The UK’s Atlantic Gateway

Falmouth is the UK’s first and last major Port, conveniently located at the entrance to the Western Approaches. As the third deepest natural harbour in the world, Falmouth offers services to vessels of all sizes all taking place within an unrivalled natural environment.

Flanked by Henry VIII’s two castles (Pendennis and St Mawes), the Harbour has been providing a comforting welcome to seafarers since well before the town’s creation in the early 1600s.

Built around the packet ship trade, Falmouth was the first landfall for sailing ships returning to Britain from distant shores. Reminders of this golden age can still be seen throughout the town and forms a central part of its unique character.

Framed by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) along the Helford and Fal Rivers and Roseland Peninsula and located on the outstanding Southwest Coast Path – the area is a magnet for walkers, and a world leading location for water sports, sailing and other active pursuits.

The bustling town of Falmouth boasts world class beaches, a diverse high street and a thriving café / restaurant culture. Combined with the relaxed atmosphere that Cornwall is famous for, it’s no wonder that Falmouth is renowned as the one of the UK’s premier holiday destinations and a must-see for many.

The town offers easy access to the wide selection of attractions on offer in Cornwall: the Eden Project, St Michaels Mount, the sub-tropical gardens of Trebah, Lands’ End, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and many more.

Falmouth Harbour is well placed strategically to support a wide variety of cruises – whether this is shorter round Britain and Ireland cruises or as part of a much longer trans-Atlantic cruise. It is just a short steam to or from the Isles of Scilly, another must see Cornish destination.

The commercial Port, operated by A&P Falmouth, can accommodate ships alongside up to 240m, or the largest cruise ships in the world can comfortably anchor in the Harbour approaches or the sheltered waters of Falmouth Bay. A&P operate a dedicated passenger landing facility where vessels can expect to be welcomed by the Falmouth Cruise Ambassadors. Ships berth only a 10-minute walk away from the town, with access for coach trip services directly next to the berth.

The Port offers a full range of marine services, including bunkering, all of which can be organised via our highly experienced local Port Agents. This combined with the areas unique offer to tourism, makes Falmouth Harbour a key destination for many cruise lines and passengers alike.

Top Five Facts about Falmouth Harbour

1. Falmouth Harbour and the Carrick Roads form the third deepest natural harbour in the world and the deepest in Western Europe
2. Falmouth was the start and finishing point for both Robin Knox-Johnston and Ellen McArthur’s voyages around the world (Knox-Johnston in 1969 and Mcarthur in 2007) – sailing non-stop single handedly
3. Operation Chariot, a famous Commando raid on the heavily defended docks of St Nazaire in France during World War Two, which helped to shape the war at sea was launched from Falmouth
4. Falmouth was made the Royal Mail Packet Station in 1688. In 1805 the news of Britain’s victory and Admiral Nelson’s death at Trafalgar was landed here and taken to London by stagecoach
5. Falmouth is home to one of only 8 Blue Flag beaches in Cornwall