iKnow Cornwall
Falmouth Accommodation
Cornwall's National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
Falmouth, the home of Cornwall Sailing - Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth's Bustling Quay - shops, cafes and live music
Excellent Pedestrianised Shopping in Falmouth!
Falmouth Harbour Scene
Falmouth Custom House near the Maritime MuseumFalmouth Tourist Information Maritime Museum Falmouth Cornwall England UK
Prosperity can be all about harbours, and Falmouth's deep harbour, developed by the Killigrew family of local merchants. The strategic importance of Falmouth was given due attention by Henry VIII who had Pendennis Castle built up on the nearby headland to protect it. Falmouth Port and Harbour is renowned in the world of sailing, with numerous sailing racing events beginning here, and ample areas for yacht moorings. The area around the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is up and coming, with numerous chic cafe bars and specialist shops. Modern Falmouth has a great vibe, infused by a renowned local Arts College and superb art and culture scene.
Those looking for Cornish centres in art should head to Falmouth, and it's superb Falmouth Art Gallery and Falmouth Arts Centre. Stroll round the headland viewing Pendennis Castle, and local idyllic beaches. Falmouth has two flavours, with one waterfront on the river and one seaside waterfront. A good map is advisable to help you find your feet here. Falmouth town centre is a pleasant pedestrian affair, with some great bohemian shops, and some chic clothes shops! There's a student flavour, with it's Falmouth College of Art, giving the town a vibrant youth feel.
Falmouth Sailing & Falmouth Port
The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club has been based in Falmouth since 1872, and is one of the key organisers of many of the sailing race meets in the Falmouth area. Falmouth is sailing basically, with many local residents and their families owning boats and participating competitively and socially in local sailing events. Not surprising then that the National Maritime Museum is located here in Falmouth.
Visitors coming by boat to Falmouth have plenty of opportunity for mooring. Check both the Falmouth Port, Falmouth Sailing and Royal Cornwall Yacht club weblinks right for details. Vistors are welcome in the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club house, with bar and restaurant. Numerous sailing events are held at Falmouth throughout the year (check the Falmouth Harbour calendar weblink right), including Championship races and COGS (Cornwall Offshore Group Series) racing events. Falmouth comes alive in certain special sailing weeks held annually. One of the best is the Henri-Lloyd Falmouth Week (weblink right), held in August every year. Events include not just sailing racing and sailing themed events, but a whole host of events around Falmouth such as antique fairs, craft events, music events and live music in Falmouth bars and clubs, and if the weather is good - firework displays. It's a good week to be in Falmouth during this special Falmouth sailing week.
Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, Greenbank, Falmouth, TR11 2SP. Tel: +44 1326 312126.
Falmouth Tourist Information Centre, 11 Market Strand, Prince of Wales Pier, Falmouth, TR11 3DF. Tel: 01326 312300.
Falmouth National Maritime Museum Cornwall
The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth has something for everyone, including seafaring historians and enthusiasts, as well as families with children. As well as a selection of exhibits covering subjects as diverse as explorer endurance and the Scott South Pole expedition and exhibits which focus on particularly marine artists such as 'Powder' Thurburn, there's plenty of fun and educational workshops for kids. Lots of opportunities in this superb maritime museum for kids to interact, with Jolly Rodger Birthday parties, play areas with a nautical theme for the under 5s and more. Check the National Maritime Museum's weblink right for full details on events and workshops.
You can also take cruises from the museum to move out and about in the Falmouth estuary - superb. On-site facilities include a very nice Museum shop, a cafe, lecture theatre and various exhibition space areas. Check their website for a full plan of the museum. Researchers on marine history, particularly Cornish and Falmouth seafaring history will find plenty to interest them. Falmouth National Maritime Museum is also the home to the Royal Society of Marine Artists.
The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is open every day of the year from 10am - 5pm, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall. TR11 3QY. Tel: +44 (0) 1326 313 388.
Falmouth Art Gallery & Arts Centre
Falmouth Art Gallery situated within the Municipal buildings on the Moor in Falmouth is home to a superb collection of art, again with a Cornwall and often maritime focus. Featured arts have included the marvellous Falmouth artist Diane Ibbotson, and changing exhibitions have included works by Picasso, and exhibitions on Brunel.
Check the Falmouth Art Gallery website right for full details on current exhibitions. Cornwall is simply one of the best UK regions for art, reflected very much in this renowned art gallery. Don't miss it!
Falmouth Art Gallery is open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm including spring and summer bank holidays. Parking is available for short stay and disabled parking on The Moor. Long stay is on Quarry Hill. A lift is available, and wheelchair/pushchair access is via Webber Street.
Falmouth Art Gallery, Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth ò Cornwall TR11 4SN. Tel: 01326 313863.
Pendennis Castle Falmouth
Pendennis Castle, facing St Mawes Castle across the Carrick Roads, was built between 1540 and 1545. Henry Tudor certainly recognised the importance of protecting this strategic position at Pendennis Head, with both France and Spain on the lookout for invasion opportunities during this period in British history. The Elizabethan period saw further developments to Pendennis castle, including additional defensive walls.
During the English Civil War Pendennis Castle became eventually a Royalist stronghold. It's seen action, this English Castle, as recently as the Second World War. English Heritage have been busy at Pendennis recently, renovating the Barracks and installing new educational facilities, an on-site cafe and new exhibitions and childrens interactive exhibits.
Pendennis Castle exhibit now makes a superb day out for all the family, with adjacent parking and numerous facilities. Check out the English Heritage website to the right for details on opening times and facilities. This Cornish Castle is also now available for corporate and event hire!
Pendennis Castle, Pendennis Head, Cornwall TR11 4LP. Tel: 01326 316594.
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