Beaches in Falmouth

Falmouth has stunning sandy beaches for endless family fun. Some are a short stroll from the town centre, whilst others are a short ride away, or can be reached by foot using the South West Coast Path.

Castle Beach is a narrow beach within walking distance of the town centre where you will find sparkling rock pools – the stuff of childhood memories. Tunnel Beach joins up with Castle Beach at low tide, with a narrow stretch of sand, sheltered by a high sea wall.

Gyllyngvase Beach is Falmouth’s main beach, located just 15 minutes from the town centre. It holds a Blue Flag award, and is an ideal family beach. Sand chair hire is available from the beach café for disabled beach access into the water. A summer lifeguard service operates from May till September.

Swanpool Beach offers a wide variety of water-based activities and a children’s play area. It is situated opposite Swanpool Nature Reserve and Lake.

Maenporth Beach is a wide sandy beach two miles south west of Falmouth with views of Falmouth, Pendennis Castle and St Anthony Lighthouse.

All beaches in Falmouth operate a dog ban from Easter to 1st October for safe family enjoyment. To find out which beaches in Cornwall do and do not have a dog ban, download our beach guide for dog owners.

Enjoy our beaches but consider seaside safety and follow instructions of the lifeguards when they are in attendance

On the Beach

  • Look at the safety signs before going into the water.
  • Don’t swim off headlands.
  • Be wary of undertow currents.
  • Don’t let children go out on an inflatable airbed or dinghy.
  • Get a friend to swim with you.
  • When possible only swim on a beach that has Lifeguards

Cliff Dangers

  • Keep well clear of the cliff edge.
  • Don’t climb on cliffs.
  • Before walking along a stretch of beach under cliffs, find out what the tide is doing. You could get cut off.
  • Don’t dig into soft cliff faces. They can collapse and bury you.

In an emergency for coastal or sea rescue DIAL 999 and ask for Coastguard.

There is more information on the RNLI Beach Lifeguards on their website.

Visit the seasmart website for more information on safety at the seaside.