The full guide
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
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
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.
Common questions
- Where is Falmouth?
- Falmouth lies on the south coast of Cornwall, at the mouth of the Fal estuary and Carrick Roads. Its deep natural harbour is one of the largest in the world and remains one of the busiest in Cornwall.
- What is Falmouth known for?
- Falmouth is known for its great natural harbour and seafaring heritage, home to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the Tudor Pendennis Castle. It's also a lively university town with independent shops, galleries and year-round festivals.
- What are the best beaches in Falmouth?
- Gyllyngvase is the town's largest and most popular beach, a gently sloping crescent of sand on the south side. Nearby are the sandy cove of Swanpool, with its freshwater lake behind, and family-friendly Maenporth a little further round the coast.
- What is there to do in Falmouth?
- You can visit the National Maritime Museum and Pendennis Castle, relax on Gyllyngvase beach, browse the town's shops and galleries, and take a ferry across the estuary to St Mawes or upriver towards Truro.
- Is Falmouth worth visiting?
- Yes. With its world-class harbour, maritime museum, historic castle, sandy beaches and lively town centre, Falmouth is one of the most rewarding all-round destinations on the south Cornwall coast.
