Fishing in Falmouth

October 18th, 2021

Falmouth is a seaside town located in Cornwall, in the south-west region of England. Here you will experience spectacular scenery along with plenty of independent shops selling everything from surf equipment and beach gear to handcrafted jewellery.

 

Within this tranquil section of the world is a series of activities and a plethora of history, with Pendennis Castle being a popular tourist spot. Not only is there much to do, but with it being right on the coast, there are plenty of hotspots for fishing! In this blog, we will explore the best fishing spots as a luxury Falmouth holiday awaits you!

 

The Best Places to Fish in Falmouth

There are numerous fishing spots dotted across Falmouth, but like most things, there are some better than others. For a better chance of a successful catch, make sure you visit one or more of these spots while you are visiting Falmouth.

Pendennis Point

Pendennis Point is where Pendennis Castle is located, and this is a very popular tourist destination, especially in the summer as it boasts incredible views of Falmouth. Pendennis Castle was built by Henry VIII high up on the Fal Estuary – for more information on castles in Cornwall, take a look at our previous blog!

 

 

Like most of the Cornish coast, Pendennis Point is beautiful. The rocky location is perfect for spring and summer fishing, offering a wide variety of species. It is brilliant for a day of fishing; set up, have a picnic and enjoy the view while trying for a catch!

 

How to Get to Pendennis Point

Begin your journey in Falmouth and follow signs for Pendennis Castle. Once you have arrived, you will notice that there are numerous pay and display car parks along with road parking towards the castle.

The Prince of Wales Pier

Anglers of all abilities can fish at the Prince of Wales Pier with ease. Access to the pier is straightforward, and it’s a hotspot for tourists to attempt to catch fish. Additionally, fishers love to camp around this spot for obvious reasons.

In the summer, the pier can become somewhat populated with tourists looking for crabs, so if you would prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience, it is recommended that you visit the pier at night on a flooding tide.

 

How to Get to the Prince of Wales Pier

Start your journey in Falmouth and follow signs for the front or the quay. You will know when you have arrived because you simply cannot miss the pier! In terms of parking, there is a pay and display service near the pier.

 

What Fish Can You Catch in Falmouth?

At both of the locations above, you can catch an array of fish throughout the seasons.

 

Summer

In the summer, you can expect to catch any of the following:

• Bass
• Pollack
• Mackerel
• Wrasse
• Garfish
• Mullet
• Eels
• Pouting

 

Winter

Then, in the winter, you can expect to catch any of the following species:

• Flounder
• Pouting
• Whiting
• Rare codling

 

Get the Right Bait with The Tackle Box

The local tackle shop for both The Prince of Wales Pier and Pendennis Point is The Tackle Box, and we would recommend you use any of the following bait:

• Ragworm
• Peeler crab
• Mackerel
• Lugworm
• Lures

 

Fish of The Month in Falmouth

For those not familiar with fishing, or those who would simply like some more information, some species of fish are more common to catch in certain months. We have broken this down into months in the table below:

Please Note: when catching Blue Shark you MUST tag and release

 

Boat Fishing Trips in Falmouth

If you would like to experience fishing but aren’t sure where to start and would prefer to go with an expert, then we would highly recommend trying one of the many fishing boat trips located in Falmouth.

 

These trips include going out into the sea on a boat and trying some deep-sea fishing. The experts will guide you the whole way, help you when needed and provide you with all the necessary equipment.

 

Top Fishing Tips for Beginners

Alternatively, if you are new to fishing or you are looking to take your family out for the day to try and catch some fish but want to go at it alone, then here are some top tips to ensure you have a fun-filled day while also remaining safe:

 

• Do some research beforehand.
• Learn the basics: adding bait to the hook, tying knots and casting the line.
• Learn which bait attracts which fish.
• Ensure you check the weather before you head out on your fishing trip.
• Wear appropriate clothing (if it is sunny, remember plenty of sun cream!).
• Take plenty of food and water to remain fuelled and hydrated.
  

 

We hope that you have found our guide insightful and have enticed you to try out fishing when in Falmouth! Come join us for new adventures, exciting memories and a t

 

We are a 5 star luxury holiday park in Cornwall based in Truro which is less than half an hour away from Falmouth and our holiday cottages are the perfect hub for your Cornish holiday! If you do decide to stay with us, check out some of the brilliant towns surrounding Truro to add to your holiday itinerary.

 

8 Facts About Falmouth

January 08th, 2021

Falmouth is a beautiful town on the River Fal on the south coast of Cornwall. As a port town, Falmouth has a rich maritime history and a strong connection to the sea. Here we take a look at some of the most fascinating facts about this area of Cornwall.

 

Henry VIII Built Pendennis Castle

Perched upon the hillside, overlooking the bay stands Pendennis Castle- a strong and dramatic castle that adds an element of charm to the scenery around Gylly Beach.

 

However, its purpose couldn’t be further from adding scenic wonder. It was actually erected in 1540 on the instruction of Henry VIII to defend the Carrick Roads.

