Things to do in Falmouth, England

Our story starts by seeking out the Killigrews — the family of piratical rogues that first founded the town. We look over their atmospheric (and haunted) home, and then begin to walk in their footsteps, learning about Falmouth's meteoric rise from this inglorious beginning to a great role on the world stage. As we move through the town, your guide will be playing old tunes on his button accordion, helping your mind to slip back into old Falmouth. You'll hear about the boom years, when Falmouth was thronged with visitors from around the world — adventurers, cannibals, cutthroats — making this a heady melting pot of cultures, all connected by the maritime world.

Day 1 Depart London and travel through the old kingdom of Wessex to the historic city of Winchester. The former capital of Anglo-Saxon England boasts a magnificent cathedral and the Norman Great Hall. From this bustling city, head to a quieter but equally profound place, the standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Having explored this mystical place, your tour will continue to Exeter, the Romans most southwesterly fortified settlement and your base for 2 nights. Day 2 Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge, and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Francis Drake. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore the Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and famous 12th-Century Norman Cathedral. Day 3 Head west to the North Cornish coast and the Elizabethan fishing village of Boscastle. Indulge in a cream tea, take a stroll out to the dramatic headland or learn a spell or two in the Museum of Witchcraft. Travel to the village of Tintagel and the ruins of its headland Castle, whose romantic cliff-top setting is purportedly the birthplace of King Arthur. After lunch, the tour heads to Port Isaac where you can get your Doc Martin fix and fall in love with this picturesque fishing village, before heading south to the bustling port town of Falmouth for the next two nights. Day 4 Explore the most westerly tip of England on this magnificent day, taking in St. Michael’s Mount, the incredible Minack Theater, built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. You visit Land’s End before following a landscape dotted with the relics of the Cornish tin mining heritage, and now a filming location for the Poldark series. St Ives is the final stop of the day with its plethora of artists’ galleries in the maze of narrow, harbour-side streets. You return to Falmouth for the night. Day 5 This morning, you say farewell to Cornwall and travel across Bodmin Moor, a wild moorland that’s designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. We’ll take a break before leaving Cornwall and continuing to Glastonbury. Here you can visit the ruins of 7th century Abbey, relax over some lunch or scale Glastonbury Tor for the views across five counties. From here, you travel back to London, a busy city far removed from the experiences you’ve enjoyed in the magical counties of Devon and Cornwall.

Explore Cornwall your way with this guidebook that illustrates a scenic 212-mile (340 km) point-to-point trip across 25 of the region’s most captivating destinations. Designed for flexibility, the guide is organised into themed sections—each covering Bude to St Ives, South & Central Cornwall including Bodmin and Truro—so you only visit the places that you choose. __________________________________________________________________ WHAT TO EXPECT • This is an online travel guide – much like a digital book – ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go. • The guidebook offers an overarching plan to help shape your multi-destination holiday, with different ideas and sample itineraries. It shows how destinations can be combined to suit your timeframe – typically from 3 to 14 days. • It’s designed to help you decide where to go, what to see, where to stay, and to inspire your trip in a way that suits your interests. It also includes helpful tips such as how to get there and where to park. • Please note: the guide itself is not customisable. However, each route includes Uncover Britain’s own pre-populated Google Maps with suggested pins and directions, plus customisable directions by section using Google Maps. __________________________________________________________________ GO BEYOND THE CLASSICS WITH: • Falmouth – A bustling maritime town with beaches, a harbour, and naval history • Truro – Cornwall’s only city, home to a cathedral, galleries, and Georgian charm • Padstow – A popular harbour town with a thriving food scene and Rick Stein’s restaurant • Bodmin & Bodmin Moor – Discover mining heritage, wild moorland, and hidden stories • St Ives – Famous for its beaches, art galleries, and colourful seaside charm • Penzance – A lively coastal town with a historic promenade and harbour views • Castles & Heritage Sites – Visit Tintagel, Pendennis Castle, St Mawes Castle, and St Michael’s Mount • Hidden Coves & Coastal Legends – Explore Godrevy Lighthouse, the Minack Theatre, and mystical Cornish caves • Poldark Locations – Follow in the footsteps of the BBC’s Poldark through iconic film locations • The South West Coast Path – Take in spectacular clifftop views and coastal walks __________________________________________________________________ While you could search for places to go on your own, this guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey—so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

Join us for an unforgettable wildlife-watching adventure along Cornwall’s stunning coastline. Aboard Seaquest of Falmouth, the UK's largest purpose-built wildlife-watching RIB, you’ll have the chance to spot incredible marine life in their natural habitat while covering up to 30 miles of breathtaking scenery. Set sail for two hours of discovery, adventure, and lasting memories on Cornwall’s spectacular coast. Your experienced skipper will share fascinating insights into local wildlife, shipwrecks, smugglers' tales, and Cornwall’s rich maritime history, all while ensuring a fun and engaging experience. As a WiSe Master Accredited operator with nearly 20 years of experience, the team is dedicated to responsible and sustainable eco-tourism.

