clodgey Ln, Helston TR13 0QA, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Flambards Theme Park (Rides & Attractions Open): Single Standard Admission Price (online price) – Adult £19.95 (£17.96), Child £14.95 (£13.46)
• Website for Flambards Theme Park: https://www.flambards.co.uk/

Explore the Lizard from Falmouth

Lizard Point is the most southern point of the British mainland, and it overlooks one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes; it has also been the scene of several shipwrecks throughout the years. The Lizard Peninsular is an amazing place to come (read our guide to the Lizard here) and it’s usually pretty quiet.  You can enjoy wildlife spotting and walking here. Why not try the Lizard seaside walk to fully enjoy the scenery? The 7-mile path is hard at times, but it rewards you with breathtaking views of the spectacular cliffs, unspoiled coastline, open farmland, and stunning beaches.  Beaches you’ll want to visit on the Lizard include the stunning Kynance Cove, one of the best views in Cornwall!

• Lizard Point Opening Time/Tour Time: Open 24 hours every day
• Address of Lizard Point: Lizard, Helston TR12 7NT, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Lizard Point: Admission is free

Visit the Poldark Mine near Falmouth

Poldark Tin Mine is one of Cornwall’s most important historical monuments. It’s located in the Wendron Valley, near Helston and features the oldest preserved mine workings in Great Britain that are available to the public. Fans of the Poldoark TV series (and the books by Winston Graham, covered in our best Cornish books here) will love this place.  It.is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site’s Wendron Mining District and, when open you can take underground guided tours into the historic tin mine workings.  There’s also a museum of industrial heritage, mining equipment, Cornish social history, a listed ancient monument, and riverfront gardens are among its attractions.  It was originally opened as Wendron Forge in 1972 and was subsequently renamed, Ha’penny Park. After an ancient tin mine was unearthed on the site, it was renamed Poldark after Winston Graham’s Poldark books and the BBC television series, which debuted in 1975.

• Poldark Mine Opening Time:  Please note the mine may be closed, please check the website or Facebook page for opening details.
• Address of Poldark Mine: Poldark Mine, Trenear, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0ES, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Poldark Mine: Adult £20.00, Child £12.00
• Facebook Page for Poldark Mine: https://www.facebook.com/poldarkmine/

Explore the Helford River from Falmouth

The Helford River is a gloriously quiet and lovely waterway to explore.  The easiest way to explore it is to take a cruise up the river, which takes you to the mouth of the Helford River, past the gardens of Glendurgan and Trebah, and then back down to the creeks, including Frenchman’s Creek, inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier’s novel ‘Frenchman’s Creek,’ as well as an abundance of birdlife such as herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, and oyster farming. The Helford River Cruise also comes with a customized commentary, you can discover the stories of the lovely river while relaxing and admiring the spectacular landscape and fauna of this wonderful area of Cornwall. In exploring the Helford River, you can also see the Royal Duchy Oyster Farm on Port Navas Creek and down Polwheveral Creek, where oyster farming began in 1506.

• Helford River Cruise Opening Time/Tour Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Address of Helford River Cruise: Budock Vean Hotel, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5LG, United Kingdom
• Entrance Fee for Helford River Cruise: Space on Cruise £30 per person, Private Charter £250 (maximum of 12 spaces)
• Website for Helford River Cruise: https://helfordrivercruises.co.uk/

Where to Stay in Falmouth

There’s a great choice of accommodation in Falmouth – and I wrote about the best places to stay in Falmouth here, but here is the top choice for holiday cottage in Falmouth and a super hotel in Falmouth too.

16 Arwenack Street Cottage, Falmouth

Located in Falmouth, 16 Arwenack Street Cottage is a gorgeous holiday home with panoramic views of the harbour. Not only are you close to every amenity you might need, but you’ve got your own private hot tub for those looking for a little luxe living.  With four bedrooms, the cottage sleeps 8 and is perfect for a family or group of friends wanting a great location and fabulous amenities. You can see more details here.

This lovely cottage has a spacious living area, a comfortable dining area for 8 people, a stylish lounge area with a smart TV, and comfy sofas. The modern kitchen boasts a dishwasher, electric oven, and two fridge freezers. There’s also a TV, free Wi-Fi, a washing machine, and a tumble dryer. This is a supremely convenient holiday cottage! Check the prices of16 Arwenack Street Cottage here!

The Royal Duchy Hotel

The Royal Duchy Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Falmouth. It’s just a 6-minute walk to the beach and only 2 minutes away from the town centre, but the seafront location is simply magnificent.  The restaurant here has been awarded AA Rosettes for its exquisite food.  The Royal Duchy overlooks Falmouth Bay and has a variety of terraces and gardens here that provide stunning views. You’ll also find an indoor pool, sauna, and workout facilities.  There’s an electric car charging station here, and the staff are rated very highly too.  All rooms here provide scenic views and it’s a great location to stay in Falmouth.  You can check room rates at the Royal Duchy Hotel here!

The Royal Duchy gets fabulous reviews for its location and its visitors’ favourite part of Falmouth.  You can read more reviews and check availability here.

Final Words on the 23 Best Things to do in Falmouth

Falmouth is one of the largest Cornish towns, although it is small enough to explore on foot, but this town on Cornwall’s South Coast is all about the water.  There are glorious beaches here, the stunning Helford River and of course the world’s third-largest natural harbour, which incorporates the Carrick Roads.  There are castles to explore here, the National Maritime Museum and of course the next stop on the magnificent South West Coast Path too!

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