5 unmissable things to do in Falmouth this summer
15 May 2026Searching for salty sea air, buttery scones (jam first, the Cornish way, of course) and sandy beaches? Then Cornwall is the place for you this summer. And with its bustling harbour, independent shops and beautiful coastline, Falmouth is one of the county’s most popular seaside spots.
As an independent West Country housebuilder, we’re proud to create new homes in this beautiful region. At Hornblower Heights in Mabe Burnthouse, we’re building an exclusive collection of 30 homes, bringing a new community to this sought-after corner of Cornwall.
With a selection of three, four and five bedroom homes just four miles from Falmouth, Hornblower Heights offers easy access to everything this vibrant coastal town has to offer –from waterside dining and sailing to scenic beaches and family days out.
If you’re planning a visit, or considering making the move, here are our top five things to do in Falmouth this summer...
1. Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, 12th to 14th June 2026
Cornwall is renowned for its tradition of sea shanties, deeply rooted in its maritime history and fishing communities. The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival celebrates the town’s proud and long history as a first safe port of call for deepwater sailing ships. It is here where sailors proudly belted out their songs in the local alehouses and this free Festival keeps that tradition alive today.
You can expect performances from over 80 groups across the UK, Europe and further afield at various venues across the town. This year, the Festival has a free app you can download, a handy programme right at your fingertips.
Visit www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk for more information.
2. Legendary Joust at Pendennis Castle, 4th to 6th August 2026
Located on a rocky headland at Castle Drive, Pendennis Castle is one of Falmouth’s most treasured sites. Built by Henry VIII to defend the shores, this Tudor fortress has withstood two World Wars and centuries of coastal drama.
For the history lovers, you can enjoy its legendary jousting competition this summer. Four knights will compete for glory in the grand medieval joust, putting on an exhilarating spectacle for visitors. Each knight will represent a character from a myth or legend – The Wyvern, The Wildman, Sir Lancelot and Jason of the Argonauts. Who will you be supporting?
Book early to benefit from 15% off your ticket. English Heritage members can attend this event for free. For more information, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.
3. Falmouth Week, 7th to 16th August 2026
A major attraction for locals and visitors alike, Falmouth Week is back with a bang this summer. Originally a sailing regatta dating back to 1837, the week has evolved into one of the largest sailing competitions in the South West alongside daytime and evening activities in the town.
There’s so much to see and do in the town throughout the week. If you’re a sailing fan, make sure to check out the official sailing programme which includes seven days of fleet racing for more than 20 classes.
For shoreside events, Falmouth Carnival will kick off the week with a wide-variety of family-friendly activities including a vintage carousel, an eclectic market and Falmouth Art Gallery workshops. The popular Pink Wig Mermaid March is back on Friday 7th August, raising vital funds for The Mermaid Centre, Cornwall’s dedicated breast cancer unit at Royal Cornwall Hospital. If that wasn’t enough, you can also look forward to a host of evening entertainment including Peter Andre headlining on Friday 14th August and a Queen tribute band.
Visit www.falmouthweek.co.uk for more information.
4. Fal Beer Fest, 25th – 27th September 2026
Celebrating Cornwall’s fantastic food and drink suppliers, Fal Beer Fest is an annual event, this year held in the Princess Pavilion. The Festival celebrates Falmouth’s rich brewing heritage, offering a diverse selection of over 100 handpicked craft beers, real ales and ciders.
As well as thirst-quenching beverages, visitors can look forward to street food vendors, tasting sessions and talks from local brewers alongside live music performances. The Princess Pavillion is the perfect venue for this celebrated event, with Falmouth Town train station, Gyllyngvase Beach and the town centre all just a five-minute stroll away.
The full programme is yet to be announced but keep an eye on www.falbeerfest.co.uk for more information.
5. Spend a day at Gyllyngvase Beach
We couldn’t end this blog without mentioning one of Cornwall’s finest beaches. Call Hornblower Heights your home and you will be lucky enough to enjoy Gyllyngvase Beach whenever you like!
Highly-regarded as one of Cornwall’s best family-friendly beaches, Gyllyngvase Beach is a golden crescent of sand with stunning views of the South Cornwall coast and Pendennis Castle. With lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months, this beach offers everything from calm waters to the most perfect sand for building sandcastles. It also features rock pools at the south end where the kids can spot shrimp, winkles, crabs and even a lobster if they’re lucky!
Winner of a Blue Flag Award, families can enjoy this beach safe in the knowledge that it upholds a commitment to the environment, water quality and safety of the beach.
For more information, visit www.visitcornwall.com.
We hope you have found our guide to the top five things to do in Falmouth useful.
For more information, including current availability, click here to visit the development page or contact our Sales Executives on 01326 332691 / hornblowerheights@devonshirehomes.co.uk.