Falmouth
OS Grid ref:- SW810325
The vibrant port of Falmouth on the Fal estuary was originally known as Smithwick and is one of south west Cornwall's main resorts. Falmouth possesses four extensive golden beaches, Gyllyngvase, Swanpool, Castle and Maenporth.
The town offers a wide range of accomodation from guest houses to hotels. As well as the usual chain High Street stores there are a multitude of craft shops and souvenir shops for the tourist.
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, Falmouth boasts many sub-tropical gardens including the Fox Rosehill Gardens, once owned by the Fox family, and now a public park. The two acre park offers magnolias, acacias and rhododendrons in addition to exotic species such as the Chilean firebush.
Fox Rosehill Gardens, image courtesy of Cornish Garden Photos
The renowned gardens of Trelissick, Glendurgan, Penjerrick, Gyllngdune and Trebah are all situated close by.
Gyllngdune, image courtesy of Cornish Garden Photos
Kenneth Grahame began his favourite children's book 'Wind in the Willows' while staying at Falmouth's Green Bank Hotel, proof of which is proudly displayed in the hotel's lobby.
Falmouth Harbour has amenities for various watersports, sailing and diving schools, equipment hire and fishing trips. The Ship and Castles Leisure Pool on Pendennis Headland has an exciting rapid river run and wave machine. At he far end of the town is situated the Georgian Custom House, which boasts an imposing facade with Greek Doric columns. Falmouth Maritime Museum is a small but highly interesting museum containing a wide variety of items covering Falmouth's long maritime history.
Falmouth Regatta Week, a popular tourist attraction, is held in July or August .
Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle occupies the headland of Pendennis Point and is now owned by English Heritage, it was built by King Henry VIII from 1540-1545, along with nearby St. Mawes Castle as a coastal defence at the entrance to the River Fal.
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Places to visit in Falmouth
Falmouth Maritime Museum hosts displays on Falmouth's nautical past. Model ships, photographs and chronicles of shipwrecks. The museum also owns thw 1929 stem tug, Denys, which is berthed in Falmouth harbour.
Falmouth Arts Centre has a wide programme of events, from theatre and films to exhibitions by local artists.
Falmouth Art Gallery exhibits work by Waterhouse and Tuke, amongst many other displays.