As summer comes to Falmouth, days are spent lazing on the beach and wandering along the Southwest coastal path. We’re sharing some of the things we love about Falmouth, a place that fills you up with great food, salty sea air and happiness. We’ve compiled a small snapshot of things to do in and around Falmouth, from unique wines to dramatic castles built for Henry VIII. Revisit your favourite places or find new ones all from your Cornish holiday cottage in Falmouth.

If we had to pick our favourite places to be beside the water in Falmouth it would be Victoria Quay 2 where the water laps below the patio alcove, Abbot’s Loft for its almost boat-like vibe sitting on the tidal water’s edge or the peaceful Gwel-an-Helyn with its large harbourside balcony. For a more central location to the hubbub of shops, we’d choose the Spinnaker close to Market Street, the Prince of Wales Pier and with bonus sea views from its windows. Explore our cottages with sea views there are plenty to choose from dotted around different areas of Falmouth Town.

Historic Falmouth

Falmouth’s maritime heritage is present across the town from the architecture to the food. There’s no better place to delve into this rich history than at the Falmouth Maritime Museum. Situated on Event Square, the museum offers an immersive journey through centuries of seafaring lore. From interactive exhibits detailing Cornwall’s pivotal role in global trade to awe-inspiring displays of historic vessels, the museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area. Currently on show is a major exhibition on pirates, exploring how popular culture has shaped how we think of them today. From what they wore to what adventures they had. Running until December 2024 it is on our list of things to do in Falmouth this year.

Venture further into the annuals of history with a visit to Pendennis Castle, an iconic fortress perched majestically atop a headland overlooking Falmouth Bay. Dating back to the reign of Henry VIII, this stronghold bears witness to centuries of military history and offers commanding views of the surrounding coastline. Explore the ancient ramparts, delve into the castle’s storied past, and marvel at the breathtaking views that surround it.

A short ferry ride across the clear waters of the Fal Estuary transports you to St Mawes Castle, another of Henry VIII’s coastal fortifications. Set amidst green hills and framed by sweeping coastal panoramas, this landmark provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s coastal heritage.

Walking and talking along the streets of Falmouth 

Embark on an enthralling walking tour of Falmouth and unlock the secrets of its storied past. Led by knowledgeable guides steeped in local knowledge, these tours offer a captivating journey through the town’s hidden corners and forgotten tales. From the exploits of the notorious Killigrew family to the bustling maritime trade that once defined the town’s prosperity, each location reveals a new chapter in Falmouth’s colourful history.

We’re going on a picnic!

Falmouth’s natural beauty is a sight to behold, with an abundance of scenic walks that meander through picturesque landscapes and rugged coastal paths. Embark on the Falmouth Circular Walk, a leisurely ramble that winds its way from the bustling heart of the town to the tranquil shores of Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches. Traverse wooded paths, stroll along sandy shores and end the walk with some well-earned lunch at a Falmouth pub.

Take a walk on the wilder side of the estuary. Pick up a takeaway treat in Falmouth or pack a picnic and take the ferry over to St Mawes. When you get off the ferry follow the South West Coast Path towards St Anthony Head. Start walking from St Anthony Fort on the tip of the Roseland peninsula and follow the coast to the sandy beaches of Molunan. Despite the name, Great Molunan is a small beach – the name is just to distinguish it from Little Molunan which is even smaller. These beaches are great for summer as they allow dogs all year round. A peaceful place to stop for your picnic and even a cooling swim. Onwards from here to Carricknath Point. The walk then passes St Anthony church and returns to the coast at Porthbeor Cove to complete the route via the coast path. The route is described as easy-moderate, distancing around 5.4km, which would take around 1.5 – 2 hrs. Depending on how many snack and view breaks you take of course!

Start of the summer wine

Mine

Mine is a relative newcomer to the Falmouth food scene, already popular with locals and visitors alike. Tucked in the historic Old Brewery Yard, this neighbourhood restaurant has a laid-back yet stylish setting that lets the food do the talking. Serving simple, playful dishes and British classics with a contemporary twist. Mine is led by Angus Bell who began his career at The Star Inn at Harome, a Michelin-starred pub in North Yorkshire. He then went on to train in London at Le Gavroche under Michel Roux Jr before becoming a founding partner in the casual restaurant group Le Bab.

