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Things To Do

Colourful bunting flying between shops on summers day in Falmouth High Street

Explore Falmouth

Get the most from your stay near the Cornish coast at the Royal Duchy Hotel and explore Falmouth and the rest of Cornwall.

Cornwall is a stunning backdrop for the likes of walking, sailing and a whole host of watersports. And thanks to Cornwall's long history, the landscape is flecked with historic sites from throughout the centuries. 

To help you plan your trip, we've pulled together an A-Z of some of the local attractions in Falmouth and the surrounding area. 

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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS (A-Z)

Aerial view of boat on a wildlife cruise in Cornwall
AK Wildlife Cruises

AK Wildlife Cruises offers more lengthy boat tours based at Falmouth Marina. Join them in search of some of the fantastic marine wildlife to be found in Falmouth Bay, such as seabirds, dolphins, seals and basking sharks! 

Distance: 2.2 miles [approx. 7 mins]

Barbara Hepworth sculpture
Barbara Hepworth Museum

Visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offers a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth-century artists.

Distance: 27 miles [approx. 50 mins]

Couple paddling a double kayak on the coast of Cornwall
BF Adventure

With stunning views over the estuary, BF Adventure occupies a 60-acre site that hosts a massive range of adventure sports, including zip wire, rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, archery and coasteering.

Distance: 7.5 miles [approx. 18 mins]

Green Steam train on Bodmin Railway
Bodmin Railway

10% off when you stay with us

Discover the nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on Cornwall’s leading full-size railway operated by steam locomotives. Relax in style and enjoy a leisurely 13-mile round trip, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age, as the era of a Cornish branch line in the 1950s is revealed. Indulge in a cream tea on the train or lunch at one of the station cafes, or book onto one of the Railway’s evening Murder Mystery trains during the summer months. Driver experience courses are also available on selected days – driving a train is something you will never forget!

Distance: 35 miles [approx. 1 Hour 8 mins]

Close up of pink wild flowers on coastal path
Bonython Estate Gardens

Situated on England’s southernmost Lizard Peninsula, Bonython Estate offers excitement and surprises, with colour and interest in all seasons. Magnificent shrubs, a walled garden, lakes and a woodland walk, enjoy the atmosphere of peace and calm.

Distance: 18.2 miles [approx. 30 mins]

East Pool Mine
East Pool Mine

East Pool Mine is one of the most important mines in the area. On your visit, explore the inner workings of this monument to the Industrial Revolution and experience the lives of Cornish miners from days gone by.

Distance: 12.4 miles [approx. 30 mins]

The Eden Project
The Eden Project

You will never forget your first visit to the spectacular biomes, as you wander deep in a rainforest and through gorgeous Mediterranean gardens. Eden always has a lively programme of entertainment that is educational and huge fun.

Distance: 29.5 miles [approx. 55 mins]

Female Stand up paddleboarding at sea
Elemental UK Water Sports

Windsurfing, Skyaking, SUP or Sailing? Whichever water-based hobby you’re planning to pursue on your holiday, Elemental UK have hire equipment available. 

Distance: 12.4 miles [approx. 30 mins]

St Michaels Mount Causeway Cornwall
Experience Cornwall Tours

Drawing on their local knowledge, Experience Cornwall Tours offers a delightful and relaxed way of uncovering Cornwall's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Close up of a golf ball on a green
Falmouth Golf Club

Falmouth Golf Club welcomes all visitors and societies to our established par 72 golf course which winds its way along Cornish cliff tops with stunning views across Falmouth Bay, in the southern part of Cornwall. Our facilities cater for all levels of golfer, from beginner onwards.

Distance: 1.7 miles [approx. 6 mins]

Lifeboat heading out to sea
Falmouth Motorboat Charters

Enjoy a skippered half-day or day charter of the luxury cruiser Windana with Falmouth Motorboat Charters. You can cruise along the coast or even out to the Isles of Scilly!

Distance: 1.7 miles [approx. 6 mins]

Rides a Flambards family attraction
Flambards

Flambards is Cornwall’s leading theme park. In Helston, Flambards offers rides, activities, entertainment, an indoor play area, an undercover museum and more.

Distance: 13.7 miles [approx. 24 mins]

Building illuminated early evening
Hall for Cornwall

Hall For Cornwall is a thriving theatre in the heart of Truro, Cornwall. Staging everything from classical to rock concerts, and musicals to drama and more...

Distance: 11.3 miles [approx. 24 mins]
Row of local Cornish wines served in glasses
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

We are a family-run farm located deep in the heart of Cornwall, near Newquay. We’ve been making the most of our apples for over 30 years, and are now proud makers of an array of award-winning ciders, wines, spirits and preserves.

Distance: 16.5 miles [approx. 35 mins]

Man waterskiing
Kernow Adventure Park

Kernow Adventure Park is Cornwall’s hidden outdoor activity centre, for family days out and thrill-seekers, with an Aquapark, open water swimming, wakeboarding and paddleboarding all set on a secret, tranquil, crystal-clear lake sunk into the earth. With a glass-fronted clubhouse and private beaches, this idyllic quarry is a little oasis, a safe playground and a social sanctuary cocooned within nature.

Distance: 6.8 miles [approx. 16 mins]

Sea view from beach at Lamorran
Lamorran Gardens

Lamorran is a subtropical, Italianate-inspired garden on Cornwall's beautiful Roseland peninsula.

