Four fantastic boat trips from Falmouth

September is a great month to visit Cornwall – the kids are back at school and the holiday-makers have (mostly) gone home. Whatever your interests, Falmouth provides the perfect base for exploring the county’s south coast by boat.

For history buffs

Catching the ferry from Falmouth harbour (the third largest, natural, deep-water harbour in the world) and sailing across the wide waterway of Carrick Roads to the picturesque village of St Mawes is an adventure in itself. After that, it’s only a short stroll from the pretty little harbourside to St. Mawes Castle. This clover leaf-shaped, and elaborately decorated, fort was built around 1540 by Henry VIII to protect the area (together with its sister castle, Pendennis, on the opposite side of the estuary) from invasion by foreign navies.

For more history, continue your walk for a couple of miles along the coast to the 13th Century church at StJust-in-Roseland. Set among lush, sub-tropical gardens and beside a tranquil tidal creek, it was described by Sir John Betjeman as ‘the most beautiful churchyard on earth’.

For lovers of literature

The Helford River stretches from its rocky mouth on the southernmost edge of Falmouth Bay upstream to the old port of Gweek. Go on a two-hour cruise (departing from The Prince of Wales Pier in Falmouth harbour) on the MV Princessa to explore this unspoilt estuary at a leisurely pace, including the famous Frenchman’s Creek – the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s 1941 romantic novel of the same name.

For wildlife watchers

Cornwall’s waters are among the richest marine habitats in the world and home to some amazing aquatic animals. Book a trip with Orca Sea Safaris, on board their dedicated wildlife-watching vessel Seaquest, to search for seabirds, seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and even minke whales. As you survey the dramatic coastline, the knowledgeable guides will regale you with quintessentially Cornish tales of smugglers and shipwrecks.
Adults £39.50 / Children £28

For the green-fingered

Trelissick – a grand country house and gardens perched on its own peninsula along the River Fal – is well worth a visit. You can walk in the acres of quiet woodland (where dogs are also welcome), play hide and seek on the hidden paths or have a late summer picnic on the immaculate lawns. Keen gardeners will appreciate the superb collection of exotic plants, including rare rhododendrons, magnificent magnolias and an ancient Japanese Cedar tree. If the weather’s not kind to you, there’s an art gallery, café and gift shop indoors.

The best way to arrive at Trelissick is by boat. Take a classic, wooden ferry from Falmouth, sit on the open top deck and delight in the five-mile journey up the Fal and through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to this stunning National Trust property.

Falmouth-docks train station

17 September 2018
Family fun I Places to stay I Sports and adventure I

Exclusive news and offers

Sign up today and receive exclusive promotions, inspirational content and much more.

Sign up

GWR Experiences

Discover and book local experiences from surfing to sea kayaking & 100s more.

Find out more

You may also like

Indoor activities in Bristol
Take a look at some fun things to do in Bristol this spring. With lots of museums, galleries and restaurants to choose from, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a weekend getaway or a day trip.
Read post
Things to do in Falmouth
There are plenty of things for you to do in Falmouth, from festivals and events to landmarks. Read our blog to find out about travel, dates and more.
Read post
Celebrate the Queen's Jubilee in London
For some ideas of how to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in London this year, see our guide on official events, the best spots for afternoon tea and more.
Read post