 

Together with the castle situated in St Mawes to the east, the Falmouth estuary was well defended from potential attacks.

 

Sir John Killigrew Created Falmouth Town

It wasn’t much time after the completion of the castle that the town of Falmouth was created in 1613 by Sir John Killigrew.

 

In 1665, the town was bestowed with a new church entitled the “King Charles the Martyr” and soon after, a few hundred homes were built around the area for church-goers.

 

Great Tourism Rates Since 1863

With the development of Falmouth Docks in 1858 and the introduction of railway services to the area in 1863, the town was thriving with business and tourism.

 

Falmouth currently has three railway stations to service the town – Falmouth Docks Railway Station, Falmouth Town Railway Station and Penmere Railway Station. Falmouth is noted as one of the key resorts in the UK’s number one tourist destination, with Cornwall attracting an average of 4 million visitors a year!

 

Falmouth is an Award-Winning Town

In 2016, the town was credited with the highly prestigious accolade of GB High St Best Coastal Community.

 

Falmouth is a Hub of Creativity

Falmouth is home to one of the leading art universities in the UK, but in addition to the creativity the students bring to the town, there are many creative industries located in Falmouth. With a host of shows and exhibitions, Falmouth arguably holds the title for the most creative town in the UK!

 

Falmouth Has the Third Deepest Natural Harbour in the World

Falmouth’s harbour is the third deepest natural harbour in the world. It measures up to 34 metres in depth. It is only beaten by Sydney Harbour and The Port of Mahon.

 

Maritime History

Many notable events have taken place on Falmouth’s waters – and has been the starting or finishing point of many sailing achievements, including Robin Knox-Johnston’s in 1969, who was the first person to sail around the world non-stop and single-handedly.

 

In addition to that is Ellen Macarthur, who also completed this challenge in 2007, and is the fastest person on record to do so.

 

There are 111 steps up to Jacob’s Ladder

Something that catches the attention of tourists is the steps from The Moor in the heart of the town up to the Jacob’s Ladder pub. There are 111 steps in total and they were built by property owner and builder, Jacob Hablen, to link his business to the tourists and locals who gather in the town.

 

To discover more about Falmouth, be sure to follow us on Facebook to see our latest blog posts, photos of the stunning local scenery and deals on staying with us at our luxury cottages in Falmouth!

Guide to Cornish Castles

January 25th, 2019

Cornwall is an area rich with heritage, culture and history, and this is reflected in the number of important ancient buildings that still stand in the county, such as castles. Making an ideal day-out that can often be enjoyed in any weather, here are some of the best castles for you to pay a visit to when you’re exploring Cornwall.

 

Restormel Castle

A rare circular-shaped castle from the 11^th-century, Restormel Castle is the best example of such a castle in the UK that remains. Now ruins, the castle was once home to the Earl of Cornwall and was one of the main Cornish castles during the Norman times. The shell of the castle still stands, with several inside walls remaining intact, giving you a good idea of the rooms that were once lived in here. With incredible panoramic country views, the castle grounds are an excellent spot for a picnic, and in the summer months act as a backdrop to outdoor theatre performances. Wildlife lovers will particularly enjoy this castle, as plenty of interesting birds can be spotted near the castle, and the spring sees an array of blooms bursting into life, including rhododendrons, bluebells and daffodils.

 

Tintagel Castle

A castle of myth and legend, the fantastic ruins of Tintagel Castle stand high on the rugged coastline of north Cornwall. With dramatic views over land and sea, it’s not hard to see why this castle has long been associated with myth and magic, with the legendary King Arthur said to have been born here. The remains of the castle still standing originate from the 13^th century, although prior to the Norman castle an earlier construction existed, with artefacts discovered there dating back to the 5^th century!

 

Pendennis Castle

An impressive castle built by Henry VIII high up on the Fal Estuary, Pendennis has long acted as a coastal artillery fortress, defending Cornwall from the threat of invasion. Originally a simple round keep, the castle has been developed over the years to include more fortifications, storehouses and barracks, as well as having new weaponry added to further defend the area. Now run by the English Heritage, Pendennis regularly has some exciting family activities on offer, particularly during school holidays, making it one of the best castles in Cornwall for kids to enjoy.

 

St Mawes Castle

Another of Henry VIII’s artillery fortresses sits on the opposite side of the Fal River to Pendennis Castle, and from each, you have incredible views of the other. St Mawes Castle remains the best-preserved out of these 16^th-century forts and is rather ornate in its décor in comparison to Pendennis, which was more for defence purposes. You can still see some of the intricate details, such as carved Latin inscriptions about Henry VIII. Much of this remains intact due to the fact that there was little development or additions made to castle since it was built.

 

Launceston Castle

Sitting atop a large mound, Launceston Castle offers some truly impressive views across the surrounding landscape. A fairly unusual build, the tower on the mound originates from the 13^th century when Richard the Earl of Cornwall constructed it. The tower sits inside a circular shell keep that predates the towering structure! To get the best views, brave the dark and steep internal staircase to experience life on the battlements at the top of the tower. Visitors to Launceston Castle can also enjoy the exhibition that details the past thousand years of its history, complete with displays of historical finds from site excavations.

