Falmouth is a harbor town with a Tudor castle on the point. You can walk to most sights. Ferries and trains reach St Mawes and Truro for a bigger day.
Where Falmouth lies
FalmouthDoverSouthamptonBelfastCherbourgCobhDublinEdinburghGreenockGuernseyHolyheadHonfleurInvergordonKirkwallLe HavreLerwickLiverpoolNewcastlePortlandPortreeStornowayWaterfordWhere your ship docks
Larger ships usually dock at Falmouth Docks; others anchor in the harbor and tender (unverified; the docks website blocked our check). Ferries run from Prince of Wales Pier in town.
Shuttle. Not usually needed (unverified).
Getting to the sights
| The way | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walk to Town center and National Maritime Museum | About 15 minutes (unverified) | Free |
| Walk uphill or taxi to Pendennis Castle | About 15-20 minutes (unverified) | Castle entry paid |
| Ferry from Prince of Wales Pier to St Mawes | Short crossing; roughly hourly all year | Fare unverified |
| Train (Maritime Line) to Truro | About 20 minutes | Fare unverified |
Walk to Town center and National Maritime Museum
- Walk from the docks into town.
Museum is at Discovery Quay.
Walk uphill or taxi to Pendennis Castle
- Head up the headland above the docks.
Falmouth Docks rail station is the closest station to the castle.
Ferry from Prince of Wales Pier to St Mawes
- Check times at the pier office.
Spring low tides can interrupt service.
Train (Maritime Line) to Truro
- Board at Falmouth Docks or Falmouth Town station.
What to see
Pendennis Castle
Henry VIII's coastal fort with great harbor views.
- How
- Walk or taxi.
- Time
- 2 hours
- Tickets
- Paid (English Heritage); off-season open Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Boats and sea stories, with a lookout tower.
- How
- Walk.
- Time
- 1.5-2 hours
- Tickets
- Paid
St Mawes
Pretty village and a second Tudor castle.
- How
- Ferry.
- Time
- Half day
- Tickets
- Ferry fare
Glendurgan Garden
National Trust valley garden with a maze down to a beach.
- How
- Taxi or tour south of town.
- Time
- 2-3 hours
- Tickets
- Paid
Gyllyngvase Beach
Town beach.
- How
- Walk.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Tickets
- Free
Your day, hour by hour
Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.
- 9:00 Off the ship.
- 9:30 Pendennis Castle (2 hours).
- 11:45 Walk down to the National Maritime Museum.
- 13:30 Lunch on the harbor.
- 14:30 Ferry to St Mawes and back, or stroll the high street.
- 16:00 Back to the ship; aboard 1 hour early.
What goes wrong, and how to avoid it
Beware
- Check whether your ship docks or tenders.
- Ferries can pause at very low tide.
Do this
- English Heritage gives 20% off when you arrive by bus, train or bicycle.
Fees, money and access
Rules & fees
- No UK cruise passenger tax known.
Accessibility
Town streets are narrow and some are steep. Pendennis is uphill.
Money
British pound (GBP). Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted almost everywhere, including buses.
More of the The British Isles
Sources & what we could not confirm · 3 sources · checked 2026-11
- Cruise berth and tender landing (docks site blocked).
- Walking times.
- All ticket and ferry prices for 2026.