Activities A–Z

Historical archery experiences available at Pendennis Castle on selected dates throughout the summer. A great family activity.

The Fal estuary is home to herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers and oystercatchers. The Helford River is especially rich — pick up a walk at Mawnan Smith for the best sightings.

The beaches south of Falmouth pick up good swells in autumn and winter. Hire bodyboards from local surf shops and head to Maenporth for a sheltered option.

Guided coasteering around Cornwall's dramatic sea cliffs — swimming through sea caves, jumping into deep water pools and scrambling over rocks. Elemental UK and Gylly Adventures both operate excellent sessions from Falmouth.

One of Cornwall's great childhood traditions — and brilliant fun for adults too. Drop a line with bait from Mylor Harbour or Flushing Quay for brown crabs and shore crabs. Equipment available from the harbour.

The Fal Trail is a superb off-road cycling route running from Truro to Falmouth along the estuary. Bike hire is available in Falmouth and Penryn, and the flat terrain makes it suitable for all abilities.

Take out a small boat from Mylor and set lobster and crayfish pots in the rocky ground around the estuary. Local fishermen can advise on the best spots and the right gear. A deeply Cornish experience.

The winding creeks of Carrick Roads offer some of the finest flat-water kayaking in England. Sea Kayaking Cornwall and Koru Kayaking both offer guided tours of the Helford and Fal estuaries.

Cornwall's clear Atlantic waters offer excellent diving, from shallow reef snorkelling to shipwreck dives. Gylly Adventures offer guided snorkelling sessions and Elemental UK offer PADI dive courses.

Common and bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in Falmouth Bay and off the Lizard. Several local boat tour operators offer dedicated wildlife watching trips through the season.

The Fal River passenger ferries run regular cruises up to Truro and across to St Mawes. The Fal to Truro trip passes the King Harry Ferry and Trelissick Gardens — a wonderful way to see the estuary.

Sea fishing charter boats operate from Falmouth throughout the year — mackerel in summer, bass and pollock year-round. Family fishing trips from Mylor are ideal for children. Enquire at the harbour office.

A brilliant way to explore the Fal — catch the ferry from Falmouth to Flushing (5 minutes), then onward to St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula. No car needed and an adventure in itself.

Cornwall has some of the finest gardens in Britain. Glendurgan (National Trust) has a famous Victorian maze and leads down to a beach. Trebah is a 26-acre subtropical valley garden. Trelissick sits on the Fal estuary with beautiful woodland walks.

Falmouth Golf Club is a well-regarded 18-hole course with views towards the bay. Budock Vean Hotel has a 9-hole course set within its grounds and is open to non-residents.

Several riding stables operate in the lanes between Penryn and Constantine, offering hacks through the Cornish countryside and woodland. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.

A short drive takes you to Penzance Heliport where scenic flights over the Lizard Peninsula, Land's End and the Scilly Isles offer a spectacular bird's-eye view of Cornwall.

Koru Kayaking runs guided 2-hour adventures along the Helford River and Frenchman's Creek. Sea Kayaking Cornwall and Gylly Adventures also offer guided coastal sea kayak tours. Equipment is provided — no experience needed.

The rocky reefs around Mylor and the Helford are home to some excellent lobster. Local fishermen offer informal guided trips — ask at Mylor Harbour. There's nothing quite like cooking and eating your own catch.

Falmouth is one of England's great artistic towns. The Falmouth Art Gallery and Falmouth University School of Art both offer workshops and open studio sessions for visitors throughout the year.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is one of the finest in the country. Fascinating exhibits covering Cornwall's seafaring heritage, boat building, and the sea itself. Once visited, admission is free for a whole year.

Stand-up paddleboarding on the calm estuary waters is magical at dawn or dusk. SUP hire is available from Gylly Adventures and several other operators. The creek waters around Mylor are ideal for beginners.

Otters are occasionally spotted in the quieter stretches of the Mylor and Helford creeks, especially at dusk. Take a slow walk along the creek path in the early morning for the best chance.

The Helford River is one of the finest Native Oyster habitats in England. Duchy of Cornwall Oyster Farm at Port Navas offers guided tastings and sales of fresh oysters direct from the water.

Cornwall has glorious picnic spots — Trelissick Gardens overlooks the Fal estuary, St Just in Roseland churchyard sits right on the water, and Mylor Churchyard is just minutes from the cottage.

The world-famous open-air theatre carved into the clifftops at Porthcurno. Performances run from May to September with an extraordinary amphitheatre overlooking the Atlantic. Book tickets well in advance.

The rocky shores around Falmouth and the Helford are superb for rock pooling — sea anemones, shore crabs, blennies and the occasional sea horse. Low tide at Maenporth is particularly rewarding.

Mylor Sailing School, right on your doorstep, offers RYA-accredited courses for all abilities, from first-timers to experienced sailors. The estuary provides perfect, sheltered learning conditions.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek is a working rescue centre for sick and injured grey seals. One of the best family days out in Cornwall — watching the seals is endlessly entertaining. About 30 minutes from Otter Cottage.

Wild swimming in the sea is a year-round Cornish tradition. Gyllyngvase Beach has a café and good facilities. Swanpool and Maenporth are quieter options south of Falmouth with beautiful clear water.

The north Cornish coast has some of England's best surf beaches. Perranporth and Holywell Bay are around 45 minutes away, with surf schools and board hire on the beach.

England's only commercial tea plantation, growing in Cornwall's mild climate since 2005. Tregothnan offers guided tours of the estate and you can purchase their famous Cornish teas direct. A uniquely Cornish experience.

Falmouth's famous deep-water harbour hosts tall ships, racing yachts and historic vessels throughout the season. The Falmouth Classics regatta is a spectacular annual event. Check the harbour schedule for visiting vessels.

The South West Coast Path passes directly through this area, linking Falmouth, Mylor and the Helford. Spectacular coastal walking with sea views, hidden coves and ancient woodland. See the Places & Walks page for recommended routes.

Polgoon Vineyard near Penzance produces excellent English wines and ciders, offering guided vineyard tours and tastings throughout the season. A wonderful afternoon out, about 45 minutes from Mylor.

Minke whales, basking sharks and various dolphin species are regularly sighted in the waters off Cornwall. Several operators run dedicated wildlife watching boat trips from Falmouth during the summer months.

Mylor Yacht Club hosts regular racing throughout the season on the estuary. Non-members are welcome to watch from the harbour wall. The club occasionally welcomes volunteer crew — ask at the clubhouse.