20 Reasons why Falmouth is amazing

From hidden coves and winding streets to a rich maritime history and creative hub - here's our top 20 reasons why you should visit Cornwall’s most sought-out coastal town.

1.

Falmouth is home to the world's third largest natural deep-water harbour in the world and the deepest in Western Europe

2.

It’s also famous for being the start or finish point of various round the world record-breaking voyages, such as those of Sir William Robert Pat "Robin" Knox-Johnston and Dame Ellen MacArthur

3.

Falmouth is the gateway to the beautiful Fal River which runs through an Area Of Natural Beauty

4. 

It has 4 – yes 4! –world-class beaches. Castle beach, Gyllyngvase beach, Swanpool beach and Maenporth beach are all fantastic for families, watersports and adrenalin junkies

5. 

There are Great festivals and an events calendar all year round

6.

Creative buzz - think art galleries, exhibitions and a bucket load of independent shops

7.

Spectacular array of things to see and do – 8 gardens nearby, 4 main beaches and over 20 family attractions

8.

It’s surrounded by fascinating maritime heritage. The multi award-winning National Maritime Museum Cornwall houses a huge collection of boats, retells stories of intrepid explorers and provides an observation window where you can see what’s happening underwater in the harbour

9.

Pendennis Castle is one of the finest fortresses built by Henry VIII. Explore the restored Victorian and WWII defences complete with sounds and smells and head to the Discovery Centre where hands-on activities allows visitors of all ages to really get to grips with history

10.

The award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery (free entry) is one of the leading galleries in the South West and is family friendly too. It has changing displays of some of the best British art with a regular programme of special exhibitions complementing works by luminaries such as Henry Scott-Tuke and Sir Alfred Munnings

11.

Exotic sub-tropical plants thrive in Falmouth’s mild maritime climate and at the well cared for Kimberly Park Municipal Garden you can sit amongst the immaculate oasis of ornamental trees and formal flower beds and enjoy a picnic

12.

Other gardens include the internationally renowned Trebah Garden. Family and dog friendly with a dramatic coastal setting on the Helford – it has amazing Gunnera to get lost in and its very own secret beach

13.

And there’s a fantastic maze at Glendurgan Gardens

14.

Falmouth’s host of beaches offer surfing, snorkelling, sailing and plenty of lounging around in the sun

15.

Kids can go rockpooling crazy

16.

Falmouth is positioned next to areas of outstanding natural beauty along the helford and fal rivers

17.

Explore the Fal estuary on the ferries that criss-cross the water connecting Falmouth with the charming harbour town of St Mawes and the city of Truro. The ferry runs all year round

18.

Falmouth is a foodie paradise. Tuck into freshly caught seafood from the delicious delis, food festivals, waterside restaurants and traditional pubs

19.

Rick Stein has a walk-in seafood restaurant there serving Rick’s favourite dishes including sea bream fillets, moules marinière, grilled lobster and shucked oysters. As well as the seafood restaurant, he has a takeaway serving fish and chips, tiger prawns, fish chilli burgers, battered oysters and more. Yum

20.

The Lighthouse that appeared in Fraggle Rock is around the corner. You can walk to St Anthonys Head Lighthouse from St Mawes across the water