Top 6 things to do in Falmouth

I've spent the last couple of days opening my eyes to the glory that is Falmouth. What I've come up with is a list of top things to do whilst you're here!

Falmouth Harbour

Whether you're visiting a friend at uni, going on a typical British holiday, or you're a local resident, Cornwall is the place to be.

Whilst my friend was here, I showed her around Falmouth, pointing out the history, the quirky shops and the beautiful houses. I've been living here for three years, commuting between Penryn and Falmouth, always appreciative of being so close to the sea but never seeing it as I did this week.

It was like I was seeing it all again for the first time, living it through my friend's eyes. From this, I was able to compile a list of the best and most Cornish things to do on a visit to Falmouth, which is something I definitely recommend!

1. Gyllyngvase Beach - A gorgeous stretch of beach with inviting water. Watch people paddle board, grab some chips from the cafe and plonk your bum on that sand. I like that there are so many dogs on the beach at the moment, but for those who don't, the beach is dog free from May to September. I personally like to sit on the sand with a Kopperberg and a bag of Kettle Chips, but if you're looking for a roast by the coast or a Bailey's hot chocolate to snuggle up with when the wind gets rough, Gylly Beach Cafe is a lovely restaurant with great views over the sea.

Gylly Beach with a distant view of Pendennis Castle

2. Ice cream at Swanpool Beach - A lovely 15 minute stroll between Gylly Beach and Swanpool beach will give you all round views of the sea, sand and surfers. Once you arrive, you have to try the ice cream... it's bigger than my head. A scoop of vanilla covered in a very generous serving of clotted cream, sprinkled with a topping of your choice. You can have anything from jelly babies, chocolate orange pieces, flaked coconut or crystallized ginger. At £3.60 a go, they are definitely worth a try. You can also have the clotted cream and crazy toppings on a hot chocolate! So even if the beach is being British and the skies are threatening rain, Swanpool Beach has got you covered by way of sweet treats.

Monkey Business Ice Cream

3. PASTIES - Cornwall is well-known for its pasty production, what with their open-to-the-public pasty making competitions each year. Falmouth is very accommodating in the Pasty region, with at least 8 pasty shops to eat in or takeaway, you will be spoiled for choice. I personally recommend The Cornish Bakery, who offer a range of unique pasty flavours. You can have pork, apple and Cornish cider, spicy chickpea, thai chicken or spinach and ricotta. They even do an apple, rhubarb and custard pasty if you're feeling adventurous... Of course, a large traditional Cornish pasty is always up for grabs. Not only that, but places like Oggy Oggy (meaning Pasty in Cornish) cater for Gluten Free diets, with GF traditional or cheese and onion pasties.

Spicy Vegetable Pasty from Cornish Bakery

4. Pendennis Castle - Seen from Gylly beach and only a short drive away (or long uphill walk if you're into that), Pendennis Castle is a great place to see if you're a fan of history. Belonging to Henry VIII, the fortress was used to defend Cornwall in foreign invasions, and played a part in WWI. Now under the National Trust, you can stand in the castle turrets, see the underground bomb bunkers and even get married! With adult tickets at £10.90 and child's tickets at £6.50, this is a great place to get a real feel of Falmouth's heritage.

Pendennis on top of the hill

5. The Maritime Museum - More for those who like to learn on their holidays. The Maritime museum holds fantastic displays, currently exhibiting the history of the Titanic. This exhibit itself if something I highly recommend. It is fascinating. I once saw a history of tattoos exhibition too, what with the seaside town of Falmouth relishing in tattoo art. At roughly £12 a ticket, you pay once and can enter for free for the rest of the year which is a real bonus.

6. Fish and Chips - Need I say more?

There you have it. A way to make your trip to Cornwall more typically Cornish. Falmouth is a great place to be if you want a lot of history, lovely beaches and a great selection of traditional Cornish food.

I am feeling very sentimental about leaving Falmouth at the end of uni, but intend to breathe it all in while I can.

You should too!