About Falmouth

Falmouth is a famous port town with a dramatic nautical history. As the nearest large harbour to the English Channel, there’s always been a fine presence of ships based here. As well as super yachts, fishing trawlers and sea shanties, contemporary Falmouth has a very visitor-friendly high street, lined with galleries, boutiques, bookshops, bakeries, cafes, bars and restaurants. Some of the best places to stay in Falmouth are close to the harbour, overlooking the water, but we have tracked down a few recommendations slightly further afield. Our favourites include a couple of spa hotels, pubs-with-rooms, a restaurant-with-rooms, and a couple of B&Bs.

Falmouth’s centre is charming, with rows of pastel-coloured stucco terraces, traditional granite houses, and more contemporary offerings with plenty of glass. It's a thriving town filled with plenty of things to see and do including spotting dolpins off Pendennis Point or simply enjoying a lazy day on Gyllyngvasse Beach (there are plenty of other lovely ones in the area). The National Maritime Museum is excellent too. But don't forget the watersports, the sheltered harbour here is ideal for honing your paddleboarding skills! The food scene is notable too. There's a wide range of eateries and of course you should expect plenty of freshly landed seafood and locally sourced meat and vegetables.

Don't forget that the peak summer months are incredibly busy in Cornwall. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Falmouth in July or August, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Falmouth

For Sea Views

  • The Royal Duchy Hotel is an elegant, four-star hotel, with fabulous sea views and 45 spacious rooms and suites. The décor is contemporary and classic, but nothing too dramatic, allowing the views to speak for themselves. The champagne bar, award-winning fine-dining restaurant, and spa with an indoor pool and sauna, make this a great pick for a romantic weekend away.
  • Beautifully positioned overlooking the harbour, The Greenbank is a luxurious choice, with 50 elegant rooms and suites, the best with stunning views. The Water’s Edge restaurant has wonderful sea views too, and 2 AA Rosettes. There’s also a pub onsite, called The Working Boat for relaxed pub grub and local ales.
  • The Star & Garter is a rather glossy gastro-pub with rooms and harbour views, occupying a Georgian townhouse right on Falmouth’s high street. The accommodation is in three self-catering apartments and two en-suite rooms, decorated with charmingly up-cycled antiques, and fancy fittings, like Smeg fridges, coffee-machines; cast-iron stoves, pot plants, and persian rugs.
  • The Chainlocker is a bar and seafood restaurant-with-six-rooms, in the centre of Falmouth. Each of the rooms and suites has been carefully decorated, with quirky, vintage furniture, and a vague atmosphere of nautical design. Several of the rooms have fantastic views over the harbour, and some are pet friendly too. The bar and restaurant have a lively atmosphere.

For Couples

  • Merchants Manor is a luxurious adults only restaurant-with-rooms, positioned close to the water, by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. The restaurant, Rastella, champions local produce and foraged ingredients, has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes. There’s an excellent range of accommodation — rooms, suites, and self-catering cottages with their own hot-tubs. The decor has an industrial edge, and features plenty of wood, patterned floor tiles, and geometric prints. There’s also a spoiling spa with gym and 12m indoor heated pool.
  • St Michael's Hotel is a spa hotel, with views over Gyllyngvase Beach and Pendennis Castle and out to sea. Created as a place for indulgent spa breaks you can expect a state-of-the-art spa and gym facilities, contemporary Cornish restaurant and smart contemporary rooms. We love the views, the hydrotherapy pool, the chic bar, and the blue and white nautical colour-scheme.

Best B&Bs

  • Chelsea House is a stylish, owner-managed B&B which looks out over Falmouth Bay. The nine rooms are themed around musicians, and styled with plenty of mid century Danish furniture and contemporary art, complemented by white walls and original wooden floors. There’s a large and comfy lounge, a charming terrace, and private outdoor space. Two of the rooms are pet-friendly.
  • With seven contemporary, light and airy rooms, and sea views from the best of them, The Sandy Duck represents a top notch style at a very reasonable price. Guests can expect crisp linens and beautiful fabrics, stand-alone baths, objets d’art and original artworks. The feeling is of mid-century, or Scandi-chic with lots of natural light. Well located for the beach, as well as Falmouth’s attractions, and places to eat and drink.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • The closest airports are Newquay Airport, Exeter Airport, and Bristol Airport. If you’re travelling by rail, and via London, you’ll want to travel from Paddington, via Truro.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Falmouth, like the rest of Cornwall, is busiest during the late spring and summer months – especially during the school holidays when people are naturally drawn towards the coastline. But Falmouth is a harbour town, and a large centre, so there’s more to this destination than the beach, and it’s an enjoyable destination spring, and autumn too. If you’re not restricted by the school holidays the best time to visit Falmouth may be May-June, or September, when the weather is sunny and the days long, but the kids still at school. 

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The best hotels in Falmouth

The Sandy Duck

Falmouth (Cornwall)

A chic boutique B&B boasting spectacular sea views. Immaculately styled throughout with white washed walls, crisp white linen and carefully placed artefacts. The best room features a large free standing bath. Well positioned to access the beaches as well as Falmouth's many attractions.

  • Value chic - With Scandinavian style, wonderful sea views, and a prime location — this is a chic and well priced option
  • Local exploring - With as easy access to buzzy Falmouth as to the beautiful countryside of Cornwall
  • Sailing - Explore the coastline on a sailing trip and search for dolphins, seals or basking sharks
  • Sights nearby - Visit the imposing Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII
from $152 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hotel Meudon

Falmouth (Cornwall)

Housed in a 17th century building in Mawnan Smith, this elegant hotel is nestled in subtropical gardens and boasts a private beach. Stylish rooms in vibrant tones have a retro vibe. There's a restaurant serving fresh regional fare, plus a cool bar which is alfresco in summer. A Cornish delight.

