Things to do in Falmouth
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A
Quayside
Just along the quay from the Chain Locker, this busy boozer is the place for a sunset pint, with picnic tables beside the harbour and a twin-floored pub selling German lager and local beers.
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B
Enterprise Boats
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C
Chain Locker
Shiver-me-timbers - a classic old sea-dog of a pub, with the all-important low ceilings, heart-stopping ales and hugger-mugger atmosphere.
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Trebah
Two of Cornwall's great gardens sit side by side along the northern bank of the Helford River, both of which can be visited by taking a day-trip from Falmouth. Trebah, first planted in 1840, is one of Cornwall's finest subtropical gardens, dramatically situated in a steep ravine filled with giant rhododendrons, huge Brazilian rhubarb plants and jungle ferns.
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D
Stein's Fish & Chips
It had to happen – the Stein empire is spreading. Offering the same menu as his Padstow original (top-quality battered fish fried in beef dripping, or fish grilled in sunflower oil, both accompanied with hand-cut chips), Stein's Falmouth fish-and-chip shop has the addition of a snazzy oyster bar on the top floor. Pricey, mind.
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E
Pendennis Castle
On the promontory of Pendennis Point, this classic Tudor castle was built by Henry VIII to defend the entrance to the Fal estuary in tandem with its sister fortress at St Mawes, on the opposite side. Don't miss the superbly atmospheric Tudor gun deck (complete with cannon flashes, smoke and shouted commands), the WWI guard house and the WWII observation post.
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F
Oliver's
There's nothing remotely fancy about the decor at this new French-style bistro – it's plain pine meets plain white walls – but here simplicity is definitely a virtue. The food is classic, unfussy and impeccably presented, with the emphasis placed on essential flavours rather than cheffy flourishes. It's particularly strong on seafood.
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G
National Maritime Museum
This museum is home to one of the largest maritime collections in the UK, second only to its sister museum in Greenwich in London. At the heart of the complex is the Flotilla Gallery, where a collection of groundbreaking boats dangle from the ceiling on slender steel wires. Other highlights include the Nav Station, a hands-on exhibit exploring nautical navigation, the Tidal Zone, where underwater windows peer into the depths, and the Look Out, offering a 360-degree panorama of Falmouth Bay.
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Indaba on the Beach
The former Three Mackerel has recently been snapped up by the folk behind Indaba Fish in Truro. It offers the same upmarket seafood menu from mussels to full-blown lobster platters, with the added benefit of a top-drawer position on the rocks above Swanpool.
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Glendurgan
Next door to Trebah, this garden was established in the 18th century by the wealthy Fox family, who imported exotic plants from the New World. Look out for the stunning views of the River Helford, the 19th-century maze and the secluded beach near Durgan village. The garden is also open on Mondays in July and August.
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Cove
It's a trek down to Maen- porth, but you'll be more than happy you made the effort. This gorgeous and much garlanded modern fine diner has earned a big reputation thanks to the creative talents of head man Arty Williams, who imparts his own individual spin on contemporary Brit cuisine. The pièce de la resistance is the glorious beach-view deck: reserve well ahead.
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Beaches
Falmouth has three main beaches. The nearest beach to town is busy Gyllyngvase, a short walk from the town centre, where you'll find plenty of flat sand and a decent beach cafe. Further around the headland, Swanpool and Maenporth are usually quieter. The regular Bus 500 from Falmouth stops at all three.
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