grew up around one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and the sea still runs through everything here. A spirited town of maritime history, independent shops and waterside festivals, it offers the National Maritime Museum, a Tudor castle and a clutch of sandy beaches all within easy reach.
Harbour guide
A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.
Falmouth has the kind of harbour character we love: practical, weathered, and full of small details that reward a slower look.
Harbour strolls, seafood, families, boat watching and coastal photos.
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth Harbour and Carrick Roads are a large natural harbour which was formed in the ice age. It has a busy ship repair yard and is probably the busiest harbour in Cornwall. It is a very popular boating area and is popular amongst tourists. Falmouth is the home of the National Maritime Museum and the adjacent events square hosts many festivals during the year.
Swanpool
Shop the range
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Arrive early in peak season where possible, and leave time for parking, slopes and narrow streets.
A good family read before a visit: talk about boats, tides, old buildings and how harbour life works.
Check tides, parking and opening times if you are visiting for food, boat trips or a family wander.
Swanpool is a lovely sandy cove and freshwater lake, separated only by a narrow section of land with the road running along it.
The lake is home to many different species of birds and other wildlife due to the mixed habitats of saltwater and freshwater.
Swanpool is situated between Maenporth and Gyllyngvase Beach.
Maenporth
Maenporth is a cove situated between the Helford River and Falmouth. It has a lovely sandy beach which provides shallow waters for swimming making it ideal for families.
There are launching facilities at the beach making it equally ideal for watersports.
Gyllyingvase
Gyllyngvase Beach is a large curved beach on the south side of Falmouth. The road running along the back of the beach is the location of several larger hotels, many of them built in the early 1900s.
The beach slopes gently and is mainly sand but with some rock pools too making it a great family destination.
Penryn
Penryn is a tidal river off the River Fal. It is mainly used by small pleasure boats and the occasional fishing boat.
Sea Fishing in Falmouth area
The piers at Falmouth produce a variety of different fish, especially during the evening, including bass, pollack, whiting, mullet and flatfish. These piers are also a great place to catch prawns using a baited drop net.
Falmouth RNLI
The Lifeboats
Richard Cox Scott - Severn Class Lifeboat
Robina Nixon Chard - B Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
The current boathouse was opened in 1994 and houses the B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Robina Nixon Chard. The station is the busiest in Cornwall and also operates a Severn class all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott.
Support Falmouth Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
Falmouth RNLI
The Lifeboats
Richard Cox Scott - Severn Class Lifeboat
Robina Nixon Chard - B Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
The current boathouse was opened in 1994 and houses the B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Robina Nixon Chard. The station is the busiest in Cornwall and also operates a Severn class all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott.
Support Falmouth Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
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