Explore the Vibrant Town of Falmouth in Cornwall, Falmouth, England (B)

Once a smugglers paradise and now a holiday haven, Falmouth in Cornwall is home to a miscellany of attractions including Pendennis Castle and the National Maritime Museum.

Situated on the third deepest natural harbour in the world Falmouth has always had a strong connection to the sea. It started as a fishing village and blossomed into one of the most important ports in the British Empire. From 1688 to 1852 Falmouth operated as a Royal Mail packet station bringing in mail and messages from all over the British Empire. These wind-powered ships also carried goods and passengers generally arriving at the Custom House Dock. But eventually wind-power had to give way to the superior steam powered vessels and the packet service was closed.

But, the decline of the packet service did not interrupt the steady stream of visitors to Falmouth. But it was the arrival of the railway in 1863 really opened up Falmouth as a holiday destination. The local town council was quick to supplement its natural amenities with promenades and gardens. Today, this charming little town boasts some delightful attractions using old buildings that reflect its maritime history and its growth as a tourist destination during the Victorian era when sea bathing became very popular. Falmouth was also a haven for smugglers, in particular contraband tobacco as evidenced by the King’s Pipe on the Custom House Quay. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).