the classic guide

A guide to the West Country from the people that know…

Falmouth

Historically one of Britain’s most vital ports, now home to the National Maritime Museum. Falmouth is a thriving resort (check out the flash yachts in the harbour), a rich centre for art, including one of the country’s best art schools, and a great collection of beaches.

5 Stars

Oct 2024

Beautiful and interesting

Falmouth is without doubt Cornwall’s most thriving town. Lots of artisan traders, interesting individual shops and some fantastic food offerings.

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4 Stars

Mar 2024

Falmouth

Maritime museum more interesting than I initially thought. It’s fun to take the 20 minute ferry from St.Mawes to Falmouth.

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4 Stars

Aug 2023

Hop on the ferry to Falmouth

Our second trip to Falmouth on the ferry which we all love. Falmouth has a great variety of restaurants and lovely independent shops. Would particularly recommend The Harbour View restaurant…amazing meal very reasonably priced there.

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5 Stars

Oct 2022

I do love a museum…

The maritime museum in Falmouth is well worth a visit for everyone of all ages. So much to see and learn. It also has a very fine shop..!!!

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5 Stars

Jul 2020

Ian McGrath

Liked the idea of shutting down the High Street to traffic between 10.00-16.00, which gave more space for pedestrians still nervous following lockdown. Recommend Harbour Lights Fish

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5 Stars

Mar 2015

falmouth to st mawes

Would recommend the boat trip across to lovely St Mawes, pretty harbour town, great pub lunch in the Rising Sun conservatory....

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5 Stars

Jan 2015

Winter break

Falmouth is good to visit any time of year and we have been in all seasons. Our recent visit in January was excellent. We found plenty to do despite some very mixed weather. As oldies we went to Rick Stein of or a vintage lunch served on Tuesday's until March very busy and cheap. We also visited Pendennis Castle and the Maritime Museum for another oldies lunch (Wednesday's) which included admission to the museum. The view on the Fal is lovely and we visited Newquay and Perranporth which out of season have beautiful deserted beaches to walk on.

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5 Stars

Feb 2013

Falmouth and surrounding area

Falmouth has something for everyone ~ great beaches, great boating, good choice of restaurants and great accommodation. Easy access to other villages and lots going on ~ one great high street with everything you can imagine. ~Would recommend Amanzi restaurant ~ great place to eat with a South African twist.
Try visiting Mylor Harbour just a couple of miles away, great for walking and eating too. Dogs are welcome at many places in the area which is a bonus......having just spent a few days there in February will be returning again in June.

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5 Stars

Jul 2012

Something for Everyone

Falmouth really does have something for everyone. Having just spent a recent week of mixed weather we were never stuck for something to do, even if it was just wandering and enjoying the bustle of local life. Everyone working in the shops, cafes, restaurants and local attractions were friendly and clearly enjoyed their work, which in turn made us feel welcomed.

Trips to St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula via the chainlink ferry or by boat make for enjoyable days out.

We also enjoyed dinner and a concert at the Princess Pavillion, with its beautiful gardens that lead down to the seafront.

Hope to visit again soon.

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5 Stars

Jul 2012

The National Maritime Museum is a superb informative way to spend best part of a wet day, as the number of families and school parties evidenced. As re-entry is free for a year after the initial entry fee we decided to browse the exhibitions for part of the morning, exited for lunch at nearby Rick Stein's Fish and Chip restaurant, which was delicious if a little expensive, then re-entered the Museum to finalize our tour. The Spring/Summer Search and Rescue exhibition was of particular interest as we support the RNLI.

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5 Stars

Nov 2011

Best town in Cornwall

Falmouth is a very honest town, un-spoilt and un-commercialised, and as such I would rate it as one of the best towns in Cornwall. We have stayed here on holiday many times in various properties, and there is always plenty to do here, which is especially important with 3 young children in tow!

The maritime museum is definitely worth a visit if you are here, this is a high quality attraction which puts some of the other so-called landmark attractions in the county to shame (Land's End to name one). You could easily spend a whole week in the town itself without venturing further afield.

Avoid restaurants such as Stein's fish & chips, and venture into the heart of town for more authentic and better value food. Short ferry rides to St. Mawes and Flushing are great fun, you can even take a ferry to Truro on the high tides.

If beaches are your thing, then Gyllngvase beach is an un-spoilt beauty and is wonderful at any time of the year.

If you like pubs (and who doesn't) then go to the Chain Locker, this is one of my all-time favourite pubs and must surely be one of the best in the country. The quayside location, and the quite excellent beer, rate it very highly. The Boathouse at the top of the High Street at the entrance to the town is also excellent.

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