A guide to Falmouth

But it’s not just the town and community that makes Falmouth so special. On the coast you’ll find four beautiful beaches, with sheltered turquoise waters perfect for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, diving, kayaking and sailing – or just a stroll and an ice cream. 

With so much to see and do, we’ve put together this guide to some of our favourite places in Falmouth to get you inspired. From foodie finds to quirky shops, all of these spots have been tried and tested by the team here at Unique Hideaways. 

The food

Falmouth has no shortage of excellent eateries, with something for all tastes, from humble pasties to fresh seafood to fine dining. It’s not easy to narrow it down, but here are some of our personal favourites.

Best for freshly baked treats

Stones Bakery is a long-standing Falmouth favourite, situated on the characterful Old High Street – follow your nose to the heavenly smell of warm sourdough and sweet pastry! Grab an artisan loaf to takeaway or sit and enjoy one of the many sandwiches, quiches, cakes or pastries (the cinnamon buns are especially divine) with a locally-brewed coffee, as you watch the world go by outside.

Best for seafood by the water 

Perched on the edge of the shore overlooking Swanpool Beach and Falmouth Bay, Beach House is a great choice for seafood-lovers. Eat al fresco in the warmer months, savouring a locally-caught lobster or crab with a glass of crisp white wine in the fresh sea air. Or when the weather’s cooler, gather around a table in the restaurant and dig into a moules marinière or hot seafood platter.

Best for brunch

Three Little Birds Café is on Falmouth Business Park, a short drive out of town – but locals will tell you it’s well worth the effort! The welcoming team, great coffee and delicious dishes make this a wonderful spot for a brunch with friends. The menu changes with the seasons but there’s always a focus on creative food made with regenerative local ingredients. Think sandwiches, eggs, french toast, smoothies and more.  

Best for an intimate evening meal 

Restaurant Mine is a cosy restaurant in the quaint Old Brewery Yard, with seats spilling out onto the cobbled courtyard and a laidback atmosphere that feels like a neighbourhood dinner party. On the changing à la carte menu you’ll typically find one meat, one fish and one vegan option, described as ‘familar British classics with a little bit of decadence’ – all prepared in the open kitchen with fine Cornish produce. 

Best for Sunday roast

At the top of town with idyllic views of the harbour, The Boathouse is a lively pub and restaurant that’s been serving locals and visitors for over 300 years! It’s a great spot for a local beer or a glass of red with some proper pub food. On a Sunday, they serve their famous hearty roast dinner with all the trimmings – definitely order the side of cauliflower cheese, and be sure to book your table in advance.

The drink

Whether you’re after a good coffee, a waterfront pint of ale or a special cocktail in a unique setting, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a drink in Falmouth, day or night. 

Best for coffee

Falmouth has an amazing selection of specialty coffee shops so you won’t have to go far to get a caffeine fix. We can’t single out just one – but our top three are Beacon Coffee on the Old High Street (named as one of the best coffee shops in the UK, let-alone Falmouth!), Dark Pony on the Moor and Espressini on Killigrew Street. Get some more inspiration in our guide to The best independent coffee shops in Falmouth. 

Best for a pint beside the sea

If you’re after a pint in a cosy harbourfront setting, head to the well-loved pub, The Working Boat. Settle into a comfy leather seat to sink a few real ales, refreshing lagers or sweet ciders whilst you look out over the water and watch the boats coming and going on the pontoons. On Sunday nights The Working Boat hosts a great pub quiz too, if you fancy rallying some friends together. 

Best for live music 

The Cornish Bank has only been running a few years but has quickly established its position as one of Cornwall’s best live music venues. There’s an incredible variety of gigs held here most nights of the week, from folk to psychedelic to punk to world music, as well as creative community events and markets. And it’s not just the event schedule that’s extensive here – behind the bar you’ll find a brilliant selection of beverages too. 

Best for cocktails 

You can’t get much quirkier than The Chintz, a cocktail bar packed to the rafters with eclectic decor, art and furniture. Order something tasty from their cocktail menu and choose a comfy nook to sit and sip. There are often events held here and in their downstairs bar, Underland, if you’re looking for some entertainment with your drinks, from drag bingo and comedy nights to live jazz and DJ sets. 

The shopping 

Falmouth’s thriving independent businesses make it a wonderful location to enjoy an afternoon of shopping. Treat yourself to a new (or secondhand) outfit, discover something unique for your home, go gift shopping, or pick up your next read. 

Best for fashion

Parade is a clothing and accessories boutique at the top of the Old High Street. The colourful rails are a delight to browse, with everything from bright knits and sparkly dresses to quality denim and casual t-shirts, all meticulously curated by owner Helen. You’ll also find lots of beautiful jewellery, scarves, socks, purses, bags and hats – the perfect gifts for fashion fans. 