Mine prides itself on delivering elegant food that showcases the best of Cornish grown produce. Inspired by the surrounding area, the menu welcomes plates of fresh Cornish mackerel dotted with pickled wild garlic buds. Changing with the seasons the menu can be short but guaranteed to be sweet.

Bodega 18

For a taste of Spain in the west of Cornwall, there is Bodega 18 tapas bar. This buzzing tapas bar and restaurant celebrates the rich heritage of the Iberian Peninsula, serving up an array of classic and contemporary dishes that transport you to the cosmopolitan Madrid. From traditional patatas bravas to crisp Jamon croquetas, Bodega Tapas offers a hearty mix of flavours.

Orgia

After an afternoon spent exploring pop to the unique Falmouth wine bar Orgia. Sit back, and browse their menu dedicated to ‘skin-contact’ wines and small plates. Skin contact wine… you might wonder what that is, just like me. This new trend is actually thousands of years old! Usually, white wine is made using only the inside grape flesh, with the skin being a byproduct of the process. In recent years, many have been producing soft peachy-coloured wines. The process is usually associated with red wines, which get their deep colour from the rich colour tannins and flavours in the skin.

Orgia’s menu has also been carefully crafted to reflect and amplify the flavour profiles of the wines, with a focus on smaller plates allowing customers to enjoy light bites, a full dining experience or an intimate evening of sharing with loved ones. Here the menu also has a sense of place, using locally sourced ingredients aligning with the Cornish coastline’s rich biodiversity blended with a European vibe.

Hooked On The Rocks

If you love to watch the sea whilst enjoying an evening meal visit Hooked On The Rocks at Swanpool beach.  Experience starters such as Falmouth Bay scallops with roe butter and seaweed pangrattato, and wild prawns with garlic butter, ‘nduja, lime and fresh herbs. Mains of Falmouth Bay lobster or crab with garlic and herb butter, whole fish from Newlyn Fish Market or a shellfish platter to share.

Read our guide for more of our favourite places to eat in and around Falmouth

Fun in the sun

For those coming to experience the great Cornish outdoors, Falmouth offers an abundance of fun activities. Take to the waters and explore the coastline by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, immersing yourself in the tranquillity of secluded coves and wildlife. With its clear waters and sandy beaches Falmouth provides the perfect playground for a day at the beach or an afternoon snorkelling.

Take to the water with the legendary Captain Keith and his magnificent crew. Explore Cornwall’s marine wildlife with AK Wildlife Cruises, offering 3 to 7-hour excursions for whale, bird and dolphin watching and snorkelling adventures. The company promotes responsible wildlife-watching while also undertaking scientific research to conserve marine life. You are sure to receive a warm welcome from the team, all incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about nature.

If you’d like a taster of boating, jump on a quick 10-minute trip across the water to Flushing on the year-round passenger ferry. Spend some time exploring the surroundings in Flushing, and enjoy a sundowner and some nibbles at the Royal Standard pub or the new waterside restaurant, Harbour House.

In the adventure zone just outside of Falmouth in Penryn is the Via Ferrata, built in a disused quarry offering gorge climbing and speedy zipline rides. Originating in the Alps during WWI to enable troops to cross mountains, a Via Ferrata is a climbing route like no other. Metal steps, suspension bridges and zip wires make it one of the most adrenaline-filled climbing activities worldwide. Now it’s come to Cornwall, so you can journey across historic granite quarries on an unforgettable adventure! After scaling cliff faces and balancing across high wires, you’ll get to enjoy one of the most scenic zip lines in Cornwall. Test your nerve and have fun on this epic outdoor adventure!

Summer Falmouth Festivals and Events 

Throughout the summer, Falmouth is home to an array of festivals, events, and cultural celebrations that showcase the town’s community energy. From the Sea Shanty Festival in June to Fal Week in August, there’s always something exciting happening on the town’s bustling streets.

Falmouth Classics features three days of enjoyable racing and a spectacular parade of classic boats. Since it began, in 1987, Falmouth Classics has steadily grown to be one of the largest Classic sailing events in the UK.

The Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay are some of the best sailing waters in the world. There are also many vantage points for spectators to view the events. The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival takes place at the same time and over 65,000 visitors flock to Falmouth. In October 2024, it is time to get your reggae on with Falmouth’s reggae festival in the Princess Pavilion.

Falmouth in the summer is a wonderful place to relax and explore. From its rich maritime heritage and scenic beauty to its vibrant culinary scene and outdoor adventures. We really do have something for everyone to enjoy.