Falmouth is a town with many stories to tell. On this tour you'll walk the old streets with your undead guide and peer beneath the surface — you'll uncover the ghosts of those drowned in the harbour, those caught up in a tavern brawls, those abandoned by their friends. And, if you're lucky, you might get to hear the story of your guide's own grisly end back in the early 1600s. The storytelling is all accompanied with humour and charm, ensuring a top notch experience that's appropriate all ages (with parental guidance).

Day 1 You begin your journey down into the south-west of England. You’ll stop in at cute villages and enjoy a scenic drive through Exmoor National Park, a beautiful mix of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers. We like to keep things flexible this morning, so your driver-guide will touch base with you throughout the day. Next stop is Dunster; this medieval village is dominated by its Norman Castle, which you can view as you wander the village. You will visit the incredible ruins of Tintagel Castle. Sitting snug on the clifftops of North Cornwall, this historic 13th-century castle is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The time is yours to explore this wonderful site. We depart Tintagel and head for the coastal city of Falmouth, our overnight base for the next two nights. Day 2 The day begins with a visit to one of Cornwall’s most loved destinations: the fishing town of St Ives. Get in touch with your inner seaside dweller as you wander this idyllic harbour town. Your next destination is a must in our opinion. Land’s End is a legendary spot that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as ‘Belerion’, or ‘Place of the Sun’. We head for a lunch break to an open-air theatre perched atop rugged cliffs. Yes, we’re talking about the incredible *Minack Theatre. *Please note that due to availability, we may be unable to visit this theatre. Your guide will let you know as you go. The last stop of the day is in Marazion, where you’ll get a chance for a photo of the jaw-dropping St Michael’s Mount. This rocky island is home to a medieval church and castle, and is England’s very own Mont Saint-Michel. Day 3 This morning we keep things flexible, with possible stops as we start heading north again. You then arrive in Tavistock, an ancient stannary (tin-mining district) and market town. You have free time to explore the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. Your journey continues east into Dartmoor National Park, a stunningly craggy landscape filled with forests, rivers, wetlands and tors. You’ll stop in the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, where the folk song of “Widecombe Fair” has been immortalized. Your adventure in Dartmoor National Park continues with a visit to the rocky granite outcrops of Haytor before you head to Exeter for the evening. Day 4 The last day of your tour stops at Durdle Door, one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, and the uniqueness of Lulworth Cove. Then you head to the iconic and mind-boggling Stonehenge. It’s been around for around 5,000 years and to this day, people still flock to it in wonder. You among them? There are plenty of legends surrounding these massive stones and how they ended in such a formation. Some believe aliens were involved, while others imagine the likes of the wizard Merlin having something to do with it. Whatever you believe, you’re sure to be in awe. Your adventure ends with a lovely drive back towards Bristol, where you arrive that evening.

Leaving from the pretty and historic Mylor Yacht Harbour, we'll take a unique boat tour of all the best that the area has to offer from the unrivalled perspective that only a relatively small and nimble power boat can offer. Every trip is different and planned on the day, but each will take in the very best that the area has to offer depending on weather and tides. This is one of the most beautiful and scenic pieces of coastline in Cornwall, packed with history and stunning sights and always alive with interesting vessels and activities to see. Get amongst the ever-changing array of large ships and super yachts in the historic port of Falmouth, explore the rugged coastline of Falmouth Bay, meander up the peaceful and lush tucked away creeks that visitors rarely get to see, and cruise into hidden coves and sandy inlets dotted along the way. Maybe even stop off for a swim if you fancy! Your experienced local skipper Giles will tailor your trip to suit the individual wants of your group members. So whether you prefer high speed blasts across open water, or peaceful and quiet pottering just lying back and relaxing while enjoying a drink and something to eat, you will get to experience this part of the south coast in an utterly unforgettable way. Whilst every trip is unique, we will always take in as many of the historic sights and beautiful waterside towns and villages accessible from the water. as we can. Flushing, Falmouth, the two King Henry V111 castles guarding bay, St Mawes, Place Palace, Trelisick House and the Tregothnan Estate to name a few . We may also see hidden smuggler's tunnels, get in amongst the numerous sailing regattas held on the local waterways, see plenty of bird life and maybe even seals and occasionally dolphins. Depending on the tides and your groups preferences, we can either go off to explore the coastline on the way to the beautiful Helford River or head up the River Fal towards Truro and make our way up some of the tucked away creeks where few visitors get to visit. Giles will have a chat with your group when you arrive to discuss your options on the day and ensure you have the very best trip possible for all aboard. Photo opportunities aplenty will be available and Giles will be happy to accommodate any special requests you have wherever possible. Bring your own snack and drinks, and enjoy the very best trip of your visit to Cornwall. Well behaved dogs are welcome too so no members of the family have to miss out!

