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7 Amazing Day Trips from Falmouth, Cornwall

From charming fishing villages to medieval castles and tidal islands, here are some of the best day trips from Falmouth, Cornwall. It includes highlights and tips to help you plan your Falmouth days out.

View of St Michael's Mount castle from afar, with a garden in the foreground. Visiting here is one of the best day trips from Falmouth.

Located on the western bank of the Fal Estuary, the beautiful coastal town of Falmouth is a great destination for a few days’ break in Cornwall, and has many amazing places to explore.

In addition to all the attractions in the town centre, it is also the perfect base to explore West Cornwall, the southwesternmost part of the country. There are many exciting day trips from Falmouth that you can take to explore the surrounding areas.

The crystal waters of the Swanpool Beach under bright blue skies with some houses among the trees in the background, one of the best destinations in the list of day trips from falmouth

As you would expect, Falmouth is surrounded by a spectacular coastline, beautiful countryside with an abundance of charming villages, and castles with tons of history.

But before going on to the best day trips from Falmouth, here are some tips on where to stay.

Where to stay in Falmouth, Cornwall

As I mentioned, Falmouth is the perfect base to explore Cornwall beyond this beautiful coastal town once known as Pennycomequick.

Although I was a bit unlucky with the weather, Falmouth is one of the sunniest places in the UK, and it’s in the perfect location for day trips in Cornwall. This is why I chose to stay at Gylly Gables, a stylish boutique apartment in the heart of Falmouth.

Me sitting on a blye chair enjoying a cup of drink in a blue striped glass on a blue table with a view of the cottages in the background under dark skies. It is one of the best things to do in one of the day trips from falmouth

Managed by Aspects Holidays, Gylly Gables is located right next to the wonderful Princess Pavilion, a music venue and theatre complex with beautiful historic gardens. It’s also 2 minutes’ walk from Gylly Beach and the South West Coast Path for stunning coastal walks.

Kitchen window with a chalkboard haging on a white cabinet, pink flowers near the window, and a water heater on the table in one of the stays during a day trip from falmouth
A bedroom with a blue wavy patterned wall, a rainbow colored decorative sheet, and blue patterned sheets in Gilly Gables, a must destination for your stay in one of the day trips from falmouth
Me reading a magazine on a large bed, holding a blue striped mug. The headboard is attached to a red wall painted with white jellyfish. This is a comfortable stay in one of the accommodations during a day trip from Falmouth.

Gylly Gables is a deceivingly spacious home that has been stylishly decorated with a bit of added seaside fun. The little details throughout the property really make you feel like home – from a little booklet with the local tide times, to a cozy window seat with a sea view. 

The nautical and maritime themes across all the rooms constantly remind you that you are by the seaside. The bright jellyfish wallpaper in one of the rooms, and the seagull wallpaper in the loo, are just a couple of examples. 

A bedroom mirror hangs on a red wall with jellyfish patterns, complemented by a small blue lamp on a wooden table. These are the amazing details found in one of the accommodations during a day trip from Falmouth.
A large blue bed with blue and white towels and pillows sits between two side tables with lamps, beside a sunlit window. Enjoy these details in accommodations during day trips from Falmouth.
Me sitting on a long seat beside the window, reading, with a small black side table and a blue velvet chair visible. Enjoy this cozy spot during day trips from Falmouth.

Split over two and a half levels, Gylly Gables has two double and one single bedrooms, and two bathrooms, with a generous kitchen and dining area. But my favourite room was the living room, with a balcony from which you can enjoy a peek of the sea.

Aspects Holidays has a lot of self catering holiday cottages for both short breaks in Cornwall, and they often offer last minute deals. It was super easy to book through them.

Me in a yellow top and jeans pointing to a sign reading "All You Need Is Love," set against a blue wall with white boat patterns and a blue door. A charming find during day trips from Falmouth.
A wooden chair with a blue pillow and a white table adorned with pink flowers, all bathed in sunlight. Perfect for relaxing during day trips from Falmouth.

Other options to stay in Falmouth, include:

  • Britons Slip: One of Falmouth’s most iconic waterfront residences, it’s ideal for larger groups.
  • Fal Reach: A cosy retreat with fabulous harbour views, perfect all year round.
  • Thalassa: A fantastic property located in the cobbled high street, with a stunning high terrace and spectacular views.

