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

Art Fair 2026 - Wednesday 15 April 2026 to Friday 17 April 2026

The three-day celebration of creativity is taking place at the Princess Pavilion, showcasing a curated mix of established and emerging artists from across Cornwall.

Falmouth Food Festival - Friday 22 May 2026 to Monday 25 May 2026

Falmouth Food Festival is a flagship event, founded three years ago with a simple goal—to celebrate Cornwall’s incredible food culture and showcase the talent of its chefs, producers, and artisans. More than just a food festival, it’s about bringing people together, supporting the local community, and highlighting the best of Cornish food and drink. By making high-quality, locally sourced food accessible, we create a welcoming space where people can enjoy great flavours, connect with others, and experience the region’s culinary excellence.

Click here for more information.

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival - Friday 12 June 2026 to Sunday 14 June 2026

Welcome to Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
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.

For more information click here.

Falmouth Classics - Friday 12 June 2026 to Sunday 14 June 2026

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.

For more information click here.

Falmouth Week - Friday 07 August 2026 to Sunday 16 August 2026

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…

Make sure you join in with the Pink Wig Mermaid March and Falmouth Carnival to kickstart Falmouth Week! Or, explore the wide variety of family friendly activities in the heart of Falmouth on The Moor and Events Square, including a vintage hand-turned carousel, music from local musicians, an eclectic market, Falmouth Art Gallery workshops and a buzzing atmosphere! There’s also a full week of evening entertainment within the Waterfront Marquee organised by Southwest Bars and Events, ranging from the famous 80’s and 00’s night to Ska night!