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A sailor's haven

Holiday Cottages in Falmouth and nearby

Combine beaches for relaxing, sheltered rivers for sailing, and a bustling port town for eating and drinking, there’s plenty of variety when staying in one of our holiday cottages in Falmouth and the surrounding area. Explore the River Fal estuary, named the Carrick Roads, full of quaint Cornish settlements like Flushing, Mylor and Feock. Or choose the Atlantic-facing coastline great for its walking and beaches like Gyllyngvase, Swanpool and Maenporth.

If the clouds appear, wander through the cobbled streets of Falmouth town and wonder at the beautiful independent shops and galleries, enjoy local artisanal foods, and experience the relaxed but vibrant atmosphere of the restaurants and bars. When the sun is shining, jump on a ferry to Flushing or St Mawes, explore the coastal footpath, or get some vitamin sea with a paddleboard or kayak. Whatever you vibe, age or mood, Falmouth and this area can cater for all.

View guide to Falmouth & around
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The falmouth guide

Beach near holiday cottages near Falmouth by Forever Cornwall

Sheltered beaches

The south coast of Cornwall is known for its calm waters and sheltered beaches. Explore the beautiful beaches in Falmouth town, from Gyllyngvase and Swanpool. All beaches offer individual perks – from Gylly’s Beach Cafe with relaxed decking, perfect for enjoying a glass of something cold, to Swanpool’s cracking lunchtime cafe and their decadent ice creams. For the adventurer among you, take to the seas in a kayak or paddleboard to discover one of the many hidden coves in the area – some totally inaccessible by land so you are likely to have a beach to yourself. If you’re up for exploring, head along the coastal footpath from Swanpool towards Maenporth and seek out Sunny Cove – a sheltered, sandy beach that often goes undiscovered by visitors and residents alike.

Spoilt with local cuisine

There are bags of restaurants options to choose from. Head to The Cove in Maenporth for an a la carte menu overlooking the beach, or to Hooked on the Rocks in Swanpool for fabulous seafood in an elevated spot looking out over Falmouth Bay. Venture into Falmouth town and visit one of the many establishments on offer like The Wheelhouse with its superb selection of local seafood, Harbourlights’ and its award-winning fish & chips (probably the best in the country), or The Working Boat with its stunning harbour-facing views. Moving up and into the Carrick Roads, be sure to visit The Seven Stars in Flushing and soak up the atmosphere of this small fishing village, or the thatched Pandora Inn — a hidden gem and local’s favourite located up Restronguet Creek.

Falmouth working boat, Forever Cornwall

A maritime mecca...

Falmouth and the Carrick Roads are steeped in seafaring history, which is glaringly obvious from numerous nautical buildings and institutions in the area. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall hosts different exhibits along with permanent favourites, from lifeboats to climb in and on to the incredible Tidal Zone where, at high tide you below sea level and can look out into the harbour. The number of seafaring festivals the Falmouth is home to also indicates its intrinsic connection with maritime life – in June, head to the International Sea Shanty Festival and Falmouth Classics, in October, Falmouth Oyster Festival, and in August, Falmouth Week plays host to numerous events, both on land and on the water. There’s plenty to keep you occupied if you stay in one of our holiday cottages near Falmouth!

Beaches
Bigstock Gyllyngvase Beach In The Summe 1834320

Gyllyngvase Beach

Sheltered from most of the Atlantic swell, Gyllyngvase (or “Gylly”) is the perfect place for taking the family. It is mostly flat throughout the year and is seasonally lifeguarded, so it is a particularly safe spot for swimming. Gylly is winged by a rocky reef on both sides, so a great spot for snorkelling. Gylly Beach Café is a particularly welcoming addition, so you’re never too far away from an ice cream or some chips!

Swanpool Falmouth

Swanpool Beach

The other Falmouth beach, Swanpool is the smaller but no less stunning cousin of Gylly. It’s backed by a nature reserve, so feels greener and the birdlife is wonderful. The café sells the famous Hedgehog, which is a decadent cone of ice cream, hazelnuts and clotted cream for good measure. Swanpool isn’t lifeguarded, but is also a very calm spot on the Cornish coastline.

Towan Beach, Roseland, Forever Cornwall

Towan Beach

Nestled in the rural Roseland, sits the pristine Towan beach. It’s accessible from Falmouth via a couple of ferries (or you can park at the National Trust car park), so feels particularly quiet and you can enjoy the beach without the crowds. The wildlife is also a big draw and you could spot yourself a seal, curlew or even a dolphin!

Food & Drink
Harbour Lights, Falmouth, Forever Cornwall

Harbour Lights

Could this be the best chippy in the UK? Ask any local and they will think so. This relax joint sits close to Falmouth’s harbour, so you know the fish is fresh! We recommend eating your chips on the quayside (watch out for seagulls) or take them into The Front, a cosy pub which allows you to bring your own food.

Indidog

This high quality restaurant is an award-winning establishment with a full length balcony right over the harbour. The menu regularly changes, but always delivers a special experience, especially when involving seafood! The cocktails are also show-stoppingly good.

Pandora Inn River fal Falmouth Forever Cornwall

Pandora Inn

A historic pub that’s hidden up Restronguet Creek, right next to the riverside. The inn was re-named in memory of the HMS Pandora, the naval ship sent to Tahiti to capture the mutineers of Captain Bligh’s Bounty. If it’s in the colder months, there are lots of cosy nooks next to the fire, and in the summer months you can take advantage of the long pontoon with tables. Expect classic pub grub – the roasts are particularly a favourite!

Things to do
Bigstock National Maritime Museum 44646640

National Maritime Museum

Don’t miss The National Maritime Museum, a well-curated centre for all things boats, ships and the sea. It’s full of interactive displays, full sized boats and a particularly interesting underwater viewing window that looks into Falmouth harbour. Buy one ticket and it will be valid for a year, so you can come back again and again!

Trelisick House

Trelissick

A stunning National Trust house and gardens positioned on its own peninsula in the Fal estuary. Explore the exotic gardens, enjoy the panoramic views of the estuary, or visit a one of the rolling programmes of exhibitions on offer. The walks around the area are also a relaxing way to spend the day.

Take a ferry

The best way to explore the Carrick Roads is via water. River Fal offers ferries between Falmouth and a host of places including, St Mawes (pictured), Flushing, Trelissick and Truro. It’s a great way to explore the distinctly rural Roseland Peninsula, with its pretty villages, and amazing flora and fauna.