This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy.
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
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival - Friday 13 June 2025 to Sunday 15 June 2025
Welcome to the largest FREE nautical music and song festival in Europe!
Falmouth has a proud and long history as a first safe port of call for deepwater sailing ships. It was here that sailors filled our waterside alehouses with their songs, and it is here that those shanties and stories are kept alive today.
Expect over eighty groups from across the UK, Europe and further afield, performing classic and contemporary shanties in many town and quayside locations.
For more information please see website.
Falmouth Classic's Regatta - Friday 13 June 2025 to Sunday 15 June 2025
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 65,000 visitors flock to Falmouth.
The Gin to My Tonic Festival - Saturday 19 July 2025
The Gin To My Tonic Gin, Rum & Vodka Festival Falmouth. Princess Pavilion. 19th July 2025
THE BEST CRAFT GIN, RUM & VODKA FESTIVAL IN FALMOUTH & CORNWALL. MEET & SAMPLE WITH THE BEST CRAFT DISTILLERS.
For more details & Tickets click here.
Falmouth Week - Friday 08 August 2025 to Sunday 17 August 2025
Falmouth Week is a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. With its origins as a local sailing regatta dating back as far as 1837, the week has evolved into one of the major sailing competitions in the South West as well as an opportunity for sailors and landlubbers to enjoy the many daytime and evening activities in the town.
There is so much to see and do at Falmouth Week…
For more details see website
