Cruise to Falmouth this season

With a record-breaking number of cruise ships scheduled to visit Falmouth from a wide range of locations this season, our vibrant town is looking forward to welcoming many visitors in 2025. With many of Falmouth’s most iconic attractions within close proximity to the docks, there is every opportunity to make the most out of your visit. From glorious views and exciting attractions to the charming historic streets that weave through the heart of the town, every turn in Falmouth brings a new and intriguing experience that will captivate its visitors for years to come.

From the moment you step ashore, you will be greeted by a group of friendly volunteers from Falmouth’s Cruise Ship Ambassadors, supplying maps to help you make the most of your visit. Always ready to greet you with an open smile, the Falmouth Cruise Ship Ambassadors will be happy to share their wealth of knowledge and offer key advice to help visitors get the best out of their shoreside experience.

Here are some of the experiences you can enjoy when visiting Falmouth by Cruise this year.

Pendennis Castle
Just a short walk up the hill from the docks, you will find glorious coastal views winding around the headland to the dominating battlements of Pendennis Castle. Built in the 1540s by King Henry VIII to protect England from potential invasion, the magnificent fortress overlooks the Fal Estuary and provides outstanding views across the water to its equally impressive counterpart, St Mawes Castle. Pendennis Castle has a deep military history spanning over 400 years, its battlements even playing a vital role as a base for troops defending the British coast against potential German naval attacks during World War I and World War II. Now in the care of English Heritage, the site boasts stunning views and vast green spaces that offer a peaceful and idyllic taste of Falmouth’s history.
National Maritime Museum
An equally captivating attraction, is the award winning National Maritime Museum. Situated on Discovery Quay, just a five minute walk from Falmouth Docks, the museum is a hub of interactive displays and timeless collections that give voice to Falmouth’s rich maritime history. During school holidays, the museum offers a variety of exciting and engaging shows for children and, from the watchtower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views over the harbour or embark on an adventure to discover the fascinating world beneath the waves. Furthermore, the museum is home to an impressive collection of small boats and vessels, representing sailing from around the world.

Falmouth Art Gallery
Renowned for its impressive collection of classic and contemporary works, Falmouth Art Gallery, just a ten-minute walk from the docks, provides a free space where visitors can immerse themselves in Cornwall’s artistic heritage. With three thematic exhibitions staged each year and regularly rotating displays, there is a rich and diverse range of artwork to explore, from traditional paintings to contemporary installations. Current exhibitions at the gallery include the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2024, an annual exhibition of drawings supported by the Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust which is running until 10th May 2025, and a Collections Display featuring local seascapes from some of Falmouth’s favourite artists, running until 28th June 2025.

Princess Pavilion
A ten minute walk from the docks you will find Princess Pavilion, a bright and airy community hub offering an inviting atmosphere and stunning coastal views. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee or getting involved in one of the many social gatherings and cultural events the space offers, the Pavilions is a friendly and relaxed space to unwind. Designed as a concert hall, the Pavilion offers a variety of musical performances and live theatre shows, which can be enjoyed year-round. Furthermore, the beautiful Gyllyngdune Gardens, which surround the Pavilion, offer a stunning coastal views and picturesque pathways to the seafront below.

The Poly
Situated in Church Street, right in the heart of Falmouth’s town centre, you will find The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, affectionately known as The Poly. Founded in 1833, the Poly is a vibrant artistic hub and exhibition space offering a wide range of art exhibitions, talks, live performances and film showings. With a lively programme of family-friendly activities and community workshops, alongside a diverse collection of artwork on display, the Poly is always full of life. Be sure to stop by the Guild Shop too, where you’ll find a charming selection of artistic gifts and souvenirs to take away with you.

Falmouth’s Historic Landmarks
Steeped in history, Falmouth’s quaint streets and opeways bear witness to fascinating stories that reflect a rich and diverse maritime past. Spot Arwenack House, the oldest building in Falmouth or discover the historic significance of Custom House Quay, once used for the unloading and processing of goods arriving by sea. You can still see the original brick chimney of The King’s Pipe, used to burn confiscated contraband here to prevent illicit trade in the 1800s. Fish Strand Quay marks the starting point of the famous Trafalgar Way, the route used to carry news of Britain’s victory and Lord Nelson’s demise at Trafalgar in 1805. Today, a plaque commemorates the moment Captain Lapenotiere docked here before his gruelling 271-mile horseback journey to London to pass his message to the Admiralty. Venturing into Bells Court, you’ll come across the scene of a famous mutiny where the packet workers protested over pay and trading laws. Alternatively, discover the 111 steps of Jacobs Ladder cut steeply into the rocks between The Moor and Wellington Terrace, famously built in the 1840s by businessman Jacob Hamblen to create a direct route between his home and his business. Visiting the High Street you will see the Old Town Hall, a chapel built in classic Queen Ann style at the top of the hill. Did you know this was once the scene of Britain’s last Cannibalism Trial in 1884? Just a short walk from this, Prince of Wales Pier is home to the St Nazaire Memorial, a collection of poetic plaques placed to commemorate the many commandos who lost their lives in Operation Chariot, one of the most daring raids of WWII.

Credit: David Barnicoat/The Poly Local History Group

Shopping, Food and Drink
Enriched by a charmingly eclectic collection of shops and businesses, Falmouth provides a bustling and vibrant shopping experience. With the town’s main shopping hub running directly through its heart, you can enjoy a relaxed stroll past an array of independent boutiques; charming art galleries, showcasing local talent and tourist-centred gift shops. If you are visiting Falmouth on a Thursday or a Saturday, you will also find The Moor and Events Square home to two charming markets, offering a relaxed and friendly al fresco shopping and street-food experience.
Furthermore, with a variety of options catering to every palate and age range, Falmouth offers a diverse culinary scene. Throughout the town you will find a wide range of tempting cafes and restaurants that celebrate fresh, local ingredients and showcase a delightful mix of traditional Cornish flavours and contemporary cultural cuisine.

Beaches and Green Spaces
Some of Falmouth’s most stunning beaches are just a short walk from the docks, from the golden sands of Gyllyngvase where gentle waves provide an idyllic backdrop, to Castle Beach with its fascinating rockpools at low tide. Falmouth’s many beaches offer refreshing views of the open sea with delightful cafes providing a range of snacks and refreshments to beachgoers.
Beyond the shore, Falmouth’s gardens offer acres of green open lawns and vibrant flowerbeds framed by towering trees and exotic colourful blooms. With the formal flowerbeds of Queen Mary Gardens just moments from Gyllyngvase Beach and the sub-tropical paradise of Fox Rosehill Gardens a short walk away, Falmouth’s natural charms are never far from reach. Weaving down to the beach from The Princess Pavillion, Gyllyndune Gardens provide a stunning shaded spot, ideal to enjoy a moment’s tranquillity whilst taking in the breathtaking sea views.

Events in Falmouth
Falmouth is famous for its range of dynamic and exciting events that draw visitors from far and wide. From the world-famous Sea Shanty Festival in June, to Falmouth Week in August, there is always an action packed events-schedule drawing locals and visitors together and bringing an extra sprinkling of energy and excitement to the whole town.

With so many fantastic experiences, stunning views and exciting attractions within an easy walk from Falmouth docks, you can be sure to have a rich and memorable visit by cruise ship this year.