Discover Falmouth, Cornwall

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, Cornwall: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gyllyngvase_Beach_-_geograph.org.uk_-_164536.jpg
Author: Tony Atkin


Falmouth is a seaport on the River Fal on the south coast of Cornwall, England. It has the third deepest natural harbor in the world, and is often the start or end point of record-breaking voyages. The town presently has a population of around 22,000 people (2012 estimate).

Falmouth traces its history to the 16th century, when it was founded to support the coastal fortifications by King Henry VIII. I had earlier stated that it has been around since Celtic times, when it was known as Aberfal, meaning "mouth of the Fal river", and that it was translated into Falmouth during the Anglo-Saxon period. A linguistic anthropologist and scholar of Celtic languages pointed out to me that this is incorrect. There has never been an Aberfal during Celtic period. A plausible early Celtic name for the town was Peny-cwm-cuic, later anglicized to Pennycomequick.

Among the historic landings to take place in Falmouth was that of the schooner Pickle in 1805, bring home news of Britain's victory at Trafalgar and Admiral Nelson's death. It was also where the HMS Beagle anchored in 1836 after its famous voyage around the world with Charles Darwin.

Today Falmouth has evolved into a domestic tourist destination taking advantage of its glorious maritime past. It is a popular stopover for cruise ships.

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pendennis_Castle.jpg
Author: QuartierLatin1968

Visiting Falmouth

From Manchester, take the M5 motorway until it connects with the A30 road near Exeter. Head west on the A30 until the Carland Cross roundabout, and continue south on the A39 road until you arrive in Falmouth.

Places of Interest in Falmouth

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