My favourite hang out spots in Falmouth and Penryn

This article was written by Business & Digital Marketing BSc(Hons) student Emily.

As a new student, you’re in for a treat. Falmouth is brimming with fantastic spots to eat, relax and have fun. Here's a friendly guide to some of my favourite places and things to do in Falmouth and the surrounding areas.

Food and Drink

Supporting small businesses is a great way to experience the local culture and Falmouth has plenty to offer:

• Palacio Lounge (£) - with locations in Falmouth, Truro, Newquay, Exeter and Yeovil, Palacio Lounge is a cosy spot to enjoy a meal or a drink. Their relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it a perfect place to hang out with friends.
• Sabzi (£) - for a taste of something different, head over to Sabzi. This little gem offers delicious, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Their falafel wraps and potato dishes are must-tries! They have a new menu every day of the week so keep an eye on their socials and pop in when you see something you fancy!
• Windjammer Cafe (£/££) - the Windjammer Cafe is another favourite, offering amazing breakfasts and lunches. It’s a great place to start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry… and it’s a great place to sit and do work!
• Gylly Beach Cafe (££) - located right on Gyllyngvase Beach, it is perfect for a meal with a view. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or just a refreshing drink, this cafe won’t disappoint. They do brilliant roast dinners on a Sunday too!
• Max’s Bagels (£/££) - if you love bagels, they are the perfect place to go. They have a fantastic selection of bagels with various toppings that are perfect for a quick bite. 

Nightlife

Falmouth has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of spots to enjoy an evening out:

• Beerwolf (£) - a unique combination of a pub and a bookshop. It’s a great place to enjoy a quiet pint while browsing through an eclectic selection of books or hanging out with friends after a busy day.
• Gamesroom (£) - for a fun night out, check out the Gamesroom. They have a range of arcade games and pool tables, making it a perfect spot to unwind with friends… plus, they have great cocktails and usually have student offers!
• Chintz (£/££) - known for its quirky decor and lively atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy some cocktails and good music.

Outdoor Fun

Falmouth's beautiful coastline and green spaces are perfect for outdoor activities:

• BBQs or a tinny on Gylly Beach - grab some friends, pack a BBQ or some tinnies and head to Gylly Beach for a relaxed evening by the sea. There’s a Co-op at Gylly Beach, so you can get everything you need while you’re there!
• Penndennis Point - for stunning views of the ocean, head to Penndennis Point. It’s a great spot for a walk or a picnic, with breath-taking scenery. It’s enjoyable on a nice sunny day and on a blustery winter’s day… just make sure to wrap up warm as it gets very blowy!
• Falmouth Harbour - Falmouth’s harbour is a bustling hub of activity. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, watch the boats and enjoy the maritime atmosphere… During the summer, Falmouth Harbour often hosts impressive cruise ships and navy vessels. If you're a boat enthusiast, take a stroll up to the dry docks on your way to Penndennis Point. You'll get to see various boats undergoing maintenance, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of maritime engineering.

Entertainment

There’s no shortage of entertainment options in Falmouth:

• The Cinema (£) - catch the latest movies at Falmouth’s cinema. It’s a cosy spot to enjoy a film with friends.
• The Poly and Cornish Bank (£) - for a dose of culture, check out The Poly and Cornish Bank. They offer a variety of performances, from live music to theatre and art exhibitions. The Cornish Bank has events pretty much every night of the week!

Day Trips

Take advantage of Falmouth’s excellent transport links to explore nearby areas:

• Take a Bus to Truro (£) - Truro is just a short bus ride or train journey away from Falmouth and offers great shopping, dining and historic sites to explore. The Hall For Cornwall in Truro has some great performances and conferences! I recently attended a tech conference there and then returned a month later for a comedy show!
• Take the Train to St Ives (£) - the train ride to St Ives is absolutely stunning. Once you arrive, enjoy the beautiful beaches and art galleries in this charming seaside town. This is my absolute favourite place to visit and I 100% recommend taking your parents here when they come down to visit you.
• National Maritime Museum (£) - one of my favourite places to visit with friends is the National Maritime Museum. Purchase a ticket online and you'll get free entry for a year with that pass. You can climb the stairs to a high-rise viewpoint overlooking Falmouth Harbour or go below deck to watch seals and little fish swim by. With its fascinating exhibits and interactive displays, it's a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds alike.