The Port of Falmouth is superbly located for ‘round Britain’, European or repositioning cruises and is situated in the premier holiday region of Britain. The port can accommodate most liners alongside or they can anchor in the sheltered waters of the Bay and use a purpose-built passenger landing facility. The entrance to the harbour, known locally as the Carrick Roads, is dominated on either side by the twin castles of Pendennis and St. Mawes, established by Henry VIII to repel the French. Both of these fortresses can be visited during a call at the port. Visiting ships berth a short distance from the town. Passengers can choose to take the complementary shuttle bus or walk in to town where there are a wide variety of shops including art galleries and antique shops.
The impressive National Maritime Museum Cornwall is only a 10-minute walk from the port and offers a unique opportunity to view a wide range of static and working exhibits tracing the history of small boats. An adjacent events square stages lively activities throughout the year.
Beyond the port, the choice of excursions is only limited by the imagination. Historic buildings and remains can be visited including Tintagel, the ancient Celtic castle and legendary birthplace of King Arthur. Lanhydrock House, the grandest dwelling in Cornwall, which dates from the 17th century, the three-spired cathedral in Truro, the county town, or Chysauster, where there are the remains of an Iron Age village with the oldest identifiable village street in Cornwall. The world renowned Eden Project can easily be visited from the port. The massive biodomes are a living theatre of plants and people. It acts as a centre for education, communication and participation with the natural world.
Due to the mild climate, sub-tropical gardens can be found throughout the area. They all have glorious panoramic views towards the sea which visitors can enjoy as they walk through the sweeping parklands of exotic plants and trees. Traditional Cornish villages will offer a warm welcome and have such varied attractions as the internationally famous Tate Gallery in St. Ives or the narrow streets of Polperro with its bustling fishing harbour. Sights of natural beauty can be found on every route from the port including those of Lands End with its cliffs and crashing waves, or Helford Passage with its extensively wooded river and creeks, the setting for Daphne du Maurier’s novel Frenchman’s Creek.
These are just some of the facilities and attractions the Port of Falmouth and the surrounding areas have to offer. They are sure to make any visit a memorable one.
