Life at Falmouth

Cafes and restaurants

Falmouth and Penryn champion independent cafes and coffee houses serving up delicious food and brews in unique surroundings.

Head to Espressini for speciality coffee to kick start your day, find a bench with a reservoir view for brunch at Wild Vibes or step into The Verdant Tap Room in Penryn for locally brewed beers and authentic wood-fired pizzas. 

We’re also lucky to have a plethora of restaurants to pick from. Whether you want fresh local seafood, delicious vegan options, international flavours or local farm produce, Falmouth has something for you. We’re also home to national chains like Wetherspoons, The Stable and The Lounge.  

Bars, pubs and clubs

Throughout Falmouth town, bands play and open mic nights take place regularly. Check out The Cornish Bank, bookshop/pub Beerwolf Books, The Chintz, Jacob’s Ladder pub, Gylly Beach Cafe and The Front, where there’s a mix of upcoming bands, folk sessions and acoustic beats to keep you going. 

Further afield discover what’s on at the Old Bakery Studios in Truro, the Acorn Theatre in Penzance and the Eden Sessions: international artists performing in the biomes. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to dance, check out Toast, Mangos or Club I for a rich mix of commercial tunes and underground DJs to keep you moving ‘til late. 

Local beaches 

With Gylly beach just a short walk from our Falmouth Campus and protected by a natural harbour, sea swimming is taken up by many in our student community, eager to take the plunge (if you’re a surfer, head to the north coast for the best waves). Sea kayaking and paddle boarding are also available to those keen on taking to the water. Find out more about group sessions and equipment hire with Gylly Adventures.

On-foot from Falmouth 

Cornwall is renowned for its natural beauty, and from Falmouth you can enjoy a day of adventuring on foot. Heading east along the South West Coast Path from Swanpool beach, you’ll find Maenporth, a secluded sandy beach that’s perfect for a day in the sun. Beyond that, the Helford Passage awaits. Why not take a scenic hike to the Ferry Boat Inn before catching a bus back to Falmouth?  

Those feeling even more adventurous could be tempted to catch the ferry across to St Mawes, where Cornwall’s picturesque Roseland Peninsula provides the perfect setting for a day of exploration.