Falmouth is the most glorious seaside town along the South Coast of Cornwall. I spent three wonderful years there as a student and another three living not too far away, now based in Bristol nothing brings me more joy than a weekend away to visit Falmouth. Since my last visit, so many new spots have opened. Read on for the ultimate guide a mix of my old favourite taunts and new spots that I can’t wait to try.
Falmouth is one of the rare coastal towns that’s accessible by train and even if you are driving once you’ve parked at your hotel or Airbnb you won’t need to use it again as the town is so easy to walk around. Once you’ve arrived fuel up for an afternoon of exploring with some lunch.
Around ‘The Moor’ and ‘The Old High Street’ you’ll find plenty of places for a spot of lunch. I recommend Espressini (great coffee and exquisite brunch dishes), and Good Vibes Cafe (great vegetarian spot), on this visit I headed up to Stones a wonderful bakery. An array of breads and pastries to takeaway or eat in fresh sausage rolls, mini quiches or a pizzette. Or of course get in to the Cornish spirt and grab a pasty to enjoy on the pier (my favourite is a cheese and onion from Warren’s)
A spot off shopping – I know what you are thinking, I’ve come all the way to the Cornish seaside just to go shopping? Falmouth’s high street is colourful and full of independent shops that cannot be missed.
Where to start? I fear I cannot list every cute independent shop for ‘The Old High Street’ to Maritime (or event) Square or no one would get to the end of this guide so I am focusing on the gems I enjoyed most on my recent visit.
Love & Honor – A new edition since I lived in Falmouth and from first glance I fell in love. A joyous space stocking a curated range of homeware and gifts mixed with a deli and florist – just heaven.
Jam – a record shop meets coffee shop. It’s been a Falmouth institution since before I started uni and every time I visit we are relieved to see it’s still thriving. Upstairs you can enjoy a coffee and a riffle through new records and downstairs step back in time into a mid-century lounge filled with second-hand records.
Antics of Falmouth – a jumble sale of vintage furniture and Bric and Brac. I resisted bringing the seventies floral sunlounger home with us.
Willow and Stone – A treasure trove of gifts, homeware, children’s gifts and stationery. It’s one of those shops where you just want to buy everything and one in which you can complete most of your Christmas shopping in one clean sweep.
The list of restaurants to try in Falmouth is simply endless. Even a full week’s holiday and you’d still leave with restaurants left on your list. If you want somewhere luxurious with a sea view for the ultimate holiday experience I recommend Indidog, The Star and Garter or The Working Boat ( cosy pub with sea views below The Greenbank Hotel). I have had many a wonderful meal at the Thai Orchid, everyones favourite Thai in Falmouth. During my last visit I went to Kona which is know for Island style food like Poke Bowls and their amazing cocktails. I spotted The Orgia a new editon and is definitely where I’ll be booking upon my next visit.
If you want to carry on the night after dinner I recommend watching the sun go down with a pint sat by the water outside The Chain Locker or if the weather isn’t so good cosy up in The Chintz. Ready to dance the night away? Get yourself to The Cornish Bank. A venue that sadly opened after my time in Falmouth as a student but has quickly become my favourite for cheap drinks, good vibes and amazing music.
No matter your budget there is plenty of lovely places to stay in Falmouth.
I dream of staying in one of the many beautiful hotels or rooms such as The Greenbank, Merchants Manor, Hotel Meudon or The Sandy Duck. Previously I’ve had a wonderful stay at The Chain Locker (read my review here).
This time we had a great budget stay at Roseland House. Which for £80 a night it was perfect.
We headed to The Pier (located as the name implies on The Pier) a wonderful cafe serving in my opinion the best fry-up in Falmouth. If you don’t want a fry-up the options are endless. Espressini for Eggs Benedict or pastries, Fuel is known for its amazing American pancakes. Or treat yourself to a luxurious brunch with bubbles at Indidog.
Before you leave walk off your breakfast along the beach. Start at Gylly (or Gyllyngvase) beach and go left along Castle Beach towards Pendennis Point and the castle. Or head right along the coast path towards Swanpool Beach and a little bit further along until Maenporth.
However, you spend your time in Falmouth I know it will be amazing. If anyone actually makes it to the end of this blog post I’ll be encouraged to write up more guides after every little trip I make.