The 2015 BBC drama Poldark, adapted from the Winston Graham series, shows off the dramatic beauty of the Cornish landscape and coastline. Now you can step into the world of Ross Poldark and visit some of the breath-taking locations featured on the show in this Poldark tour of Cornwall. Your first stop will be a beautiful unspoilt Georgian working port that was used as the location for Truro Harbour in the new BBC series of Poldark. From here you'll wind your way down past the real Truro and Falmouth and on to the far West stopping firstly at a picturesque fishing cove used in the second series of Poldark. You'll then travel a couple of miles on to The Minack Theatre from where you can see over to the beach used in series one and down to Porthcurno beach used in series two. The views from here are unrivalled and it is one of the most iconic photo locations in Cornwall. You then head on further West to visit a pretty cove used in series one for the pilchard boats scene, and also from where Demelza spies on Ross taking his early morning swim. It was also used as the location for Marks escape by boat to France in series one. You will then stop for lunch at a reputable pub/restaurant in the area. After lunch you will wind your way up through the unspoilt mining town of St Just and on to Botallack. The farmhouse ‘Botallack Manor’ was used in the original 1970’s series as Ross Poldarks’ home, ‘Nampara’. The dramatic cliff top settings at Botallack and disused Engine houses and mine buildings here are used as the locations for Wheal Leisure and Wheal Grambler. Botallack is your last location on the days tour and from here you'll head up the scenic coastal road to St Ives and back up to Launceston arriving at approximately 18:00.

Embarking on a day of exploration starting at 9 am, we commence our journey from your accommodation. Our first destination is Pendennis Point, offering a captivating view of Falmouth Bay and an opportunity to delve into the rich history of The Carrick Roads. Following this, we pause in Falmouth town, providing you with the chance to wander and discover the charms of this port town. The next highlight on our itinerary is The Pandora Inn situated on Restronguet Creek. A beloved local spot with a mining history dating back to 2500 BC, it offers a brief yet fascinating stop. Crossing the river on the King Harry Ferry, we make our way to St Mawes, where a quick photo opportunity and a drive through the village await us along the coast. Our journey continues to Portscatho on the Roseland, a picturesque fishing village where you can indulge in a delectable pasty or cream tea to energize your exploration. Portholland, a serene south coast gem, provides the perfect spot to dip your toes in the sand and absorb the idyllic surroundings. Heading towards Mevagissey, we traverse the charming cove of Portmellon, arriving at the bustling fishing village. A stroll along the quay allows you to take in the lively atmosphere, and for those interested, the chance to purchase locally caught fresh fish is not to be missed. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a post-WWI revival turned Europe's largest garden restoration project since 1990, beckon as our next destination. Immerse yourself in the beauty that emerged from the ruins, showcasing nature's resilience. Our journey then leads us to Charlestown, a historic locale renowned for its recent role as the backdrop for the Poldark Series, particularly representing the city of Truro. A place steeped in history, it invites you to explore its captivating past. Concluding our day of exploration is the charming town of Fowey. With literary ties to "Wind in The Willows" and tales of smuggling Kings, Fowey provides a fitting end to our journey. Ensuring a timely return, we depart from Fowey with ample time to reach your accommodation by 5 pm. This carefully curated itinerary promises a day filled with diverse experiences, historical insights, and the breath taking landscapes of Cornwall.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as we set off from St Mawes Harbour. Departure times vary with the tides, and all details will be clearly described in your booking information pack. After boarding, we start with lifejacket fitting and use followed by the safety briefing. Now is also the time to put on waterproof trousers & capes (provided by us) if the wind looks like it might throw a bit of spray in our direction. Our itinerary is completely flexible, tailored to your preferences as the exclusive group on board. Popular destinations include the expansive 30 sq km of Falmouth Harbour and Carrick Roads; home to the third deepest natural harbour in the world. Alternatively, venture offshore into Falmouth Bay in search of wildlife, or explore the famous Manacles reef and the dramatic coastline of the Lizard Peninsula. While we strive to accommodate your special requests, safety remains our top priority. Your experienced skipper will recommend the best route, taking weather and tidal conditions into account. To ensure everyone's comfort, we start each trip with a brief 3-4 minute run, allowing us to double-check that all passengers are comfortable with the conditions and their clothing. Throughout the journey, we'll provide insights into the coastal sights, delve into local history such as "wrecking" (not what you might think), and even explain the development of the RIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat), renowned as one of the safest vessels afloat. As a WISE-accredited operator, we respect and protect the wildlife we encounter, which may include seals, dolphins, and even Minke whales. While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings on every trip, we always spot a variety of birdlife, including cormorants, shags, gannets, gulls, and shearwaters. We offer a free "weather guarantee": you may postpone and rebook (subject to availability) or cancelled with a full refund in the event of poor weather.