This historic port town has England's deepest natural harbor and a maritime museum with 150+ boats. Sandy beaches and coastal paths lead to St Mawes and Pendennis castles.
Falmouth sits on Cornwall's south coast, where its deep natural harbor has influenced the town for centuries. You can climb the 111 steps of Jacob's Ladder, watch marine life through the Maritime Museum's underwater windows, or explore the 16th-century Pendennis Castle. Walk along five sandy beaches, browse independent shops in the narrow streets, or join one of the town's festivals celebrating oysters and sea shanties.
Exploring Falmouth's Waters
The natural harbor is the third deepest in the world, making it excellent for water activities. You can take ferries to St. Mawes (20 minutes), Flushing (10 minutes), or travel up the Fal River to Truro (40 minutes). The calm waters around Falmouth work well for beginners learning paddleboarding or joining kayak tours along the coastline. In summer, tall ships and ocean liners often anchor in the bay.
Five Distinct Beaches
Each of Falmouth's beaches has its own character. Gyllyngvase Beach has golden sand and a year-round café. Castle Beach reveals rock pools at low tide, making it good for snorkeling and watching marine life. Swanpool Beach sits next to a natural lagoon, while Maenporth is more secluded. The South West Coast Path connects all beaches, letting you walk between them.
Maritime Museum and Castle
The National Maritime Museum Cornwall displays real boats and has hands-on exhibits about seafaring. Look through the underwater windows to see harbor marine life, or climb the lookout tower for bay views. Pendennis Castle, built in 1542, sits on a headland at the harbor entrance. Its round tower was part of Henry VIII's defense system. Inside, you can learn about medieval warfare and see how the castle served as a World War II base.
Walking Around Town
The main shopping streets run alongside the harbor, with independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. Jacob's Ladder connects the main square to the upper town with 111 granite steps. While the town center is flat, streets leading away from the harbor rise steeply. Art galleries throughout town display work by local artists and maritime-themed pieces.
Gardens and Green Spaces
Fox Rosehill Gardens grows exotic plants that sailing merchants brought back, including banana trees and palms that grow well in Cornwall's mild climate. Queen Mary Gardens, behind Gyllyngvase Beach, has formal flower beds with sheltered seating areas. Near town, Trebah and Glendurgan gardens extend down to the Helford River, filled with subtropical plants.
Getting Around
Three railway stations serve Falmouth: Town station for the center, Docks station near Pendennis Castle, and Penmere for residential areas. Trains run to Truro every 30 minutes, taking about 25 minutes. Buses connect to nearby towns, and ferries leave from Prince of Wales Pier to various harbor destinations. You can walk around the center easily, though some streets have steep hills.