Best for books

Ranked one of the best independent bookstores in the country, Falmouth Bookseller is a stunning shop to get lost for a while. There’s a brilliant range of fiction and non-fiction titles here, with genres for all tastes, and the knowledgeable team are always on hand to help if you’re looking for something specific. There’s a lovely café upstairs too, should you want to get started on your new book over coffee and cake. 

Best for homewares & gifts

Willow & Stone is one of those shops where you’ll want to buy it all. The beautiful shelves are filled with luxury lifestyle goods like earthy crockery and textiles, traditional ironmongery, gorgeous candles, quality stationery, artisan chocolate, enticing books and more. At Christmas time, the team brings out their eclectic collection of stunning, nostalgic glass baubles too. 

Best for vintage & antiques

Retro Falmouth (supporting Cornwall Hospice Care) is a charity shop with a difference. The secondhand goods here have been carefully selected and arranged into a treasure trove of unique vintage and antiques. From kitchenware and typewriters to clothing and toys, you’re sure to find a gem that’ll catch your eye. And, as well as shopping sustainably of course, you’ll also be supporting a wonderful local cause. 

The beaches 

Despite its modest size, Falmouth has four beautiful beaches to choose from, each with its own character and facilities. 

Best for families

Gyllyngvase Beach (or ‘Gylly’, as the locals call it) is one of the most popular in the town. The sweeping arc of white sand and shingle is often bustling with families, and as it’s generally fairly sheltered, the sea here is ideal for paddling and swimming. There’s a lifeguard on duty in the summer months. The rocky southern end of the beach is perfect for rockpooling too, so make sure you bring a bucket! 

Best for watersports

On the outskirts of Falmouth lies Swanpool Beach, another shingle bay with sheltered waters. There’s a watersports centre here where you can hire kayaks, SUPs and more, if you fancy getting out on the ocean and exploring the surrounding caves. Make sure you stop at Swanpool Café afterwards, for one of their famous ‘quirky ice creams’ covered with clotted cream and an indulgent topping of your choice. 

Best for diving & snorkelling 

The most easterly of Falmouth’s beaches, Castle Beach is a narrow stretch of rock and shingle near the historic Pendennis Castle headland, lined with colourful beach huts. The shoreline here is home to a rich diversity of marine life making it an excellent spot for diving and snorkelling - plus there’s wartime wreckage to be discovered offshore! Bring your own snorkel or for the ultimate underwater adventure, book a diving course with Dive UK.

Best for a coast path walk

If you’re up for stretching your legs, follow the South West Coast Path for a couple of miles west along the coast from Gyllyngvase. You’ll traverse through pretty woodlands, then high along the cliffs with breathtaking ocean views across the bay, before dropping down to the sandy cove of Maenporth Beach. Pack a picnic or refuel with some salt-and-vinegar laden chips from Life’s A Beach Café before making the return journey.

The entertainment

With a vibrant creative scene, there’s almost always something exciting going on in Falmouth, from theatre to art exhibitions to festivals that take over the whole town.

Best for the arts 

Founded all the way back in 1833, The Poly is one of Falmouth’s most iconic venues and a long-established centre for the arts and creative community. Their jam-packed programme features all sorts of films, comedy, theatre, music, talks, workshops and art exhibitions – check out what’s on during your visit here. There’s also a brilliant shop to pick up a unique piece from a local artist or maker, plus a café and bar upstairs. 

Best for nautical history

If you’re looking for a family activity that’s entertaining and educational, head to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall on Discovery Quay. Housed in a striking building on the waterfront, this five-floor attraction features 15 galleries of exhibitions exploring fascinating maritime history, with lots of engaging displays and activities for children. The panoramic view of Falmouth from The Lookout tower is hard to beat too! 

Best for getting creative 

For a mindful, creative activity that all ages will enjoy, visit Star Glazers, a pottery painting café on the Old High Street. Choose from their range of plates, bowls, mugs, figurines, Christmas decorations, plaques and more, and settle into your seat for your relaxing painting session. The team will glaze and fire your piece for you to collect in 7 days or so – and they can post it to you if you’re leaving town before then. 

Best festival

Falmouth has an incredible calendar of festivals and events but the best, in our opinion, has to be the International Sea Shanty Festival. Every June, thousands of people descend on the town for this world-famous nautical music event. The pubs, bars, streets and harbour become awash with striped shirts and beer drinkers, singing along with the shanty groups who’ve travelled from far and wide to be here. It’s raucous but a lot of fun!  

Staying in Falmouth

Make the most of your visit to Falmouth with a stay in a gorgeous hideaway nearby. Take your pick from Pippin, a handcrafted shepherd’s hut with sea views or Skylark, a tiny home with quirky upcycled interiors. You can browse our full collection of Cornwall breaks here.