Things to do in Falmouth

Like so many Cornish towns and villages, Falmouth is stunning, and Trebah Garden lets you experience some of the valley’s most beautiful scenery. It’s easy to get to by following the signposts on the main roads in Falmouth and kids get in free. 

There’s over 26 acres of gardens set over steep terrain, separated into distinct areas with its own secluded beach. Among the exotic plants, find the peaceful bamboo forest, koi pond, and water gardens. Although the visitor centre and cafe are on even, wheelchair-friendly ground, the gardens are too steep for manual wheelchairs.

Come and meet Falmouth’s gentle donkeys and horses at the Flicka Foundation sanctuary, home to over 100 rescued animals. Visit for free and bring your furry friends along on leads, too. In the warmer months, the donkeys and horses get to explore the grounds outside. You’ll find them soaking up the sun in the paddocks, accessible by the visitor walkways. If you’re visiting during the winter, they’re tucked up warm and cosy in the indoor areas. Friendly volunteers are on hand, ready to answer any questions you have! 

Overlooking the paddocks, the on-site vegan cafe provides lots of scrummy homemade snacks and cakes, with all proceeds going to the charity. Before you leave, pop into the Gift Cabin to pick up donkey-themed gifts and leave a donation, if you can.

This museum has a whopping 15 galleries spread out over five floors, all dedicated to maritime history and local culture. You’ll find it in Discovery Quay, right where working boat sheds used to stand. A ticket lets you come back for an entire year, in case you can’t get enough on your first visit and want to come back again. 

For starters, the main hall has a fleet of ships actually hanging from the rafters! As you make your way around, learn stories of rescue and survival at sea from the exhibits, including a celebration of the wonderful work of the RNLI. For a bite to eat, The Waterside cafe overlooks the harbour and serves up light lunches, snacks, and drinks. Fancy bringing your own? Set up a picnic in the dedicated outdoor picnic area. Before you set sail onto another adventure, stop by the gift shop to purchase local gifts as a reminder of your time here.

This exotic wooded valley is a National Trust site, so if you’re a member, you can get in for free. The gardens feature all kinds of wonders including a cherry laurel maze, wildflower meadows, and an apple orchard located near the beehives. The valley leads down to a beach - a secluded, shingly spot perfect for taking a peaceful moment to look out on the water. There’s a recreation of an old 19th-century schoolroom that for 15 years, taught the local children. 

Breathing in all that clean, Cornish countryside air works up an appetite, so pop by the tearoom for a cream tea or an ice cream when you need refreshments.

Find this free gallery in the heart of Falmouth. This fully wheelchair-accessible location is home to over 2,700 works of art, some of which are permanent fixtures while others rotate regularly.

There’s a mix of local art and major museum loans to really give you an eclectic blend of all kinds of art styles, from pre-Raphaelite and impressionist paints, right up to contemporary prints and photography. Art lovers rejoice!

Take adventure into your own hands with a self-guided treasure trail around Falmouth! Download the app or print off a trail map and work together to solve clues along the way. Start at Discovery Quay, then make your way around the town to landmarks and local spots. 

It takes around an hour and a half to complete the trail, but take time out to treat yourself to delicious Cornish treats and snacks to fuel your detective skills! 

For one of the more unusual things to do in Falmouth, a visit to this private museum is a must. You’ll find it on the high street—’familiars’ are welcome to join you! Step through the door and be immersed in quirky displays and artefacts dedicated to the local folklore and witchcraft history that Cornwall is so famous for.

There’s a vast array of strange books and trinkets, all arranged in a delightfully higgeldy-piggeldy way. Some say there’s a resident ghost, too…