Falmouth is a port in Cornwall, located at the mouth of the river Fal.  It boasts the third deepest natural harbor in the world and because of this, it has been the start and end point for many voyages across the world’s oceans. Sir Francis Chichester and Dame Ellen MacArthur both carried out record breaking attemps starting from Falmouth. But it isn’t just the town that is interesting there are plenty of fascinating attractions when you visit Falmouth.

A baby seal, found on the beach at St Agnes, caused the National Seal Sanctuary to open here in 1958. The sanctuary stayed at St Agnes until 1975, when it outgrew the facilities there. It was at this time the sanctuary then moved to Gweek and its owner Ken increased the number of pools and their sizes so that they could care for more seals which were being rescued of the Cornish coast. 

As you wander around this attraction you have a chance to see firsthand the work carried out by those who are employed by it ensure that as many of the seals are returned to the wild as possible.  However, you will also find a number of these wonderful sea creatures have remained because they are simply too badly injured or will not be able to cope with being returned to the wild.

Just south east of Falmouth is Pendennis Castle which is situated across the harbor from its castle St Mawes. These are both castles built during Tudor times and were an important part of the UK’s sea defenses during the time of Henry VIII. These castles were built to act as a deterrent against either the French or Spanish invading England. 

Since its construction it has been used over the centuries and remains in excellent condition to this day. During the reign of Elizabeth the First the castle was further strengthened and it had the honor of being the last Royalist stronghold to fall in the English Civil War. Plus the castle then was utilized during both the First and Second World Wars and you can still see the guard house and underground tunnels from these troubled times. Plus you have a chance to visit the Tudor Keep which has been well maintained and in which a gun deck has been recreated.

Close to Falmouth is the Lizard Peninsula, the most southern point in England and even though Land’s End is often thought to hold this position. Lizard Point has plenty of things for you to do and see from the Goonhilly Earth Station with the satellite dishes that stand out. Plus as you walk along the National Trust owned costal path look towards the see you may spot some seals or dolphins and even possibly a basking shark.

Of course, Falmouth has many tourist attractions as well. One of these is Trebah Gardens, which can be found on the outskirts of Falmouth, close to Mawnan Smith village. The gardens are spread over 25 acres and throughout the year there are wide variety of plants to enjoy. But along with the plants there is a large pond, a waterfall and private beach area as well. 

You can spend quite some considerable time exploring all that these gardens have to offer and there is a cafe where light refreshments are provided. There is also a playground for younger visitors. The gardens are open through the year although the times of opening and closing do differ.  

Check out the wide variety of Falmouth hotels and other accommodation here.