Destination guides > Europe > England > Southwest England > Cornwall > Falmouth
Falmouth
This historic maritime centre is one of Cornwall's nicest large towns. It is built around the world's third-deepest harbour, which is guarded by castles on both sides and it is also home to the National Maritime Museum.
Practical information
Falmouth Tourist Information Centre
28 Killigrew Street, Falmouth
Tel (01326) 312300
Website www.falmouth.co.uk
Open Jan-Mar Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.15pm; Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.15pm; Oct-Dec Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.15pm
Coming & going
First and Truronian operate buses to neighbouring towns. Bus T11 goes to the Eden Project making it an ideal daytrip from Falmouth.
Falmouth has several train stations. Dell-Falmouth Town is the most centrally located station for both the hostel and the town centre but Falmouth Docks station is closest to the harbour and Pendennis Castle. Falmouth lies on a branch line with First Great Western running trains to Truro where you can change for trains to Bristol, Exeter and Penzance.
Hostel accommodation
Falmouth Lodge
9 Gyllyngvase Terrace, Falmouth
Tel (01326) 319 996
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Falmouth Art Gallery
The small Falmouth Art Gallery has works by local artists but is best known for John William Waterhouse's The Lady of Shalott.
Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth
Tel (01326) 313 863
Website www.falmouthartgallery.com
Admission free
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
National Maritime Museum
The excellent National Maritime Museum has a range of nautical themed exhibits that covers boatbuilding, yacht racing, navigation and Cornwall's fascinating maritime heritage. Visitors to the museum can watch boat builders restore boats, sail a radio-controlled yacht and take in panoramic views from the tower.
Discovery Quay, Falmouth
Train Falmouth Town
Tel (01326) 313388
Website www.nmmc.co.uk
Admission £8.75
Open 10am-5pm daily
St Mawes Castle (Castel Lanvawseth)
The 16th century St Mawes Castle is located across the bay from Falmouth, facing Pendennis Castle. It considered the loveliest of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses and it offers lovely views of Falmouth.
A3078 St Mawes
Tel (01326) 270526
Website www.english-heritage.org.uk
Admission £4
Open Jan-Mar Mon & Fri-Sun 10am-4pm; Apr-Jun 10am-5pm daily; Jul-Aug 10am-6pm daily; Sep 10am-5pm daily; Oct 10am-4pm daily; Nov-Dec 10am-4pm daily
Pendennis Castle
This impressive Tudor Pendennis Castle bills itself as Cornwall's greatest fortress. It has witnessed 450 years of history and features a labyrinth of secret wartime defences.
Pendennis Headland, Falmouth
Train Falmouth Docks
Tel (01326) 316594
Website www.english-heritage.co.uk
Admission £5.70
Open Jan-Mar 10am-4pm daily; Apr-Jun 10am-5pm daily; Jul-Aug 10am-6pm daily; Sep 10am-5pm daily; Oct-Dec 10am-4pm daily