But let’s move on and explore the best day trips from Falmouth.

Best day trips from Falmouth, Cornwall

Pendennis Castle

Once you have explored the attractions of Falmouth town such as Falmouth Art Gallery and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, head out for the day to discover further afield, starting with a visit to Pendennis Castle, one of the best things to do in Falmouth.

Me walking towards Pendenni Castle on a road under cloudy skies, a great highlight of day trips from Falmouth.

While it’s not quite a day trip in itself, the castle is slightly out of town, so you could spend the first half of the day here, and perhaps head out on a boat trip to the Roseland Peninsula and St Mawes Castle for the second half.

Pendennis Castle is a fortress built by Henry VIII in the 16th century as defence against invasion from the Spanish and the French. It was also used as a secret military base during World War II.

The towers of Pendennis Castle, featuring a white flag waving, set against cloudy skies, a notable site for day trips from Falmouth.

Don’t miss the hourly tour of the Tudor Keep, where you can learn about the history of the castle as well as some of its past guests and resident ghosts from the very knowledgeable guide.

Me exiting one of the Pendennis Castle towers with a flag waving atop, set against dark skies, a highlight for day trips from Falmouth.

Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Keep for views over the Roseland Peninsula, Carrick Roads and Falmouth Harbour on one side, and the English Channel and the town of Falmouth on the other.

St Ives

Nestled on Cornwall’s north coast and only an hour drive away from Falmouth, St Ives is one of the most popular holiday spots in the United Kingdom.

A street lined with white and stone-walled houses, featuring a tower rising in the background under cloudy skies.

It’s especially famous as one of England’s prime winter surfing destinations. If you’re looking to catch some waves, head over to Porthmeor Beach – it’s got everything surfers need, from schools to gear rentals.

For a more family-friendly vibe, Porthminster Beach is your go-to with its Blue Flag status.

Me wearing a red top and jeans, climbing a staircase from the beach, with blue waters and several boats visible in the background under cloudy skies.

Besides the beach scene, why not hop on a boat to Seal Island? It’s a good place to watch seals lounging around and other wildlife doing their thing. 

If you’re up for some wandering, the harbour area and the charming cobblestone streets of Downalong are lined with cool independent shops, art galleries, and eateries just waiting to be explored.

The outdoor exhibition of geometric sculptures with holes, surrounded by lush greenery, at the Barbara Hepworth Museum.

St Ives has been attracting artists to the area for over a century, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. Don’t miss a visit to the Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and its wonderful Sculpture Garden.

St Ives offers the perfect mix of art, and coastal charm!

Just one tip: If you get yourself a Cornish pasty or an ice cream, watch out for those pesky seagulls that will think nothing of swooping down and try to steal it from you. Don’t let them ruin a great day out!

The Lizard Peninsula

The Lizard Peninsula is a real gem down in Cornwall and possibly my favourite area in the whole county. It’s only a short trip away from Falmouth, so it’s perfect for a day trip. 

A curved stone wall on the water at the Lizard Peninsula serves as a dock for small boats, with a small pigeon visible in the foreground.

It is all about rugged coastal beauty, with dramatic cliffs that offer breathtaking views and some of the clearest turquoise waters you’ll find in the UK. It’s a hotspot for hikers and nature lovers, thanks to its unique geology and abundant wildlife. 

Don’t miss Lizard Point with its beautiful lighthouse, known for being the southernmost point of the British mainland. Or the stunning mouth of the Helford River and its surrounding sandy beaches and coves. You can get a boat ride across if you are walking the South West Coast Path.

If you’re into quaint villages, the Lizard has plenty of charming places with cute shops and cozy cafes to refuel after a day of exploring.

Me climbing a stone path with houses and docked boats visible in the background under cloudy skies.

Whenever I visit the Lizard I always make sure I make a pit stop at Coverack, a picturesque fishing community with a stunning beach.

Top tip: Coverack has the only car park I visited that is run by a charity and it doesn’t take card payments, so make sure you have cash with you.

Cadgwith, only a few miles away, is one of the most beautiful places in Cornwall. With its traditional whitewashed thatched cottages, it feels like the village has been forgotten by the 21st century. 

Make sure you try the freshly caught crab sandwich at Cadgwith Cove Crab. So fresh and deliciously tasty!

