What To See and Do When You Stay in Falmouth

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October 20th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Falmouth is a port in Cornwall, located at the mouth of the river Fal. It boasts the third deepest natural harbor in the world and because of this, it has been the start and end point for many voyages across the world’s oceans. Such people who have carried out such record breaking attempts are Sir Francis Chichester and Dame Ellen MacArthur. There are plenty of things to see and do when you stay in Falmouth.

A baby seal, found on the beach at St Agnes, caused the National Seal Sanctuary to open here in 1958. The sanctuary was based in St Agnes until 1975 when the single pool used for keeping the seals and injured sea birds in was not large enough. The sanctuary then moved to Gweek and Ken (its owner) added more pools so that he could cater for more rescued seals from around Cornwall.

As you wander around this attraction you have a chance to see firsthand the work carried out by those who are employed by it ensure that as many of the seals are returned to the wild as possible. However, you will also find a number of these wonderful sea creatures have remained because they are simply too badly injured or will not be able to cope with being returned to the wild.

Across the harbor from Falmouth (which houses St Mawes castle) is the historic Pendennis Castle. Both castles were built in the time of the Tudors and were built to form a defensive chain along the south coast during the reign of Henry VIII. These castles were built to act as a deterrent against either the French or Spanish invading England.

Pendennis castle has been used regularly over the years and this means that it is still in excellent shape. Elizabeth I had the castle strengthened and it had the honor of being the last Royalist stronghold to fall in the English Civil War. Plus the castle then was utilized during both the First and Second World Wars and today the guardhouse and the underground tunnels and magazines from these wars remain. You can also visit the Tudor Keep which has seen the recreation of a gun deck.

Close to Falmouth is the Lizard Peninsula, the most southern point in England and even though Land’s End is often thought to hold this position. When you visit Lizard Point there is plenty for one to do and you’ll want to explore the satellite dishes featured at Goonhilly Earth Station. If you’re in luck, you may be able to see seals, dolphins or even a shark basking in the water.

In Falmouth itself there are plenty of attractions that visitors to this coastal town can enjoy. One of these is Trebah Gardens, which can be found on the outskirts of Falmouth, close to Mawnan Smith village. The whole garden covers a total of around 25 acres and throughout the year there are wide variety of plants to enjoy. But along with the plants there is a large pond, a waterfall and private beach area as well.

If you get hungry during your time in the gardens, there is a cafe for you to sit down and take in some refreshments. There is also a playground for younger visitors. The gardens are open throughout the year.

Check out the wide variety of Falmouth hotels and bed and breakfasts here.

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