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Memories of The Falmouth Hotel

July 8, 2024 | News

As this treasured Victorian leisure spot takes it’s first steps into a brand-new era under the guidance of The Cornwall Hotel Collection, we can’t help but look back at some of the happy days spent here over the years. From 50s wedding day photography to 60s family snaps in the old outdoor pool, we’ve received some beautiful memories so far, giving us a wonderful insight into days long gone at The Falmouth Hotel.

Mr and Mrs Shapland, 1956

Sweeping lawns, Victorian architecture and an unwavering elegance. This beachside beauty seems almost handmade for two sweethearts to celebrate their love.

With romance misting the air like salt from the sea, this tear-jerking shot from 1956 shows Richard and Dorothy Shapland walking the grounds hand in hand on their wedding day. What’s more, the happy couple returned to The Falmouth to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2016.

It’s little moments like this that make an everlasting mark on our hotel by the sea. A true ‘meant to be’ moment preserved in black and white.

📷 by Sarah Hubbard

A family day at the pool, 1967

Cast your mind back to the 1960s – an era lived in technicolour, much like this local family’s summers in Cornwall.

Here we can see them enjoying The Falmouth’s old outdoor pool, which is sadly now out of commission. With Harry Hocking behind the lens, he snaps his wife Joan and children Julie and Robert as they spend a day together in the Cornish sun.

This is a wonderful glimpse into a time when our landmark hotel was not only a sought-after seaside destination. It was the centre of a thriving Cornish community looking to make the most of their home by the sea.

📷 by Harry Hocking

The Falmouth in the 80s

It was a time of bold fashion choices and even bolder interiors. Our Victorian gem was no exception when the 80s came around.

This advertising campaign showcases the luxurious elegance of the hotel. We get a fabulous glimpse into the look of The Falmouth at a time famous for exploring the boundaries of hairstyles, clothing, music, and interior design.

From these photos, which will hold a familiar nostalgia for many, we can see that the hotel was certainly keeping up with the times. Bold patterns adorn the drapes in the rooms. Another shot allows us a snapshot into the lounge area, complete with a floral sofa set.

A Cornish wedding at The Falmouth

Back to the 80s once again, and we can’t imagine a more Cornish wedding than that of the Combellacks in 1987. Pictured here together after arriving at The Falmouth in a classic red tractor courtesy of Fran Combellack’s father, it’s clear that this particular wedding reflected a classic Cornish sense of humour.

Now newlyweds, the Combellacks would spend their wedding reception in our seafront hotel, complete with classic 80s peach bridesmaids dresses and an elaborately iced cake, so reflective of the time.

📷 provided by Fran Combellack

Exploring The Falmouth’s intricate past has been a wonderful discovery of magic memories. With 159 years of guest experiences in the bank, this impressive Victorian hotel has only just begun to tell her story. If you have any old photos, films, postcards or memorabilia of any kind, we would love to see it. Please send anything you’d like to share over to [email protected], we’d be delighted to hear from you.

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