A narrow path leading to stone-walled cottages surrounded by pink flowers under cloudy skies.

Another unmissable place in the Lizard is one of the most stunning spots in the Cornish coast. Kynance Cove is one of the most photographed places in Cornwall for a reason. 

Managed by the National Trust, you can walk down to the beach and around the rocks at low tide. There’s a great cafe here too to quench your thirst before hiking back up the hill.

me on top of a cliff with the view of the blue sea under blue skies

Whether you’re into bird watching, strolling through heathlands, or just soaking up the coastal vibes, the Lizard Peninsula has something special to offer.

St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

St Michael’s Mount is a must-see when you’re in Cornwall. The Mount is this stunning tidal island with a castle perched right on top, located off the coast of the town of Marazion. 

Me walking on a stone path leading away from St Michael’s Mount, with the Mount in the background and bright, cloudy skies overhead.

You can walk over to it by a man-made causeway when the tide is out. You normally have a window of 2 hours either side of low tide. When the tide is high, you can access the island only by boat.

It may remind you of Mont-Saint-Michel in France, and there’s actually a historical link there – St Michael’s Mount used to be owned by Mont-Saint-Michel way back after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The view of St Michael’s Mount from a distance, showcasing the castle and its long pathway with people walking. The scene is set under clear blue skies, with purple flowers in the foreground.

Nowadays, you can spend a full day at the castle, but timing is everything; you’ll need to check the tide schedules to make sure you can actually get across on the causeway. It’s a little adventure, just walking over there!

Mousehole

Mousehole (pronounced Mowzle) is a charming little fishing village complete with a picture-perfect harbour that feels like stepping back in time. 

Boats floating on clear waters near a coastal town, set against a backdrop of cloudy skies.

Almost all of the village was destroyed by the Spaniards back in 1595, except for one house, which is still standing.

While it was a bustling fishing port a century ago, today Mousehole holds onto that old-world charm. It’s absolutely delightful to meander through its narrow streets, taking in the quaint atmosphere and the friendly vibes.

People sitting by the water outside their stone-walled houses, enjoying the view under clear blue skies.

If you are looking for a good cream tea in Cornwall, Four Teas Cafe in Mousehole is a fantastic option. It’s a tiny little cafe decorated with WWII memorabilia playing music of the time, so it feels very nostalgic. You may have to wait for a table but it’s worth it!

Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre is truly a sight to behold, perched on a rocky outcrop stretching into the sea. 

Round theatre stage built in stone with arches behind and the sea in the background

Dreamed up in the 1930s by Rowena Cade right in her own garden, it now hosts plays from Easter to September, featuring theatre troupes from both the UK and the US.

If you find yourself in Cornwall during the summer, catching a performance on this one-of-a-kind stage, with the ocean as a backdrop, is a must-do experience.

And don’t worry if you miss show season—you can visit the theatre and its gardens anytime, and you might even get to see a rehearsal!

Land’s End

Land’s End, as the name suggests, is the dramatic cliffside point where England waves goodbye to its mainland and says hello to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Me standing on top of a rock with a backdrop of blue waters under cloudy skies.

It’s the most westerly spot of mainland UK, making it a bucket list destination for its stunning ocean views and rugged landscape.

You can stand on the edge and look out over the vast blue, feeling like you’re at the very end of the world. It’s not just about the views, though – there’s a visitor centre, shops, and even exhibitions that delve into the local heritage.

Me standing beside the Land's End sign with blue waters and a road in the background, and people walking in the distance.

Whether you’re snapping a photo at the iconic signpost or exploring the coastal paths, Land’s End is a blend of natural beauty and Cornish charm.

Getting around Cornwall

Cornwall is a pretty remote rural county. Despite this, a lot of the towns, both coastal and inland, are linked by trains and buses.

White and stone-walled cottages surrounded by lush greenery.

However, if you really want to explore Cornwall and not be restricted by public transport schedules, you will need your own car to get around.

If you don’t have your own car, I would recommend hiring one. You can find really good deals on car hire comparison sites like Discover Cars

> Find the best car hire deals with Discover Cars

Have you done any of these day trips from Falmouth? Would you add any others?
Let me know in the comments!

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7 Amazing Day Trips from Falmouth, Cornwall
7 Amazing Day Trips from Falmouth, Cornwall

Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Aspect Holidays. As always, all views are my own.