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Falmouth
image by Matt Jessop - supplied by Visit Cornwall
Falmouth is Cornwall’s leading South West Coast Resort and home to the County’s Maritime Heritage. Here you will find sandy golden beaches, spectacular scenery, specialist shops from local art to antiques and exceptional sailing in Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary.
Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle to defend the Carrick Roads in 1540, which, together with St Mawes Castle on the east side meant that the estuary entrance was well guarded. Sir John Killigrew created the town of Falmouth shortly after 1613, which received a charter from Charles II in 1661. A new church was consecrated in 1665 and there was soon a cluster of a few hundred homes around the Church of “King Charles the Martyr”.
In 1688, Falmouth was made the Royal Mail packet station. In 1805, the news of Britain's victory (and Admiral Nelson's death) at Trafalgar was landed here at the steps of Fishstrand Quay from the schooner, H.M.S. Pickle and taken to London by stagecoach.
The development of Falmouth Docks began in 1858 with the first ship entering in 1861. The railway reached the town soon after, in 1863. This brought prosperity and also tourism to the town. Perhaps surprisingly, Falmouth boasts three railway stations; Falmouth Docks, Falmouth Town and Penmere.
Upcoming Events
Christmas Fair at Trelissick - Saturday 05 December 2026 to Tuesday 08 December 2026
Saturday 5 – Tuesday 8 December, 10am-4.30pm
Find the perfect Christmas gift at the Trelissick craft fair, featuring a range of handmade items created by Trelissick staff and volunteers.
Meet the makers, browse their unique creations and pick up something special for your loved ones this Christmas.
Relaxed Storytelling wit Santa at Trebah - Saturday 12 December 2026 to Sunday 13 December 2026
Tickets
£6 — £23.50
Child Trebah Member (all ages) £8 | Adult Trebah Member £6 | Child Non-Member £16.75 | Adult Non-Member £23.50 | Child Non-member (under 5) £8
Relaxed Storytelling with Santa sessions are for those who’d benefit from an environment with fewer people and less noise.
Santa comes to Trebah to share a story!
Nestled among twinkling lights and winter greenery in the garden, Santa is relaxing at Trebah while Mrs Claus puts the finishing touches on her festive wreath at our wreath making workshop. While Santa is waiting for Mrs Claus in his special VIP lounge, he has some time to share a story with a small group. After storytime, Santa will spend some quality time with each child and gift them a small present.
Little ones can write their letters to Santa and post them straight to the North Pole via our magical Christmas post box while enjoying a little cup of hot cocoa, before stepping into a cosy, log grotto for a heart-warming, fun and interactive storytelling experience.
When the tale comes to an end, families can enjoy a photo opportunity with Santa himself, and every child will leave with a Christmas gift to remember the experience by.
Tickets include a 45-minute group storytelling experience, admission to the garden and a small gift from Santa.
Relaxed sessions will take place at 10am on the 12th and 2:30pm on the 13th of December.
Spaces are limited so pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair - Saturday 12 December 2026 to Sunday 13 December 2026
Event Details
• Dates. Saturday 12 December and Sunday 13 December 2026.
• Typical Opening Hours. Traditionally 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday.
• Location. Jubilee Wharf, Commercial Road, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 8FG.
• Admission. Free entry.
What to Expect
• Artisan Stalls. Over 30 stalls set up in the courtyard, upstairs in the ZedShed, and inside the on-site workshops and gallery.
• Handmade Gifts. Locally crafted items including sea glass jewellery, ceramics, textiles, prints, art pieces, and natural skincare.
• Food & Drink. Festive food, hot drinks, and refreshments served throughout the weekend by the waterside Muddy Beach Café.
You can see who is participating in this year’s fair by going to our website - https://www.jubileewharf.co.uk/whatson/christmas-fair
Falmouth Food Festival - Friday 28 May 2027 to Monday 31 May 2027
• Local Cornish food and drink vendors
• Independent artisans and creators
• Live cooking demonstrations and chef stages
• Live music and entertainment across multiple stages
Falmouth Internationl Sea Shanty - Friday 18 June 2027 to Sunday 20 June 2027
The largest FREE nautical music and song festival in Europe. Falmouth has long been a first safe port of call for deepwater sailing ships, and it was here that sailors filled the town's waterside alehouses with their songs. Today, over ninety groups from across the globe keep that tradition alive, performing shanties old and new across the town's streets and quaysides.
Falmouth Classics Regatta - Friday 18 June 2027 to Sunday 20 June 2027
Falmouth Classics Regatta 40th Anniversary
Falmouth Classics features three days of enjoyable racing and a spectacular Parade of Classic Boats and the Small Classic Boat Parade. Since it began, in 1987, Falmouth Classics has steadily grown to be one of the largest Classic sailing events in the UK.
Falmouth is recognised as having some of the best sailing waters in the world in the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. There are also many vantage points for spectators to view the events.
The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival takes place at the same time and over 70,000 visitors flock to Falmouth.
