Five Beaches to Visit Within a 30-Minute Walk
The Falmouth is blessed with five beautiful beaches all within 30-minutes walking distance from the hotel. Transforming with the tides from snorkelers’ paradises and sunbathers’ havens to paddleboarders’ playgrounds, see it all for yourself with a sojourn at our Victorian seaside hotel.
1. Castle Beach – 1 minute walk
Just footsteps away from The Falmouth, Castle Beach is named after our town’s crowning jewel, Pendennis Castle. At high tide, the beach becomes a snorkelers paradise. Drift over rock formations and see if you can spot shoals of fish, seasonal species, and fresh seaweed. Or for thrill-seekers, book a scuba dive with Dive UK who offer a range of courses for both beginner and experienced divers.
At low tide, Castle Beach is a fun paddling and rock pooling spot for all the family. Be sure to bring along a bucket and identification guide. After all that exploring, head back to The Falmouth for a bite to eat in our Castle View restaurant, serving an all-day à la carte menu of seasonal favourites.
2. Tunnel Beach – 8 minute walk
A true hidden gem, walk along the promenade and head down to Tunnel Beach via the spiral staircase opposite the seafront entrance to The Princess Pavilion. Originally a private beach for the Coope family in the 1800s, Tunnel Beach is now open to the public.
Only accessible at low tide, it is perfect for rock pooling as the shoreline reveals scattered rocks and biodiverse rock pools. At high tide, why not sit on one of the benches above and enjoy views across the glistening waters? As a lesser-known beach in Falmouth, Tunnel Beach is the perfect place for a moment of peace and tranquillity.
3. Gyllyngvase Beach – 15 minute walk
Gyllngvase is Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach. Affectionately known as Gylly Beach, its golden sands and turquoise waters are a delight for visitors and locals alike. With excellent facilities including a beach cafe, public toilets, and paddleboard and kayak hire, it’s a lovely place to spend the day.
The sub-tropical Queen Mary Gardens sit just behind Gylly Beach, offering a place to shade from the sunshine or set up a picnic on the luscious lawns. Or why not take a stroll along the south west coastal path to neighbouring beaches Swanpool and Maenporth?
4. Swanpool Beach – 27 minute walk
Swanpool Beach is a beautiful sand and shingle bay, with plenty of activities to keep all the family entertained all year round. Spend the day exploring the coastline with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, or dinghy sailing sessions available from Elemental Watersports centre.
Or soak up the scenery from the vibrant beach cafe, serving a selection of quirky ice-creams, home-made cakes, soups and toasted ciabattas. Behind the beach lies Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve, where little ones can feed the ducks and swans, or try their hand at crazy golf!
5. Greenbank Beach – 30 minute walk
Take a stroll along Falmouth’s cobbled highstreet to our sister hotel, The Greenbank, home to the gorgeous Greenbank Beach. The beach itself is only accessible at low tide, so be sure to check the tide times on The Greenbank website before you visit.
At high tide, Greenbank Beach is a popular swimming spot, including local wild swimming group She Swims. After braving a dip, relax in The Greenbank Gardens, then head to the Working Boat pub for a refreshing pint and bite to eat from their new summer menu! With plenty of outdoor seating areas, soak up the sun whilst admiring sweeping views of the harbour.
