Falmouth, Cornwall - A Treasure Trove for Visitors
The town of Falmouth in Cornwall is, in a sense, descended from Pendennis Castle, built in the 16th century when King Henry VIII decided to utilize the area's immense maritime resources.
Built across the Fal River from St.
Mawes Castle, Henry used them both in his intensive defense plans against French and Spanish invaders.
Since then, Falmouth has grown into first an important port town, then a popular tourist destination, and finally into the hospitable town it is today, replete with beaches, the port, cuisine, and a fascinating history.
Before Falmouth came into being, the first settlement in the area was called Penryn.
In 1661, despite the objection of those in Penryn, King Charles II issued a charter.
Within very little time the Church of King Charles the Martyr was surrounded by hundreds of homes that were to become Falmouth.
The medieval Cornish windows are well worth taking the time to visit the church.
Legend has it in Penryn that during Christmas time, a ghost coach drawn by horses without heads goes by, and any poor soul who doesn't look elsewhere when it passes will be taken away.
So if you are in Falmouth during the holidays, you take your chances if you also visit Penryn! Falmouth has the third deepest natural harbor on the planet and as such, maritime trade has flourished for years.
Until 1851, the Falmouth Packet Service delivered mail to the farthest corners of the British Empire and back.
During that time and after, many a Navy vessel docked first in Falmouth.
Even now there is ample shipping activity, and there are also tour boats that head from the port up the river Fall to as far as Truro, the largest city in Cornwall.
Although there is plenty of access by water, most visitors get to Falmouth by auto or by rail.
An easy drive, the A39 ends in Falmouth after beginning in Bath, Somerset.
The town is also home to three rail stations; Penmere Railway Station, Falmouth Town Railway Station, and Falmouth Docks Railway Station..
The Maritime Line from Truro serves all three stations, leaving travelers within walking distance of a number of great attractions.
Penmere Station is convenient for visitors wishing to take a stroll to the peak of The Moor.
Meanwhile, Gyllyngvase Beach and Pendennis Castle are nearby the Falmouth Docks station, and Falmouth Town station leaves visitors within easy distance of the waterfront, the center of town, and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Since the 19th century, Falmouth has been a popular tourist destination not only because of the maritime activities, but also because of the beautiful beaches across town from the harbor.
The month of May is one of the best times of year to visit the beaches because there won't be too many people crowding them, although the water might still be a little chilly.
Summer is still a fantastic time to visit, though, especially if you like to meet lots of people.
Falmouth is home to a number of wonderful restaurants.
Being the beautiful seaside town that it is, there are a number of culinary offerings for those who love ocean fare.
Rick Stein, well-known chef, author, TV personality, and restaurant owner has opened his new Oyster Bar and Fish and Chips takeaway, which is well worth the visit.
Another example of fine cuisine in Falmouth is Gurkha, serving Nepalese food prepared by a chef who at one time worked for the 4-star Himalaya Hotel in Kathmandu.
For those who love wine, The Castaways Wine Bar is a delightful place for a glass of wine, a light meal, or even coffee and cakes.
Falmouth is also the center of a vibrant art scene, particularly as it is the home of Daro Montag, the internationally-acclaimed artist who heads the University College Falmouth's MA in Fine Arts.
The Falmouth Art Gallery does not charge for admission, and the National Maritime Museum is a fantastic destination for exploring Britain's history at sea.
When looking for a place to stay, Falmouth has plenty to offer.
From the friendly and warm Trewint Guest House to the Falmouth Hotel, located directly on the seafront, there are plenty of comfortable stays for visitors.
In fact, the Greenbank Hotel is not only a fantastic place to stay, but also Florence Nightingale, the Lady of the Lamp, stayed there and visitors can still see her name in the guestbook.
Falmouth is a great location for visitors who are interested in everything from art to food to history and maritime activities.
Located in Cornwall, which is a fascinating county to explore, anyway, Falmouth, on the edge of the sea, has something to offer for everyone.
Built across the Fal River from St.
Mawes Castle, Henry used them both in his intensive defense plans against French and Spanish invaders.
Since then, Falmouth has grown into first an important port town, then a popular tourist destination, and finally into the hospitable town it is today, replete with beaches, the port, cuisine, and a fascinating history.
Before Falmouth came into being, the first settlement in the area was called Penryn.
In 1661, despite the objection of those in Penryn, King Charles II issued a charter.
Within very little time the Church of King Charles the Martyr was surrounded by hundreds of homes that were to become Falmouth.
The medieval Cornish windows are well worth taking the time to visit the church.
Legend has it in Penryn that during Christmas time, a ghost coach drawn by horses without heads goes by, and any poor soul who doesn't look elsewhere when it passes will be taken away.
So if you are in Falmouth during the holidays, you take your chances if you also visit Penryn! Falmouth has the third deepest natural harbor on the planet and as such, maritime trade has flourished for years.
Until 1851, the Falmouth Packet Service delivered mail to the farthest corners of the British Empire and back.
During that time and after, many a Navy vessel docked first in Falmouth.
Even now there is ample shipping activity, and there are also tour boats that head from the port up the river Fall to as far as Truro, the largest city in Cornwall.
Although there is plenty of access by water, most visitors get to Falmouth by auto or by rail.
An easy drive, the A39 ends in Falmouth after beginning in Bath, Somerset.
The town is also home to three rail stations; Penmere Railway Station, Falmouth Town Railway Station, and Falmouth Docks Railway Station..
The Maritime Line from Truro serves all three stations, leaving travelers within walking distance of a number of great attractions.
Penmere Station is convenient for visitors wishing to take a stroll to the peak of The Moor.
Meanwhile, Gyllyngvase Beach and Pendennis Castle are nearby the Falmouth Docks station, and Falmouth Town station leaves visitors within easy distance of the waterfront, the center of town, and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Since the 19th century, Falmouth has been a popular tourist destination not only because of the maritime activities, but also because of the beautiful beaches across town from the harbor.
The month of May is one of the best times of year to visit the beaches because there won't be too many people crowding them, although the water might still be a little chilly.
Summer is still a fantastic time to visit, though, especially if you like to meet lots of people.
Falmouth is home to a number of wonderful restaurants.
Being the beautiful seaside town that it is, there are a number of culinary offerings for those who love ocean fare.
Rick Stein, well-known chef, author, TV personality, and restaurant owner has opened his new Oyster Bar and Fish and Chips takeaway, which is well worth the visit.
Another example of fine cuisine in Falmouth is Gurkha, serving Nepalese food prepared by a chef who at one time worked for the 4-star Himalaya Hotel in Kathmandu.
For those who love wine, The Castaways Wine Bar is a delightful place for a glass of wine, a light meal, or even coffee and cakes.
Falmouth is also the center of a vibrant art scene, particularly as it is the home of Daro Montag, the internationally-acclaimed artist who heads the University College Falmouth's MA in Fine Arts.
The Falmouth Art Gallery does not charge for admission, and the National Maritime Museum is a fantastic destination for exploring Britain's history at sea.
When looking for a place to stay, Falmouth has plenty to offer.
From the friendly and warm Trewint Guest House to the Falmouth Hotel, located directly on the seafront, there are plenty of comfortable stays for visitors.
In fact, the Greenbank Hotel is not only a fantastic place to stay, but also Florence Nightingale, the Lady of the Lamp, stayed there and visitors can still see her name in the guestbook.
Falmouth is a great location for visitors who are interested in everything from art to food to history and maritime activities.
Located in Cornwall, which is a fascinating county to explore, anyway, Falmouth, on the edge of the sea, has something to offer for everyone.