  • Beach Life - The hotel's private beach, Bream Cove, is perfect for relaxing and it offers walkers direct access to the South West Coast Path
  • Active Holiday - Take advantage of the many watersports on offer, such as sea swimming, sailing, paddle boarding, surfing, and kayaking
  • Groups - There's a charming self-catering cottage perfect for small groups with 2 bedrooms and a private garden
  • Local exploring - The seaside resort of Newquay is less than an hour's drive away
from $164 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Royal Duchy Hotel

Falmouth (Falmouth )

An elegant four-star hotel boasting fabulous sea views. Spacious rooms are simply dressed with white-washed walls, softly patterned fabrics, and luxurious bathrooms. A fine-dining restaurant, champagne bar and indoor pool are utterly spoiling. The perfect destination for a weekend break.

  • Foodies - The award-winning restaurant offers a creative menu which combines classic British cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours
  • Local exploring - Discover a wealth of stunning coastline, charming gardens and towns, and historic and cultural sites within 40 miles
  • Surfing - Praa Sands and Kennack sands both offer some good breaks for surfers
  • Spa - With sauna and heated ceramic beds for lounging
from $165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Star & Garter

Falmouth

Glossy gastro pub with rooms & harbour views on Falmouth's High Street. Housed in a Georgian townhouse, cosy & contemporary self-catered apartments decorated with up-cycled antiques bring a touch of London cool to this seaside town. Run by a local husband & wife team, food is award-winning.

  • Foodies - A truly passionate team cook up hearty creations made with the finest ingredients sourced from the country's best suppliers
  • Local exploring - Central High Street location means you can walk to all of Falmouth's attractions - including the castle, harbour & beach
  • Views - Large bay windows in all three apartments offer wonderful open views over Falmouth’s historic harbour
  • Restaurant - With its heritage setting & modern owners, the restaurant delivers a perfectly on-trend yet authentic experience
from $190 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Chain Locker

Falmouth

The Chainlocker combines a prime coastal location with stunning modern interiors in muted tones. The rooms have quirky vintage furnishings and subtle nautical design. The views across Falmouth from the expansive terrace are second-to-none, as is the seafood in the restaurant and the lively bar.

  • Families - A laidback atmosphere, kids' menus in the restaurant, and a multitude of activities nearby make this a good family option
  • Active Holiday - Spend days hiking, surfing, sailing or exploring historical sites before returning for a hearty dinner and a pint
  • Coastal - Unrivalled waterside views of Falmouth quay and the spectacular beauty of Carrick Roads
  • Sea Views - Beautiful views out to sea from most rooms, the terrace and dining areas
from $195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Merchants Manor

Falmouth (Falmouth)

Perched on a hill above two small beaches, this former home of a shipping merchant feels boutique, but includes a large swimming pool and everything from single rooms to spacious apartments, some with hot tubs. The restaurant is the real lure, serving dishes inspired by the region. Ideal for couples

  • Foodies - Locally inspired dishes are served in the 3 AA Rosette winning restaurant which is worthy of a visit alone
  • Romantic Break - With fine dining and an extensive spa, this is a spoiling choice for a romantic getaway
  • Sights nearby - Visit local attractions including Pendennis Castle, St Mawes Castle, and Trebah Gardens
  • Great walks - Enjoy long blustery walks along Cornwall's renowned South West Coast Path
from $241 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chelsea House

Falmouth

A stylish owner-managed B&B with views of Falmouth Bay. Bright modern rooms are all named (and themed) after famous musicians. Original features remain with bay windows and wooden floors but the art is contemporary and the colour palette unfussy. A chic base to explore this corner of Cornwall from.

  • Retro/Vintage - Expect retro design with a splash of rock n roll! The owners are big music fans and it is seen throughout the property
  • Local exploring - Well positioned to explore Falmouth's best beaches, boutique stores, art galleries, and restaurants
  • Great walks - Take long walks along the picturesque South West Coast Path that runs through Falmouth
  • Sights nearby - The well preserved Pendennis Castle is located just a five minute walk from the hotel
from $245 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Greenbank

Falmouth (Falmouth)

A luxury hotel in the charming town of Falmouth. Chic rooms are simply dressed with crisp white linen, shades of blue and the best have fantastic sea views. Unwind in the pampering spa and feast in the award-winning restaurant. With endless activities in the area, this is an ideal British escape.

  • Foodies - The two AA rosette-awarded Water’s Edge restaurant offers relaxed fine dining with wonderful sea views
  • Local exploring - Perfectly located on Falmouth's historic coastline and within easy reach of the town's main attractions
  • Restaurant - A fine dining restaurant (The Water's Edge) and a traditional pub (The Working Boat)
  • Sailing - Take to the water for a morning or afternoon with Falmouth School of Sailing
from $284 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
St Michael's Hotel

Falmouth (Falmouth)

Designed for indulgent spa retreats, St Michael's Hotel is fully focused on providing a rejuvenating stay. Featuring deluxe rooms, a state of the art spa and gym facility, as well as an excellent restaurant, this hotel has all the components for a luxurious break on the south coast.

  • Active Holiday - Whether you want to play golf, surf, sail, play tennis or hike -there is endless choice both in-house and locally
  • Spa breaks - An extensive spa includes an enourmous hydrotherapy pool, a rhassoul mud room, and a Cornish sea-salt steam room
  • Restaurant - Cornish food with a contemporary flare is served in the restaurant
  • Tennis - Borrow a racket and play a game on one of the four courts
from $330 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia