Falmouth Holidays: Things To See and Do When You Visit Falmouth, Cornwall

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. Sir Francis Chichester and Dame Ellen MacArthur both carried out record breaking attemps starting from Falmouth. 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 stayed at St Agnes until 1975, when it outgrew the facilities there. It was at this time the sanctuary then moved to Gweek and its owner Ken increased the number of pools and their sizes so that they could care for more seals which were being rescued of the Cornish coast. 

The seals are cared for with a view to returning them to the wild as soon 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.

Just south east of Falmouth is Pendennis Castle which is situated across the harbor from its castle St Mawes. These are both castles built during Tudor times and were an important part of the UK's sea defenses during the time of Henry VIII. These castles were built to act as a deterrent against either the French or Spanish invading England. 

Since its construction it has been used over the centuries and remains in excellent condition to this day. Elizabeth I had the castle strengthened and was again utilized during the Civil War by the Royalist’s and was their last stronghold to fall. 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. Plus you have a chance to visit the Tudor Keep which has been well maintained and in which a gun deck has been recreated.

Close to Falmouth is the Lizard Peninsula, the most southern point in England and is popular with those who don’t want to visit the more commercialized Land’s End. Lizard Point has plenty of things for you to do and see from the Goonhilly Earth Station with the satellite dishes that stand out. If you're in luck, you may be able to see seals, dolphins or even a shark basking in the water.

Of course, Falmouth has many tourist attractions as well. One such attraction is Trebah Gardens which are located on the outskirts of Falmouth near to the village of Mawnan Smith. The gardens are spread over twenty five acres and feature a wide selection of plant life. They also have a private beach, a large pond and a waterfall for you to enjoy. 

If you get hungry during your time in the gardens, there is a cafe for you to sit down and take in some refreshments. Plus if you find the children are getting a little bored just exploring the gardens then take them to the playground to let off some steam. The gardens are open through the year although the times of opening and closing do differ.  

Check out the wide variety of Falmouth hotels and other accommodation here.