 

St Catherine’s Castle

An artillery fort from the 1530s, St Catherine’s Castle stands strong on the rocky headland around the Fowey estuary. St Catherine’s was built by Henry VIII to defend Fowey Harbour, similar to the artillery forts at Pendennis and St Mawes. The castle was later used during the Crimean War, when a two-gun battery was added, and saw further modification during the Second World War when it was used as an ammunition store and an anti-aircraft gun was added.

 

St Michael’s Mount

Atop the famous mount is a medieval castle complete with turrets, gardens and elaborate rooms. Different to many of the other castles in Cornwall, St Michaels Mount remains intact, and a family actually lives there. Having worked in partnership with the National Trust since 1954, some rooms of the castle are open to the public and show off some incredible furniture, artwork and design. Visit the island for a tour of the castle, as well as to explore the gorgeous gardens, harbour and village that share the island with the impressive castle.

 

If you want to experience Cornish heritage and explore these impressive historical locations, then our luxury Cornish cottages are the perfect base for you to rest and recharge before another busy day of discovery!

May Half Term Activities in Cornwall

May 11th, 2018

From the 26th May to 3rd June families will be off for the May half-term. Here are some of the exciting family-friendly activities taking place over the week near us here at The Valley!

Invisible Worlds at the Eden Project 26th May – 3rd June

The May half-term week coincides with the launch of the Eden Project’s latest exhibition; Invisible Worlds. The focus of this new project is that which is beyond our perception, be it too big, too small, too far away, or too speedy! With hands-on interactive elements, including experiments, it is sure to both educate and entertain. One of the many interactive exhibits teaches all about the microbes that make us who we are, while the outdoor Rock Garden introduces us to the biology of geology! The Play Lab can also be found here, with a fascinating play zone set up for the kids; or the young at heart!

 

To celebrate the launch, a number of special activities and events will be running throughout the week. Join the Ministry of Science each day at 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm or 3.15pm for an exciting, hands-on science show with awe-inspiring experiments and fascinating facts. Get crafty in the craft corner, making a microbe masterpiece, or follow ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ microbe themed trail throughout the grounds of the Eden Project to find out more.

 

Bug & Butterfly Quest and Dinosaur Trail at Paradise Park, 26^th May – 3^rd June

Paradise Park is offering up two exciting activities for the kids over half-term. As well as their daily activities, such as otter feeding, penguin feeding and bird displays, Paradise Park are running quests and trails for fans of creepy crawlies and dinosaurs! Learn all about beautiful butterflies and bugs as you search for clues around the Park to complete the ‘Bug & Butterfly Quest’. Little ones who complete the questions can claim a tasty butterfly or bug themed chocolatey reward!

 

Half-term also sees the start of the summer Dinosaur Trail at Paradise Park. Go on a dinosaur hunting expedition and search the grounds for dinos. If you manage to answer some questions, then you may even become a ‘Paradise Park Professor of Palaeontology’, earning yourself a certificate and tiny model dinosaur to take home!

 

Circus Skills at Flambards, 26^th May – 3^rd June

Run away to the circus for the day this May half-term, with circus-themed fun taking place at Flambards. The ‘Circus Skills Week’ sees impressive shows each day from acrobats, clowns and jugglers, who are also offering up special workshop sessions. The workshops will be teaching visitors the tricks of the trade, such as unicycling, juggling, tightrope walking and plate spinning! The scarier tricks, such as juggling with knives and lying on a bed of nails will be left to the professional performancers though!

 

 

Heligan Wild Week at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, 26^th May – 3^rd June

Discover your wild side at Heligan’s Wild Week, where getting mucky to explore the outdoors is encouraged! Start your journey at the Wild Tribe Yurt, making a tribal headdress and painting your own face to join one of the wild tribes; owl, fox, butterfly or frog! Head to the gigantic outdoor assault course and test out your animal powers – you’ll need to leap, scrabble and balance to get across! Create a song at the musical workshop, and join the Wild Sing-along around the campfire at the end of the day, where you can also toast a marshmallow or two! These activities are included in the general admission price for the gardens.

 

Clash of the Knights at Pendennis Castle, 30^th – 31^st May

A contest of strength and skill is coming to Pendennis Castle this half-term, as four teams of brave knights attempt to battle it out for ultimate victory! This all-action event sees these valiant knights armed with only a club and shield meeting head-on in combat. The goal of this adrenaline-fuelled contest is to knock the crest off the helmet of each knights rival. As the day progresses, the knights will also turn to horseback showdowns, before the ultimate winner is declared victorious! Suitable for all ages, there will also be a jester and minstrels merrily entertaining the crowds. Young knight hopefuls can also test out their skills with a fun archery session. This event takes place between 11am and 5pm.

 

If you would like to experience some of these fun half-term activities in Cornwall, then why not come and spend the week at our child-friendly Cornwall cottages!?