Falmouth guide

The historic port of Falmouth in Cornwall is an important commercial port and busy seaside town with an impressive maritime history. It provides an ideal base for yachtsmen planning a Cornish sailing trip with a fine selection of attractions in a stunning location. Falmouth's harbour in the Carrick Roads is the third largest natural harbour in the world, after Sydney and Rio. The waterways of the Carrick Roads comprise the The River Fal and its' connected rivers. Henry VIII's twin castles of Pendennis and St Mawes provide an impressive entrance sailing into the Carrick Roads, standing either side of the river, Pendennis Castle on Pendennis Point in Falmouth and St Mawes Castle at the head of the Roseland Peninsula. Falmouth's important docks are located beneath Pendennis Point. The many marinas of Falmouth offer easy access to Falmouth's popular shopping street, where visitors can enjoy good food or a sociable drink in one of the towns many pubs. The Fal estuary has many areas which have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and its' waters are home to diverse wildlife. Sailing the rivers in an around Falmouth is a wonderful experience and perhaps the best way of seeing Cornwall's coastline. The pace of life in Falmouth and Cornwall, the unspoilt waters and stunning scenery all add up to a wonderful place for a sailing holiday. Sail the serene creeks up the Helford River, stretching from Falmouth Bay right up to Gweek at the top of the Lizard Peninsula, or sail up the South Cornwall coast towards Plymouth to historic scenic harbour towns and ports such as Fowey and Looe. One of the most popular destinations for sailing trips around Falmouth is a trip to the sub-tropical Scilly Isles, off Cornwall's west coast. Falmouth is also an ideal centre for sailing to areas further afield such as the Channel Islands and Ireland. Indeed Dame Ellen MacArthur used Port Pendennis as her departure point for her recent successful World record attempt at the quickest circumnavigation of the world, and she was welcomed back to the UK with a flotilla of 100 local boats escorting her ashore to a 4,000 strong reception at Event Square, outside the National Maritime Museum. The new National Maritime Museum Cornwall, located next to Port Pendennis with impressive panoramic views over the Carrick Roads has quickly become a mecca for visiting yachtsmen. It tells the story of Cornish maritime history and small boats. Historically, ships arriving from Atlantic crossings favoured Falmouth's as an easy first port of call, particularly in harsh weather conditions. Today, Falmouth's Sailing Regatta is held annually in August during Falmouth Sailing Week. Organized by the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association, the event attracts sailors of all abilities from experts to beginners. The origins of Falmouth Week stretch back to the 1820's. Today's event is has a days racing hosted by local clubs including Helford River Sailing Club, Mylor Yacht Club, Restronguet Sailing Club, Flushing Sailing Club, St Mawes Sailing Club and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. There are also activities and entertainment provided for non sailors, many of which are now held in Events Square outside the National Maritime museum. The Falmouth Classics race, which opens the event and is held on the Carrick Roads, features a varied range of traditional vessels. Sourced with thanks from Pilot Cutters Sailing Falmouth FALMOUTH LINKS: Holiday Weather Pendennis Point


Latest Tweets featuring Falmouth

  • anniemacdj

    Well Falmouth has some serious energy.

    Feb 5th, 04:52

  • kenZmyers13

    Falmouth wins again #successfulday

    Today, 22:43

  • Tasha__Mills

    You know people from Wareham and Falmouth? #areyouforreal #mysecondhomes

    Today, 22:42

  • PeterCrawfordUK

    Settled in at The Jacobs Ladder in Falmouth. All starting about 9ish if you're about for some tunes. C ya ;)

    Today, 22:42

  • domomusic

    RT @takuhirano: Foul-Mouthed Harbour, ALAG? RT @xtinewu: I'm at Falmouth Harbour

    Today, 22:41

  • Ryleeec

    @cjo219 i fucking NEEEED to have sunday offfff. We should prob have skype dates.. i can virtually feed you west falmouth market!!

    Today, 22:33

  • DHoldroff

    RT @Pittsy5: Falmouth moor's going to have its own team of doormen, they better know they're place and realise i'm the king of the moor past midnight!

    Today, 22:31

  • kjksmm

    Falmouth enjoying luxury of numbers http://t.co/35ZUsZee

    Today, 22:27

  • iKLV

    aaand now back to Falmouth! Lovely day! Still rather chilly. #bringonsummer

    Today, 22:18

  • TimSprakeJones

    @bridge_end yay!! come falmouth soon ya?

    Today, 22:12

  • Brewstaa22

    Did you know that there's something in the falmouth water supply that makes you wanna try marijuana - LBC

    Today, 22:12

  • TimSprakeJones

    @charloustone that is both disturbing and extremely awesome at the same time... i might open a falmouth cat shop! hhaha

    Today, 22:06

  • Tedster10

    @joyltom thank you from a cold falmouth xx and yes that's. Great idea get her here

    Today, 22:02

  • Pittsy5

    Falmouth moor's going to have its own team of doormen, they better know they're place and realise i'm the king of the moor past midnight!

    Today, 22:01

  • Skinnersbrewery

    @CAMRA_Official It has to be the Front Falmouth!A must visit If you're down in Cornwall this year and like ale.Good luck Matt and the crew!

    Today, 22:00

  • HarryJBartlett

    Congrats to the people who have already been accepted into Falmouth for Fashion Photography this year :D

    Today, 21:58

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