The Historical Harbour Town of Falmouth: A Guide to its Seafaring Past

Nestled along the strategic perch of the English Channel, Falmouth’s story is intertwined with the ebb and flow of the sea. On this walking tour, you’ll find out how the establishment of this harbour in the early 1600s helped shape its destiny. You’ll also hear how this natural deep water port quickly became a hub for shipping, and Falmouth a crucial naval station. The tour starts in the tranquil expanse of Falmouth Moor, a training ground for military exercises during the Napoleonic Wars. You’ll wind through Falmouth’s charming streets and stop at the iconic Greenbank Hotel, a beacon of luxury that overlooks the harbour’s brilliant blue waters. You’ll traverse the Prince of Wales Pier, home to the historic Flushing Ferry which traces its roots back to the 1600s, and the bustling Market Street. I’ll show you Custom House Quay and tell you about the art of oyster dredging, a tradition as old as the sea itself. After you’ve paid homage to the town’s founder, Sir John Killigrew, at his towering monument, the tour ends at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Here, stories of Falmouth’s seafaring identity come to life in captivating detail. On this 60-minute tour, you’ll get the chance to: • Learn about the enduring legacy of Sir John Killigrew, a visionary landowner who played a pivotal role in Falmouth’s future by establishing its first harbour • Take in Jacob’s Ladder, the captivating 111-step stairway that bridges the gap between a local businessman’s terrace properties and his business in town • Walk by the Poly (the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society), a key cultural hub housing a library, art gallery, and performance space • See where packet ships (vessels that shipped mail throughout the British colony) once docked, and hear how this cemented Falmouth’s importance as a port town • Stand before Nelson’s Stone on Fish Strand Quay, where the town heard of Lord Nelson’s demise at the triumphant Battle of Trafalgar • Pass the Falmouth Arts Gallery located within the ancient confines of the Old Library building, and hear about the different civil institutions it’s housed • Gaze upon Arwenack Manor, once the oldest and grandest home in Falmouth By the end of this tour, you’ll have unravelled the captivating maritime tales that are anchored in Falmouth’s history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture buff, or simply a curious traveller, there’s something nautical and magical for everyone in Falmouth.

Price: £8.99 from VoiceMap