'Coolest place in Cornwall' has incredible beaches and brilliant pubs
A seaside town which perfectly blends its fishing past with its student heavy presence has been named the coolest place in Cornwall.
Falmouth was recently named one of the top 10 best places to visit in the UK and the place to go in England's most south-westerly county if you're looking for a laid back atmosphere and those also living on the cutting edge.
Compared to many other UK towns and cities, Falmouth isn't that old. Sir Walter Raleigh visited the one property in the area - Arwenack Manor House in 1598 and was so impressed with its geographical features that he recommended that the site should be developed as a port.
Over the next 100 years his wish came true and the cobbled market town that is there today began to develop. One of the key features of Falmouth is the port, which is the third deepest natural harbour in the world, and is the deepest in Western Europe.
It is also known for being the start or finish point of various round the world record breaking voyages, such as those of Sir William Robert Pat “Robin” Knox-Johnston and Dame Ellen MacArthur.
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The town's population is a quarter student during term time (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Today much of the life is centred around the harbour where military enthusiasts can watch an array of magnificent Navy vessels make the most of the particularly deep water. Last year the enormous Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond steamed into town, towering over the buildings which run along harbour front.
The multi award winning National Maritime Museum Cornwall houses a huge collection of boats, retells stories of intrepid explorers and provides an observation window where you can see what’s happening underwater in the harbour.
Arguably what has made Falmouth 'cool' is its large student population. Roughly a quarter of people living in the town of 24,000 attend either the specialist art university or the mining school. The coming together of the culturally engaged set from the former and the pint downing rugby lads of the second across a town much better known for its pubs than clubs makes for a unique atmosphere.
Come the warmer evenings at the end of summer term, once exams are a thing of the past, you will find throngs of these students making the most of Falmouth's relatively temperate climate all along the harbour front and on its beaches.
Four world-class beaches are right on the doorstep in Falmouth, with Castle beach, Gyllyngvase beach, Swanpool beach and Maenporth beach all perfect for families to enjoy various watersports including surfing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, and diving.
TimeOut writes that new music venue The Cornish Bank, alongside cult folk muic night Klub Nos Lowen and up and coming indie bands means “this spot is the ideal place to absorb some of the county’s best culture.” Art galleries show contemporary works and independent films and live bands can be seen at its many venues.
It is easy to find someone to either lend or lease you a small boat in Falmouth on which you can explore the harbour or head out past its walls and then down the coast.
It is also a great spot for foodies. Quaint cafes line the streets, while the harbour means there is always a supply of fresh fish. Top restaurants include the Gylly Beach cafe, with fantastic food and great sea views - a great spot for dinner or to enjoy a hot chocolate with blankets provided in the evenings.
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