Coming to Cornwall?
,Best places to visit in and around Falmouth
Are you coming to Cornwall this summer to learn English with us? Then you’ll want to know all the things you can see and do around Falmouth. So, I’ve put together a short list of interesting places to visit. But don’t forget, Covid could mean that some events are cancelled. Make sure you check with the organiser that everything is going ahead before you leave. If you’d like more information about towns, gardens, beaches and historical buildings you can get in touch with me or go to the Visit Cornwall website.
Pendennis Castle & Carrick Roads
Originally an artillary fort, Pendennis Castle was built by Henry VIII to protect the Carrick Roads from the French in the mid 1500s. Carrick Roads, far from being an actual road, is an estuary of the River Fal, leading from Devoran, Feock and Trelissick out into the bay. You can take a guided boat tour, a local ferry or hire a boat while you enjoy all the scenery and wildlife of the Fal.
National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum opened in 2003 to great acclaim. Regular exhibitions are shown, as well as a permanent collection of maritime heritage exhibits. Sea life is on display in ‘real time’ through it’s tidal window. With the marina on one side, and the Square on the other, visitors are in a perfect position for the nearby restaurants, pubs and shops.
Trebah Garden
One of the most beautiful gardens in the area, Trebah Garden meanders gently down to the sea, while guiding you to its own private beach. Trebah, as well as being a wonderful example of a sub-tropical garden, has an outdoor theatre with regular shows throughout the summer. There is also a strong history here, from Victorian plant hunters to a gathering point for troops heading to Omaha Beach for the D-Day landings.
Falmouth Festivals
We have one or two excellent festivals here in Falmouth, not all of them over the summer, so there’s plenty to do out of the holiday season too.
Sea Shanty Festival
Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to some traditional fishing songs. The Sea Shanty Festival is a celebration of our fishermen and their musical heritage. Now an international event, groups of singers are found at venues all over the town. But now you can join virtually from your own home. Usually a 3 day festival, this year Sea Shanty is streaming live via Facebook and YouTube on Saturday 19 June 2021 at 6.00pm.
Tall Ships
One of the highlights of the festival year! Tall Ships Falmouth, which includes the Magellan-Elcano 500 series race, was due to take place from 17 – 19 August 2021. It was to start in Falmouth and end in Cadiz on 12 September – tall sailing ships battling the elements over 1900 nautical miles. However, sadly because of Covid this has now been cancelled. But Falmouth Week is still going ahead with music, food festivals and events every day around the town.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Falmouth Oyster Festival is not to missed! A celebration of all things mollusc, this 3 day festival lasts from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 October 2021. Professional chefs demonstrate their skills, while you can try traditional food from local food stalls washed down with gin and beer all distilled and brewed in the area.
Getting around
Visit Falmouth has produced this great interactive map which shows you all the parking spots, ferry spots, bus stops and taxi ranks. It’s really useful, especially if you’re here during Falmouth Week. There’s no excuse to get lost now!
Now do the Quiz
Would you like to book an English lesson when you’re in the area? You might like to speak more naturally while you shop and chat to people, or when you book a restaurant! If so, email me and we can tailor a lesson to your needs.