Eight Places to Visit Within a 30-Minute Drive

1. Maenporth Beach – 10 min drive

Although The Falmouth is blessed with three beautiful beaches within walking distance of the hotel – Castle, Gyllngvase, and Swanpool – some slightly further afield are well worth a visit too.

Just a ten-minute drive away, Maenporth beach has a gentle slope, sandy shores, and shallow waters, so it’s perfect for little ones. With excellent facilities, including a beach café, paddleboard and kayak hire, and a car park right on the beach, it’s a lovely place to spend a morning or afternoon.

2. Trebah Garden – 18 min drive

The sub-tropical paradise of Trebah Garden is a must-see for visitors to Cornwall. Explore four miles of footpaths winding through the beautiful valley garden, and wander down to Trebah’s peaceful secluded beach, Polgwidden Cove.

Whether you’re looking for a family adventure or a moment of bliss, Trebah Garden has everything, including a café, gift shop and children’s adventure play areas.

3. Perranwell Classic Car Hire – 18 min drive

Off the beaten track, you’ll find Perranwell garage where you can hire an open-top classic car. Experience all the elements and explore Cornwall’s beautiful coastline and countryside in style.

Only an 18-minute drive from The Falmouth, take a pit stop, and switch vehicle to a classic Morgan, MGB sportscar, or Morris Minor convertible!

📸: Perranwell garage

4. Helford Passage – 20 min drive

The Helford Passage is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems – a quaint village situated in an unspoilt sheltered bay. Soak up the serene magic of the Helford River from a paddleboard or boat, available to hire from the village. Or, if you’d rather stay on dry land, there are plenty of wonderful local walks.

After exploring, grab a drink and bite to eat at The Ferryboat Inn, which specialises in local seafood dishes and a range of Cornish ales.

5. Via Ferrata Cornwall – 20 min drive

For all thrill-seekers and fearless adventurers, we have just the experience for you. Only a 20-minute drive away, descend into a gorgeous granite quarry last used nearly 100 years ago. Scale cliff faces, cross high wire bridges, and zip wire back to ground level!

Spectators can sit back and relax in the café, then why not explore one of the beautiful on-site nature trails?

📸: Via Ferrata

6. Trelissick House and Gardens – 25 min drive

Cornwall is a treasure trove of National Trust properties and gardens, so you’re never far from a glimpse of heritage and history. Just 25 minutes from The Falmouth Hotel, explore Trelissick House and Gardens, originally built in 1755.

With panoramic views across the Fal estuary, a second-hand book shop, café and house tearoom, there is lots to see and do at Trelissick.

7. Museum of Cornish Life – 28 min drive

In the heart of Helston, find yourself transported back in time at the Museum of Cornish Life. Housing one of the largest social and cultural history collections in the South West, discover artefacts and antiquities of Cornwall’s past.

The museum is free to visit, and why not explore the market town of Helston after to experience Cornwall in the present day?

📸: Museum of Cornish Life

8. Cornish Seal Sanctuary – 29 min drive

Open all year round, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a fun day out for all the family. Meet the resident grey seals rescued from around the Cornish coastline, and visit Puffin Island, home to ten puffins rescued from Iceland.

Your own excitable pups can get up close to the seals in the three underwater viewing areas! Afterwards, visit the café and sanctuary shop where all proceeds go towards the care of the animals.