A Pocket Guide to The Fal Estuary

A playground for watersports, Falmouth Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, historic estates and verdant gardens, the numerous arms and creeks amount to around 85 miles of shoreline and the estuary stretches inland right up to the small city of Truro with its magnificent cathedral.

Bookmarked by the colourful and vibrant university town of Falmouth on the western bank, and the much-loved seaside village of St Mawes to the east, the estuary is lined with ancient woodlands and pretty villages such as Flushing, Mylor, Devoran, Malpas, St Just in Roseland and Feock.

Offering up some of the best sailing waters about, it also is brimming with many activities, eateries, and enchanting coastal inlets to explore – here’s just a few of our favourites:

VISIT

ST JUST IN ROSELAND CHURCH

Described as one of the prettiest in England, this church sits proudly on the water’s edge amongst sub-tropical trees and shrubs. The 13th-century church is set on the site of a 6th-century Celtic chapel and is enveloped by the most profoundly peaceful and beautiful graveyard and gardens.

St Just Church is a destination in itself and as well as the many circular paths through the churchyard, there are some wonderful walks along the nearby riverbanks and beyond - one of our favourites is the circular walk to St Mawes.

THE FOOD BARN AT TREGEW

Located between Mylor and Flushing, the Food Barn is an unbeatable source for local sustainable food. A variety of producers come together every Saturday morning to offer the surrounding community sustainable, tasty produce, that is high in quality and encourages a supportive environment, and look out for their occasional Sunday makers markets too! With free parking, hot food and drinks and views over to Falmouth Bay, people and dogs can enjoy a relaxed but buzzing atmosphere.

MORGANS GALLERY

Set over five storeys at the vibrant heart of Falmouth, this gallery and studio space was started by a family with years of combined industry experience, along with a deep-rooted passion for Cornwall. Relatively new to Cornwall’s contemporary art scene, Morgans plays host to a rotation of multidisciplinary, non-traditional exhibitions, showcasing work by young and emerging talent, alongside well-established names. Meanwhile, the three storeys above the gallery are dedicated studio spaces for practising artists.

TRELISSICK GARDENS

Positioned in one of the most spectacular peninsula locations, Trelissick Gardens are set in more than 400 acres of sweeping parkland with panoramic views of the Fal River and Estuary. A true local’s favourite, there are endless elevated garden to explore full of rare and exotic plants and herbaceous with twisting paths and summer houses. As well as beautiful woodland walks there’s a café, gift & second-hand bookshop, art gallery and a great programme of events to boot!

EAT

THE IDLE ROCKS

Bursting with fresh local produce, first-class eateries and a spectacular waterside setting. St Mawes is one of the UK’s most desirable seaside destinations. One of the most prestigious restaurants in the area is The Idle Rocks, where you can enjoy an al fresco evening on the idyllic waterfront terrace. With a refined menu of beautifully presented and imaginative cuisine, inspired by French and Asian flavours, The Idle Rocks is the perfect spot to enjoy dinner as the sun sets over Falmouth Bay.

STAR & GARTER

With a string of awards to its name and some seriously enviable views of Falmouth harbour, the Star & Garter certainly stands out from the crowd with its unique and moody exterior. Step inside and the magic only continues, with dark walls, nautical-themed art and three individually styled guest suites. Serving up a menu of British classics for lunch and dinner. Fish comes straight from the boat. Meat is fresh from the farm – butchered, cured and smoked on site – and world-class whiskeys and rum dominate the drinks list.

BANGO KITCHEN

Down-to-earth, award-winning Pan-Asian inspired restaurant whipping up fresh sushi, dumplings, ramen and the dreamiest Bao Buns in the southwest, plus some tasty specials based on the finest produce sourced that day. The team at Bango could not be more accommodating and make for a warm, friendly atmosphere whether you’re eating in or take away…we recommend grabbing lunch to go and then heading to Pendennis point to take in the views across Falmouth Bay.

THE HERON INN, MALPAS

An award-winning gastro pub perched on the banks of the Truro River, at the point it joins the River Fal. With breath taking views across the estuary and surrounding hills the Heron Inn is easily accessible by both car, cycle and boat and has even recently opened its own farm shop. A true local’s favourite, it has the very best in quality pub food, real ales an unbeatable hospitality – one of our favourite spots for a Sunday Roast too!

DO

GET ON THE WATER

The area around the Fal River is made up of a unique system of waterways. Whether it’s sailing, a cruise, site seeing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, foiling or any other water sport experience or tuition you’re after, these world-class sailing waters holds the very best of it all. A true mariner’s playground, make your way to spots such as Coastland, Loe Beach, Elemental UK, Orca Sea Safaris or any of the local Watersports, hire and tour operators for an abundance of exhilarating activities or adventures tailored to you.

CASTLE TO CASTLE

We’re not talking about the iconic annual open water swim, although a certain brave member of our team takes on this popular challenge year after year, but rather catching a ferry between colourful Falmouth town and the seaside sanctuary of St Mawes to explore two of the finest and best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses. With a history dating back 450 years, the Tudor castles stand proudly above the picturesque coast, with spectacular views of the water along with displays and hands-on activities to allow visitors of all ages to gain a deeper insight into life inside the castle.

WALK AROUND ST ANTHONY HEAD, ROSELAND PENINSULA

One of our favourite walks in this neck of the woods is a circular walk from around the tip of the Roseland Peninsula with its interesting military history, wooded creek and dramatic coastline. St Anthony Head overlooks Carrick Roads and the views from the headland are breathtaking. St Anthony's position as a lookout was utilised by the military in the past and the recently uncovered battery, decommissioned in 1956. Despite its history, this scenic place is now wonderfully peaceful, and rich in local wildlife from seals to songbirds. During the peak season take the Place ferry from St Mawes harbour and join the walk at Place Landing.

BLUE RIVER TABLE

Jump on board 'Tethra', a beautifully restored Cornish motor launch with everchanging estuary views and for an unforgettable meal experience. With owners, Charlotte and Jess, incorporating their love of the local waterways, traditional boats and an exploration of fresh food and delicious flavours, Blue River Table is a floating restaurant that cruises the River Fal in the summer months, catering to private parties who book for brunch, lunch or a sunset for the ultimate moveable maritime feast.