Falmouth

A few years ago it was the Eden Project, with its emphasis on plant life - now it has been joined by another major attraction - featuring the sea and all things maritime. So much of Cornwall’s long and eventful history is bound up with ships, harbours and the long coastline that makes this is a perfect choice for the country’s new attraction.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is now fully established in Falmouth. The NMMC is the centrepiece of an international leisure/tourism complex which transforms Falmouth’s waterfront and includes restaurants, shops, a multiplex cinema, a new marina and additional storage for the Museum’s collection.

The Museum has been designed to reflect the relationship that has always existed between Cornwall and the sea in a uniquely inspiring, interactive displays of boats and their place in people’s lives. This unique maritime heritage is exhibited over three floors (in 12 state-of-the-art galleries), each focusing on different aspects of industry, work and communications.

Harvey’s Wharf, prominently positioned within the quay development, has been designed to give a real ‘wow’ factor as you enter the spacious interior of its bar and restaurant.

The lounge area offers an interesting mixture of tub chairs, sofas and red leather booths - sophisticates chic meets smart retro style here! Diners walking through to the restaurant area can watch the chefs preparing the various dishes for the day. The dining room design tips it hat to the location, with features evocative of the great cruise liners of the thirties; the room is flanked with glass walls overlooking the wonderful harbour views and bay beyond. A well trained and knowledgeable kitchen brigade produce everything in-house from freshly cooked breakfast, brunch, breads, jams, sauces and desserts including their very own ice-cream!

The menu name checks the local artisan producers and has an excellent choice of meat and vegetarian dishes as well as fresh locally caught fish. All fantastic dessert options are produced on the premises, complimented with an extensive wine and champagne list plus a great range of digestives, dessert wines and ports for the perfect finish to a meal. All served by a friendly but efficient team who are dedicated to providing great service and customer satisfaction. So whether you are looking for a great coffee or a great meal it’s worth a visit! Open from 10.00am to 11.00pm (10.30pm Sunday).

Leaving from the Prince of Wales Pier, Enterprise Boats transport you through breath-taking, beautiful scenery and fascinating, historical sights on their daily trips along the River Fal. Sailing between Falmouth, steeped in maritime history at one end of your journey and the beautiful capital of Cornwall, Truro with its quaint shopping streets and magnificent cathedral (which can be viewed on the approach to Town Quay, when tide permits) at the other.

When the tide does not permit entry to Truro harbour, your Enterprise Cruise can start or finish at the idyllic waterside village of Malpas where an Enterprise bus connects with Truro. You can take a break at the Heron Inn, Malpas for a pub lunch or a relaxing pint before continuing your journey along the Fal with Enterprise boats you won’t find a better way to view the beautifully natural, scenic waterways of Cornwall.

Penedennis Castle

Standing in a magnificent position on one of the headlands guarding the entrance to the estuary is Pendennis Castle. Major developments at the castle have revealed the full history of this superb fortress for the first time. 450 years of history can now be traced from its origins as one of Henry V111’s coastal strongholds to its last military role as a secret Second World War base.