About Falmouth

Falmouth’s natural harbour is the largest deep-water harbour in Europe and third deepest in the world.  It is the traditional gateway to the Atlantic and one of the world’s great sailing harbours.  However, were it not for the Killiegrew family (you'll see the name around a lot) and the Packet Ships, Falmouth might not be what it is today.  Falmouth's maritime activity has much declined from its heyday though the docks are still a major contributor to the local economy.  It is still a cargo port and has a thriving mini industry building super luxury yachts for the rich and famous.  The port is also popular as a port of call for cruise ships, the Residensea being no stranger to her waters.

The clear water, sheltered creeks and mild temperatures of the Fal estuary provide fine natural oyster beds, sustaining Europe's last remaining oyster fisheries dredged under sail and oar.  Falmouth’s maritime tradition is regularly celebrated through regattas and festivals and one not to miss is the annual October Oyster Festival.

The town’s shopping streets lie just off the waterfront and are connected by small open ways that link the harbour with a charming mix of shops and art galleries. Cafés and restaurants offer a selection of both world and local cuisine. Within walking distance you will find beaches offering safe, crystal clear waters, sandy stretches and secluded coves ideal for family bathing and watersports.

Sightseeing in the  area could not be easier. Climb aboard one of the many trip boats that ply the local waters, or hop-on and off the road train that in summer links the town, beaches and Pendennis Castle or just go walkabout and discover some of the history of this little resort town. 

Falmouth's Municipal Offices and Library were erected in 1894.

The Post Office opened in 1930, and stands on the site of the old Market, which was moved in 1812 from its first location on the Strand. The roofed fountain now standing in the middle of The Moor once stood inside this market. 
 
The Packet Memorial dates from November 1898 when a Public Subscription raised nearly £300 for a permanent reminder of the Service which operated from Falmouth between 1688 and 1850.

Jacob's Ladder just off the Moor has no real biblical association. Its 111 steps were installed by Jacob Hamblen, builder, tallow chandler and property owner, to facilitate access between his business - at the bottom - and some of his property - at the top. 


The HSBC Bank was once the home of the very posh Royal Hotel. It was built mainly for the social activities of the Packet Captain.

The impressive looking St George's Arcade is today home to many local shops (books, cds, maps, clothes and much more). It was once the home of Falmouth’s first custom-built cinema. When it opened in 1912 it was the second largest in the country!

The shop with the four-pillared façade was once the Public Subscription Rooms which opened in 1826. At the time it had six columns. If you know what happened to the other two pillars send an email to cornwall@bbc.co.uk 


The Parish Church in the town centre was dedicated by Charles II to his father, King Charles the Martyr, soon after the Restoration, in gratitude to the town for its Royalist support during the Civil War.

The red brick chimney which stands beside the main entrance to the Quays is the King's or Queen's Pipe.
This was used to burn confiscated contraband tobacco by Customs Officers based in the nearby Custom House.

Arwenack House was the home of the Killigrew family for about 16 generations, after they acquired the estate by marriage in 1403. The house was destroyed by fire prior to the Roundhead occupation of the district and the Siege of Pendennis in 1646, after which it developed into an untidy hotchpotch of ill-planned buildings until reconstruction in its present form.