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Falmouth on the south coast of Cornwall has a
long maritime history.
It is the southernmost Packet Ship port in the UK. In the early
19th century a fleet of 40 packet ships carried passengers and mail
to the West Indies and Americas. Today, there are port facilities
for yachtsmen and quays for visiting cruise liners.
Falmouth has the third largest natural harbour in
the world and hosts local, national and international watersports
events. Also famous for the Tall Ships that visit its waters.
You can
get ferries and pleasure boats to explore the Fal Estuary and Helford
River.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall – http://www.nmmc.co.uk/
Designed by M.J. Long and. opened in February 2003.
Pendennis Castle - http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/
An English Heritage property. Built between 1540 and 1545, Pendennis
Castle is one of a chain of coastal artillery fortresses built by
Henry VIII to counter a threat from France and Spain. A larger type
of defensive rampart was added during the reign of Elizabeth I around
the original fort. It was again strengthened prior to the Civil
War. The castle houses a collection of wartime cartoons by George
Butterworth. Open to the public.
Beaches:
Castle Beach
Long narrow beach within walking distance of the town centre.
Tunnel Beach
Joins up with Castle Beach at low tide, with its narrow stretch
of sand, sheltered by a high sea wall.
Gyllyngvase Beach
Located just 15 minutes from the town centre, an ideal family beach.
Lifeguard service operates from May till September.
Swanpool Beach
Situated opposite Swanpool Nature Reserve and Lake, it offers a
wide variety of water-based activities and a children’s play
area.
Maenporth Beach
Two miles south west of Falmouth with views of Falmouth, Pendennis
Castle and St Anthony Lighthouse. Large expanse of sandy beach,
cafe and toilets
Events in Falmouth
Fal River Festival – http://www.kingharryscornwall.co.uk/festival
10 day festival celebrating life on the Fal River which includes
music, dancing, gig racing, arts, heritage, swimming and much more.
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival - http://www.falmouthshout.com/default.htm
A 3 day event which helps to raise money for the RNLI
Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week - http://www.falmouthweek.co.uk/
The largest regatta in the South West, approx. 450 yachts and dinghies
attend, there is a shoreside programme of daytime and evening entertainment.
The Pendennis Cup – http://www.thependenniscup.com/
2012 is scheduled for the next 5 day programme of competitive racing
on the waters of Falmouth Bay.
Falmouth Oyster Festival – http://www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk
4 day event held in October to celebrate Cornish seafood, with music
throughout the festival.
Cornwall Film Festival – http://www.cornwallfilmfestival.com/
Places to visit:
Carwinion Gardens - http://www.carwinion.co.uk/index.html
18th Century stone manor house, 14 acres of tranquil garden, .bamboo
collection, variety of plants, cream teas on the terrace,. Gardens
open all year.
Trebah Gardens
At Mawnan Smith nr. Falmouth, gardens, ponds, water garden, views
of the Helford River, paraglide, cafe, garden shop and plants for
sale.
Glendurgan House and Garden
Set in 3 valleys, wander through the gardens down to the beautiful
hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. 176-year-old cherry laurel
maze.
Penjerrick Gardens - http://www.penjerrickgarden.co.uk/index..html
15 acre, sub-tropical, spring-flowering garden with views of the
sea, of historical and botanical interest.
Towns and villages near Falmouth:
Penryn
At the head of the Penryn River with its charm and character, it
is one of Cornwall’s most ancient towns. Once a busy medieval
port with a thriving trade in Cornish tin, copper, flour, grain
and meat. Penryn has buildings dating back to Tudor, Jacobean and
Georgian times.
Budock Water
Village nestling in the shelter of Trewen Downs, the stream flows
under the main road, and on to the sea at Maenporth Beach. there
is a Village Hall, General Store, and public house. The village
carnival is held annually in August.
Falmouth Tourist Information Office - http://www.discoverfalmouth.co.uk/
Cornwall Tourist Information Office - http://www.visitcornwall.com/
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