Falmouth - a popular coastal town


Falmouth, an historic maritime town, is also a leading coastal resort.


The town became a busy port in the 17th century when it was made a Mail Packet Station.


In its heyday, there were around 40 fast packet sailing ships operating out of the port taking mail and bullion to destinations in Europe and the Americas.


The port remained an important centre of communication with the British Empire until the packet service was moved to Southampton in the 19th century.


The loss of the service was a blow to Falmouth. However, the arrival of the railway in 1863 soon led to the town becoming a popular holiday resort.


Today, one of the major attractions in the town is the National Maritime Museum.


Another prominent building on the waterfront, Pendennis Castle, has been standing for centuries.


Owned by English Heritage, the castle was built by Henry VIII in 1542. The Tudor castle, which is open daily, has a hands-on discovery centre and underground wartime defences.


Special events are staged at the circular castle which was the last Royalist stronghold in the English Civil War before falling to Oliver Cromwell’s forces after a long seige.


Pendennis Castle and its smaller equivalent across the water, St Mawes Castle, were built to guard the Carrick Raods, a huge natural harbour.


Today the harbour provides shelter for ocean-going vessels.


Quays and piers run along Falmouth’s waterfront where small craft and yachts come and go.


Ferries also operate to various destinations on the estuary, and river cruises and fishing trips can be booked.


Alleyways link the waterfront to the bustling town centre with its shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.


A short distance away, the town’s docks are located below the high ground of Pendennis Point.


The town’s main beaches, Maenporth, Swanpool, Gyllyngvase and Castle, are to the west of the headland.


Close by are the Princess Pavilion Theatre, Gylly-ngdune ornamental gardens and the Ships and Castles Leisure Pool.


Falmouth Art Gallery celebrates the town’s artistic traditions through paintings while the Falmouth Art Centre stages a wide variety of cultural events.


The town also has a range of sports facilities.


Falmouth is a good base from which to tour and explore the super countryside and coastal areas on its doorstep.


Interesting villages, such as Mawnan Smith, Helford, Manaccan, St Anthony and Constantine, are worthy of a visit as are the gardens at Trebah.


Gyllyngvase beach, Falmouth.


Sailing in Falmouth Harbour.


Falmouth’s Maritime Museum 24 Cornish Visitor Guide - autumn / winter 10/11


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