Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Falmouth has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Falmouth.
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Sights in Falmouth
Falmouth is a town, civil parish and port on the River Fal on the south coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It has a total resident population of 35,532 (2011 census).[1] Falmouth is the thirdlargest natural harbour in the world and the deepest in Western Europe.[2] The harbour was the site of links with the Americas, and is now home to international points of interest and major shipping activities.[3]
The town has three quarries within its boundaries. Gyllyngvase, on the western edge of the town, is the largest. The other two, Bickland Water and Melangvenna, are much smaller. The quarry at Melangvenna was the first to be worked in the Falmouth area, while that at Bickland Water was the last to close, in the early 20th century.
Falmouth has two main beaches, Gyllyngvase and Castle Beach. Gyllyngvase, which is also known as “Falmouth Beach”, is situated on the western side of the town and is a popular tourist spot. It is a large, sandy beach that is wellequipped with facilities such as a café, a shop, showers, and toilets. There is also a lifeguard service during the summer months. Castle Beach is located on the eastern side of Falmouth and is a smaller, more secluded beach that is not as wellequipped as Gyllyngvase.
The town of Falmouth is home to a number of historical buildings and sites. The most notable of these is Pendennis Castle, which is a 16thcentury artillery fort that was used in the defence of Falmouth Harbour. The castle is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public. Other notable buildings in the town include the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, theFalmouth Art Gallery, and the Princess Pavilion, which is a Grade II listed building that was built in the early 19th century as a seaside pleasure palace.
History of Falmouth
Falmouth is a historic town, civil parish and port on the River Fal on the south coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It has a total resident population of 31,533 making it the fifth largest location in Cornwall. Falmouth is the principal town of the Borough of Falmouth and Carrick and was the county town of Cornwall until the Crown Courts moved to Truro which is now Cornwall’s administrative centre.
The port of Falmouth is the third deepest natural harbour in the world and is capable of accommodating the largest ships. It is the busiest cargo port in Cornwall and eighth busiest in the United Kingdom. Located in a sheltered bay on the south coast of Cornwall, the port of Falmouth has been used since the 13th century and was a major asset to Cornwall during the medieval period.
Falmouth was the site of two battles during the War of the Roses. In 1457, a Lancastrian army marched from Wales and seized the town from the Yorkists. The following year, the Yorkist navy sailed from Dartmouth and captured the town after a short siege.
After the union of the crowns in 1603, Falmouth was the first port of call for ships bound for America from England. It was also the last port of call for ships bringing sugar and other produce back from the West Indies. The townspeople were involved in smuggling, a dangerous and risky business, which often resulted in shipwrecks and loss of life.
In the 18th century, Falmouth became known as a fashionable resort for the wealthy and the town began to develop a more refined and genteel character. In 1769, Samuel Foote’s comic opera ‘The Spoiled Child’ was first performed in the town and was a huge success.
The 19th century saw the beginning of Falmouth’s decline as a fashionable resort but the town continued to grow as a fishing port and as a centre for shipbuilding and repairing. In 1858, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution stationed a lifeboat at Falmouth and, over the years, many brave men and women have lost their lives saving others from the treacherous waters around the coast.
The 20th century saw further decline in Falmouth’s fortunes but, in recent years, there has been something of a renaissance with the town becoming a popular tourist destination once again. With its beautiful beaches, historic buildings and stunning coastal scenery, Falmouth is a town with much to offer both residents and visitors alike.
Vacation in Falmouth
Situated on the south coast of Cornwall, the maritime town of Falmouth is a popular tourist destination. Its sheltered harbour and deep water moorings make it an ideal spot for sailing, and there are also many opportunities for windsurfing, kayaking, and other water sports. The town’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop.
There are several historical landmarks in Falmouth, including Pendennis Castle, which was built by Henry VIII to defend the harbour, and the National Maritime Museum, which is housed in a former lifeboat station. There are also several pretty gardens, such as the Trebah Garden, which is located on a cliff overlooking the sea.
If you’re looking for a active holiday with plenty of things to see and do, Falmouth is the perfect destination.
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