Making the most of Falmouth
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Only the smallest cruise ships, up to 240m, can berth at Falmouth; most use a mooring in the bay and tender passengers ashore. The crossing takes half an hour in each direction and tidal waters can be rough.
Smaller ships berth at County Wharf, a 10 to 15-minute walk from the town center. Taxis are usually available at the pier.
Passengers may use the free shuttle bus or walk into town, where shops range from art galleries to antique shops.
The award-winning Falmouth Ambassadors welcome passengers as they disembark. They can answer questions and provide a cruise visitor map & guide.
Falmouth harbor is said to be the world's third largest natural harbor. Once called Smithwick, Falmouth had only an alehouse and a Blacksmith's shop before Sir Walter Raleigh proposed turning the quiet port into a principal seaport. Its fortification, Pendennis Castle, remains the first welcome and is worth visiting.
Pleasure boats operate on the Falestuary and around the harbor, offering views of the town from the water.
An English garden is an essential part of the countryside, and Falmouth has one of Cornwall's best: Glendurgan Garden, created in 1826 and still carefully maintained.
The maritime museum is excellent, though it requires a little walking to reach.
Getting around
Some parts of Falmouth are very hilly, and roads such as Killigrew Street and Trelawney Road may test your patience with the town surveyors. Most attractions lie between The Moor and Falmouth Docks, however, where the ground is relatively level.
Nearby places
Regular boat trips cross the river Fal to nearby villages, towards Truro and west in the direction of Helford.
A water taxi from downtown goes across to St Mawes.
Money
The pound (£) is used throughout the UK, and pounds are sometimes called quid. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon elsewhere in the UK, so exchange them before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM), also known as 'holes in the wall', are widespread and usually issue £10 and £20 notes.
Most shops and restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
English is spoken nationwide, sometimes with strong accents.
Free WiFi is offered by most cafe's and restaurants.
For emergencies, use the local number 999; the EU-wide 112 also works.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours generally are:
Small stores are open 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm). Larger stores commonly stay open until 9PM, while Hypermarts are often 24/7.