A garden of many levels, it is situated on a south-facing slope and is surrounded on three sides by the benign influence of the warming sea. St Anthony’s headland sits across the water, creating a protected inlet to St Mawes and the river beyond.

Distance: 16.4 miles [approx. 55 mins] via the King Harry Ferry 

Sculpture at the Lost garden of heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan

10% off when you stay with us, discounted tickets must be purchased online

Since they were rediscovered 25 years ago, these have become some of the most popular botanical gardens in the country, with an enthralling history stretching back hundreds of years. 

Distance: 24.4 miles [approx. 50 mins]

The minack theatre
Minack Theatre

Cornwall's world-famous open-air theatre! The Minack is a unique theatre perched on the cliffs high above the Atlantic ocean. Drama, musicals and opera every summer, together with music, comedy and story-telling events.

Distance: 37.2 miles [approx. 1 hour 10 mins]

View of maritime museum
National Maritime Museum

An award-winning museum with 15 galleries spread over five floors. These excellent exhibits bring to life the maritime history of or island nation, right up to the present day. There are lots of hands-on activities to try. 

Distance: 0.4 miles [approx. 10 mins walking]

Boats moored at Newlyn harbour
Newlyn Art Gallery

Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange offers a wide and varied exhibition programme across our two sites, presenting contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists, with a supporting programme of events.

Distance: 30.1 miles [approx. 50 mins]

Lemar in Zoo enclosure
Newquay Zoo

Just a short distance from the famous town centre and beaches of Newquay is their wonderful zoo. Animals include Lions and other big cats, Lemurs and Meerkats, lots of Monkeys, Red Pandas, Penguins and Zebra. A packed day of talks and feedings means there's always something to see. Take the family to "run wild, explore and release your inner animal".

Distance: 24.4 miles [approx. 45 mins]

Pendennis castle
Pendennis Castle

A mighty fortress built by Henry VIII to defend Britain against invasion. The castle boasts an interactive exhibition and fantastic 360 degree views of the estuary. 

Distance: 0.6 miles [approx. 14 mins walking]

Peneleway tours in Cornwall
Penelewey Tours Cornwall

10% off when you stay with us

Welcome to Penelewey Tours Cornwall, your gateway to discovering Cornwall’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore hidden gems and iconic landmarks with their knowledgeable guide Becky and create unforgettable memories.

Close up of red cinema seats
Pheonix Cinema

Catch a film at Falmouth's local cinema when you stay with us. 

Distance: 1.3 miles [approx. 4 mins]

Close up of red grapes growing on vine in Cornish vineyard
Polgoon Vineyard Tours

Our vineyard tour and tasting takes approximately 90 minutes and includes a stroll around the vineyard and orchard with a peak behind-the-scenes at production processes. It concludes with a guided tasting of 5 award-winning wines.

Distance: 28.5 miles [approx. 50 mins]

View of St mawes casrle
St Mawes Castle

Spend the day exploring St Mawes Castle, one of the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses, and the most elaborately decorated.

Part of a chain of forts built between 1539 and 1545 to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain, St Mawes would have guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads alongside Pendennis Castle.

Distance: 16.7 miles [approx. 58 minutes] via the King Harry Ferry

View of road path to St-michaels-mount
St Michael's Mount

Stoop through ancient doorways and glimpse the castle’s changing faces – from priory to fort, iconic castle to family home. Wander century-old corridors and unravel the history of the St Aubyn family, who have lived here since the 17th century. Discover treasures from the Mount’s past, from religious roots to times of siege and conflict.

Distance: 24 miles [approx. 45 mins]

Decorative footbridge at Trebah gardens
Trebah Gardens

Trebah Gardens are a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. Visit to discover the magic of this beautiful Cornish valley garden with over four miles of footpath. Follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to their secluded beach on the Helford River.

Distance: 5.8 miles [approx. 18 mins]

Manor House at Trewithen Gardens
Trewithen Gardens

Trewithen means ‘house of the trees’ and with 30 acres of surrounding woodland gardens and more than two hundred acres of parkland, the name couldn’t be more appropriate.

Offering a rich history and a huge variety of beautiful specimens – if you are looking for gardens to visit in Cornwall, a trip to Trewithen is a must.

Distance: 19.4 miles [approx. 40 mins]

Royal Duchy Hotel Couple Walking Along Seafront with View of Pendennis

Walking breaks

From giant cliffs which plunge into the sea, leafy pathways that ramble along estuaries and views which reach out to an endless, hazy horizon, Cornwall is a walker’s paradise. In just 296 miles of coastline, wander through mining heritage country, discover King Arthur’s Cornish hideaway and cool off in private and hidden coves. It’s time to put those walking boots to good use. 

Find out more

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Royal Duchy Hotel Arriving Guests Greeted by Doorman Near Their Car

Golf

Cornwall is a paradise for golf lovers. Our glorious countryside is home to some of the best golf courses in England.

Whether you are an organised golfing group or a smaller group, our team are very knowledgeable about the golf courses in our local area and would love to help arrange your golfing break. 

Find out more

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Royal Duchy Hotel Local Area Falmouth High Street in Winter

Local Events

Here are some of the highlights in Falmouth's events calendar to help you plan your trip. There are all kinds of wonderful events happening all year round in Falmouth and the surrounding area; ranging from festivals, shows, and everything in between. 

You'll also find all of our hotel events listed here which include festive experiences, summer barbeques and more!

View Events Calendar

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