Falmouth has completely redefined the term beach fun! By capitalizing on its rich maritime legacy as well as rich cultural heritage and many world-renowned tourist attractions, Falmouth has slowly but surely transformed its many beaches into a complete holiday treat for vacationers and thrill-seekers alike. Anyone travelling to Cornwall should check out Falmouth.
The Environmentally-Attuned Gyllyngvase Beach
With a well-renowned café and the prestige of a Blue Flag recognition, the Gyllyngvase Beach is one of Falmouths most sought-after beaches. Its golden sand provides a wonderful contrast to the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic that curves a gentle arc into its beaches.
Gyllyngvase is only ten minutes away by foot from the center of Falmouth and is home to the nationally-acclaimed Gylly Beach Café. The Café offers a spectacular view of the beach serving mouth-watering dishes that are made of only the freshest and finest locally-grown produce and straight-from-the ocean main ingredients such as fishes and shellfishes. The Café is the perfect venue for a romantic evening as well as excellent for family dine-outs by the beach.
The beach is also home to Cornwalls pioneer paddleboard training facility, the WESUP. Visitors and beach frolickers can enlist in many of WESUPs water activities training to make their beach adventure take on an entirely different meaning.
Other beach amenities include an establishment that caters to a variety of beach-goer needs from superb take-away food and ice cream to small trinkets and other souvenir items. There is a dedicated life guard however only during the peak season of May to September. The beach also has a parking area for visitors to leave their vehicles while they frolic in the sun.
The Fun-Filled Beaches of Swanpool
Swanpool beach is excellent for water-related activities such as kayaking, dinghy sailing, and windsurfing among other activities. The beachs fun-filled features are closely related to the adjacent Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve which is a facility that houses many species of freshwater plants and animals like swans, grebe ducks, kingfishers, and tufted ducks as well as other water fowls.
Swanpool Beach offers a café to whet the appetite of its beach-goers and thrill-seekers alike. The Elemental UK, a water sports educational facility is also located on Swanpool Beach. This facility caters to everyone who is interested in learning how to kayak, sail, and ride the canoe. Lessons are also offered on coasteering and raft-building.
Like Gyllyngvase, Swanpool is conveniently located about 20 minutes by foot from the centre of town. It also has a dedicated parking area for visitors.
The Historic Castle Beach
Not only is Castle Beach known as the most northerly of Falmouths beaches, it is also strategically located alongside Pendennis Point, the very same location of the historic Pendennis Castle built by King Henry VIII 475 years ago. Its unique geologic features make it an ideal place for rock pooling, snorkelling, and diving as the rocky features of Pendennis Point are known to extend well into Castle Beach.
Castle Beach also has a café that serves food and refreshments to beach-goers and visitors alike. However, because the beach can sometimes be covered with water during high tides, café operations are limited from Easter to September. Unlike the beaches of Gyllyngvase, Castle Beach does not have a dedicated parking area or a lifeguard service.
Coastal Walks at Maenporth Beach
Located two miles southwest of Falmouth town centre, Maenporth Beach is an excellent sandy cove that is a haven for sunbathers, sport anglers, rock poolers, and boaters. Its sandy shores are deemed perfect for that romantic walk down the beach. Maenporth is also perfect for scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. And like any other beach in Falmouth, Maenporth also offers a café and parking facilities.
There are other beaches in or near the town of Falmouth. One thing you need to remember is that Falmouth is simply one of the best beach havens this side of the UK.