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.

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.

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.
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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.

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.



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.



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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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