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Falmouth is a town that’s got it all, from beautiful beaches, and a picturesque high street, to an impressive array of restaurants, pubs, and bars, as well as sea views on almost every corner, which makes it a great location if you’re short on time, according to our sister site 2Chill.

This is how we would suggest passing a long weekend in Falmouth.

Friday

As a seaside town, you won’t be short of places to book into. If you’re looking to splash out, there are luxurious hotels such as St Michael’s Hotel & Spa and the Royal Duchy on the sea front, Merchant’s Manor, which is about a 10-minute walk from the beaches and Greenbank (www.greenbank-hotel.co.uk) with views across the estuary. There’s also an endless list of guesthouse and self-catering options for all budgets, as well as Trewen campsite, which is in nearby Budock Water. 

Once you’ve unpacked, stretch your legs with a walk around Falmouth’s headland that stretches from the Trago’s end of town (Trago Mills is a store filled with bargains that’s something of an institution) to the beaches on Cliff Road.

Along the way, enjoy the bustle of the docks (Falmouth is the third largest natural harbour in the world) and grab an ice cream at the headland car park with its panoramic sea views before popping into Pendennis Castle, a fortress that still stands proudly almost 500 years after it was built by Henry VIII. 

If it’s been a long day of travel, grab a drink and something to eat at Gylly Café which sits at the top of Gyllyngvase Beach and provides the perfect backdrop to toast your first night.

Saturday

If the sun is shining, you’ll no doubt want to head back to the beach. Falmouth has three, Castle, Gyllyngvase, below, of course, with the pretty Queen Mary Gardens just behind it, and tennis courts if you’re feeling particularly energetic, and Swanpool, which is a picturesque 10-15-minute walk along from Gylly. 

All three beaches have cafes, and are so close to each other you could just make a day of it and beach-hop your way along. If you fancy a longer walk, you can also head to Maenporth, another stunning spot about half an hour walk from Swanpool, where you’ll also find Michael Caines’ beachside eatery The Cove. The water’s calmer here than much of the north coast, so it’s a popular area to paddleboard and kayak, and you’ll find plenty of places to hire equipment. 

If you want a break from the beach, or the sun disappears, then head to the National Maritime Museum to find out about our seafaring heritage, or the family-friendly Pitch and Putt at Goldenbank or Ships and Castle Leisure Centre near Pendennis Castle. For a low-key meal, buy some fish and chips from Harbour Lights and eat them while sitting on the quay before grabbing a drink at the historic Chain Locker with views of the estuary. 

For something a little more formal, book at a table at Cribbs for Caribbean flavours, or The Shack which serves incredible seafood platters. For late-night drinks, there’s The Brig for rum infused cocktails and Toast, which often hosts comedy nights and live music events.

Sunday

After a lazy lie-in, take some time to explore the town. If you begin at the Killigrew Street end, you can grab some pasties at Choak’s. A firm favourite with the locals, they’ve been using the same recipe for more than 60 years, and it makes a tasty brunch or lunch on the go.

If you feel the need to burn it off, you can always tackle the steep steps known as Jacob’s Ladder just off the main piazza. From this end of town, you can also book one of the ferry trips that depart from the Prince of Wales Pier to St Mawes and Flushing.

Afterwards, enjoy an amble along the main cobblestone street that winds its way through Falmouth town centre where you’ll find some of the usual high street names alongside small galleries, boutique stores and surf shops. 

For your final evening, try The Boathouse a laid-back, award-winning pub that sits at the top of the high street, and the nearby Star & Garter, a Georgian Townhouse with beautiful vistas. Both provide delicious meals in an incredible setting and would mark a memorable end to your weekend.

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