How to spend a weekend in Falmouth, Cornwall (where to stay, where to eat and what to see and do)
So you’re visiting Cornwall, England. Congratulations, you’ve just made a top tier choice. There are so many options for which area to pick, and maybe you’re doing a multi-town trip (which I also highly recommend), but one of favourite areas is in and around Falmouth.
Falmouth is a harbour town with a castle fort and other reinforcements that were created to protect the “Carrick Roads” and then fend off an impending invasion of the Spanish Armada in the 1500s and 1600s.
It has a working harbour, rich in maritime history, and whether used as a base, or merely visiting for a day or two, it has so much to offer. Including great fish and chips.
As a University town (with sites both in the centre and on the outskirts of the shoulder town of Penryn) it has a lot of energy both in and out of season.
Rather than give you a blow-by-blow itinerary (I do LOVE an itinerary, but sometimes a bit of freedom to explore and adventure can be good too) I’m going to suggest different things you could see and do while in the area. You can then treat it like a pick ‘n’ mix.
Where to stay?
Honestly, hit up AirBnB. This is the best way to find convenient, clean and interesting stays for every budget.
I personally love the “AirBnbB Plus” option in the filter of your search results. But that’s because I’m a little bit boujee
These are just a small handful of available stays.
Already packing a bag
However, should you want a hotel (and there are hotels a-plenty) then I cannot recommend Merchants Manor enough. It’s pricey, but can be more budget friendly off-season plus there’s a pool. There’s also the stunning St. Michael’s Spa nd Resort right opposite Gyllyngvase Beach.
Traditional Stays:
Camping:
Where to eat:
You will not struggle to find something to satisfy your hunger here!
It’s popular for a reason. Fish and chips done right. (And they do vegan FISH)
Tried. Tested. Would visit again and again. 13/10. And yep, yep, there’s a vegan option.
BURRITOS BBY! (Again, vegan yay!)
A mixture of Asian cuisine, and of COURSE there are veggie/vegan options
A wonderful array of dishes from a Full English (or Half Cornish) to tofu tacos. Served throughout the day, however, I recommend the Ramen Fridays but you’re best to book in advance.
There’s the usual offering of fast food and takeaways in and around town and a reliable Whetherspoons too.
What to see and do
The important bit, no?
National Maritime Museum
This 5-floor museum is all about boats. And the sea. And especially its ties to Cornwall. It’s really interesting, plus there’s a boat pool. A what? A boat pool. Where there are mini boat races. Just trust me.
Pendennis Castle
Why are you even in Falmouth if you’re not going to Pendennis Castle? An English Heritage site, it is great to explore both inside and out. They often hold events over the summer, but you’ll need to book tickets in advance.
Gyllyngvase Beach
Walk from town, up and over to Gylly for a beach day. Situated right alongside a some fantastic kept public gardens, it links up with the SW Coastal path. It has the usual public amenities, and there is a moderately sized car park just next to it. You can do stand up paddle boarding, sea kayaking, and all the usual beach activities.
image credit: https://www.visitcornwall.com/beaches/lifeguards-seasonal/south-coast/falmouth/gyllyngvase-beach
The SW Coastal Path
The South West Coast Path is 620 miles long and stretches along from Minehead, all the way around to Poole. The section that Falmouth sits on is stunning. Take a walk in either direction and you’ll see some fantastic vistas and find some lesser known beaches.
Swanpool
A short walk along said coastal path from Gylly will bring you out at Swanpool. More of a cove than a beach, it’s a funny little slice of Cornish sightseeing. The ice cream here is what you’re really heading for at the beach cafe. They do quirky ice cream and topping combos that are just mouth-wateringly good.
image credit: https://www.falmouth.co.uk/see-and-do/beaches/swanpool-beach/
Helford River
You wanna head towards Trebah Gardens (more on that later) and keep going. This is also linked up to the SW Coast Path but maybe a little further to reach than is reasonable in one day. The Ferryboat Inn will happily provide you with food and drink, and you can take a trip across the river and back, or just explore and admire this stunning estuary area.
Trebah Garden
As you head towards Helford, you’ll pass Trebah Garden. A botanical wonder, this sub-tropical garden is very much worth exploring. You might need to book in advance, depending on current restrictions etc.
image credit: https://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/attractions/south-coast/falmouth/trebah-garden
Glendurgan Garden
If you like gardens, then you’re in luck. The National Trust’s Glendurgan Garden shoulders Trebah. Such pretty next door neighbours! Look out for giant rhubarb and be amazed by the year-round foliage.
St Mawes Castle
Another fort built to fend off invaders, it is smaller than Pendennis, but no less interesting or exciting to explore. If castles are your thing then you shouldn’t miss this one off your list. You can get the ferry from Falmouth to St Mawes, which is a short trip across the water (you can literally see it from bank to bank).
If you wanted to make Falmouth your base for a longer visit to Cornwall, it would provide easy access to Truro, Helston, Penzance, Marazion and more.
So, what say you?
Written by Sarah
