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Falmouth

Our favourite gardens

Trelissick, near Truro

National Trust owned and set on its own peninsula estate, it is a welcoming garden with stunning maritime views over the Fal estuary and lovely, meandering woodland walks leading to exotic plants and herbaceous borders.

With extensive riverside walks, it’s own beach and a stately home with a renowned art gallery including paintings from local artists.

Crofters café offers a delicious range of National Trust fare.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Enys Gardens, Penryn

Considered to be the oldest garden in Cornwall. Robert Enys lived there during the reign of Edward 1.

Redesigned in 1833 the 30-acre gardens now include Parc Lye open meadow, where the spring show of bluebells is breathtaking; the Ponds and waterwheel, The Flower Garden, The New Zealand Garden, Broadwalk and The Orchard, not forgetting the Garden Café.

https://www.enysgardens.org.uk

Glendurgan Garden

National Trust owned, this is a subtropical valley garden just 15 minutes drive from Pendra Loweth. You can stroll down through the peaceful, exotic and playful valley to a sheltered beach at the bottom – a place to watch birds & boats, skim stones and build sand-castles.

Glendurgan is home to the 1833 Laurel maze, as well as the Giants Stride maypole.

The café, shop and gardens are usually open between February and November each year.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan/

Trebah Gardens

Neighbouring Glendurgan, this beautiful sub-tropical Cornish Valley garden has over 4 miles of footpath and its very own private beach.

Trebah offers a year-round experience. Spring sees 100 year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias; Summer it’s the giant gunnera; Autumn the Hydrangea Valley cast clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard pond; and the spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape in Winter.

With adventure play areas, children’s trails and an excellent café, it is a family and dog-friendly garden.

https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/

Categories
Falmouth

The National Maritime Museum

Steeped in history

Dip your toes into the historic Falmouth docks. The National Maritime Museum showcases the fascinating maritime history of Falmouth and the greater Cornwall region.

This multi award-winning it offers a fascinating history and celebration of the sea, boats and Cornwall. The vast, iconic building is home to exciting exhibitions and a wide range of galleries taking visitors on a journey through the influence of the sea on history and culture.

The variety of boats on display from around the world is staggering and includes rafts and logboats from the earliest times, right up to those now used for working, fishing, rescue, ceremonial and transportion.

https://www.nmmc.co.uk/

Categories
Falmouth

Pendennis Castle

English Heritage Site

Looked after by English Heritage, this is one of the finest of the mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion.

Set on a headland with breath-taking views of Falmouth, nearby beaches and far out to sea you can look out for sea-faring vessels, a huge range of wildlife, birds and coastal creatures.

The Castle has seen action in many conflicts and was one of the last royalist strongholds to fall during the English Civil War. You can witness a Tudor gundeck in action here and see how the Guardhouse was equipped during the First World War.

This award-winning attraction also boasts an exciting interactive exhibition where you can experience the sights and sounds of battle and relive an enemy attack on a Second World War observation post.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/pendennis-castle

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Falmouth

Falmouth Lifeboat Station

Open to the public

Members of the team of volunteer guides will happily explain the activities of the RNLI and give you a tour of both the Falmouth inshore and all-weather lifeboats.

https://www.falmouthlifeboat.co.uk


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Falmouth

Castle Beach

Beach and Cafe

This beach consists mostly of shingle at high tide. But at low tide golden sand can be found as well as plenty of interesting rock pools to explore. Whilst those of a more adventurous disposition can enjoy diving and snorkelling.

This is a lovely location with stunning views out over Falmouth Bay in one direction and the historic Pendennis Castle and St Anthony headland in the other.

The café, providing home made cakes and light meals upon a large sundeck area is open from Easter to September.

Dogs are allowed on the beach, except between 10 am & 6 pm throughout July and August.

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Falmouth

Gyllyngvase Beach

Magnificent views

Gyllyngvase is Falmouth’s main beach and one of the most popular in Cornwall. Warmed by the waters of the Gulf stream, with a wide arc of golden sand and inviting sea, it is a Blue Flag status beach. With its raised promenade it offers magnificent views across Falmouth Bay.

Gylly Beach Cafe is built over the beach and offers fantastic views from its sundrenched terrace and is open all year round. It’s menu includes lots of fish/shellfish, salads, tapas, accompanied by chilled out acoustic music sessions. Perfect for a romantic meal or a family gathering by the beach: http://www.gyllybeach.com

Deck-chair, volleyball and tennis-hire facilities are available.

Queen Mary Gardens adjoins the beach, as does the South West coast path.

Although dogs are not allowed on this beach between 10 am & 6 pm throughout 15th May to 30th September, other local beaches are less restrictive.

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Falmouth

Swanpool Beach

Swanpool is a sandy cove about a mile from Kingfisher Cottage on the west side of Falmouth. It’s a friendly, fun and welcoming environment, which can be reached by footpath alongside the golf course.

There’s a large carpark, crazy golf course, toilets & changing rooms, kayak hire, free wifi on the beach – or just simply relax on the sand.

Classic British seaside experience

Along with a small collection of beach huts, one of the beach’s most popular features is the Swanpool Beach Cafe – great for hot drinks, snacks and even ponchos. The cafe is open all year round and is home to the “Quirky ice cream” http://www.swanpoolbeach.co.uk/cafe/

For a more substantial meal with a fantastic view, head across to the highly recommended Beach House restaurant for excellently prepared crab, lobster, scallops, oysters and mussels.

Elemantal UK watersports school offers equipment hire and a range of tuition including sailing, kayaking, coasteering and raft-building – https://www.elementaluk.com

The beach backs onto the Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve, home to a wide range of bird species along with the rare Trembling Sea Mat! http://www.swanpool.org.uk

At the northern end of the cove is a path on the coast which leads round to Gyllyngvase Beach about 5 minutes walk away. Whilst a path from the southern end loops over to Maenporth beach about 15 minutes away.

Dogs are allowed on this beach, except between 10am & 6pm, 1st July & 31st August.

Categories
Falmouth

Maenporth Beach

Walking distance from Kingfisher Cottage

A 20-minute level walk along a bridle path and lane or enjoy a 35 minute leisurely walk through scenic woods and undulating farmland from Kingfisher Cottage, Pendra Loweth – particularly good for exercising your dog.

Sandy beaches and fantastic swimming

Swim from the gently shelving sandy beach, relax on the sand, bring a barbecue, visit the cafe for a fresh crab sandwich, enjoy lunch at The Cove, a beachside restaurant with fabulous views or explore the South West Coast Path.

Maenporth beach sits at the head of a small, sheltered bay with lovely views south. The coastline to the east and west offers protection from the wind and waves making Maenporth a great place to paddle, swim and enjoy the water safely.

When the tide is out you can see the wreck of the Ben Asdale, a trawler that sank on 30th December 1979 – see https://www.submerged.co.uk/the-wreck-of-the-ben-asdale/

Kayaks and Stand-up Paddle Boards can be hired throughout the summer.

Food and drink can be purchased at the café: https://lifesabeachcafe.co.uk

Public Toilets are available and car parking is free November to March.

Dogs are welcome on this beach, except between 10am & 6pm 1st July 1st until 31st August.