Pendennis Castle

Set on the Pendennis Headland with breathtaking 360-degree views across the town of Falmouth, nearby beaches and out to sea, this English Heritage attraction is well worth a visit.

Perfect for rainy days, visitors can explore Pendennis Castle, which originally began as a gun fort in the mid-16th century, and enjoy its spectacular surroundings which offer many vantage points to take in the panoramic view.

The castle’s role in the First World War is detailed in the on-site exhibition. Pieces of memorabilia and weaponry are on display along with personal belongings and letters written by soldiers, giving an insight into what life was like during the war and offering a truly moving and memorable experience. Visitors can also explore the Discovery Centre which explains how coastal weaponry was used during battle, through its interactive facilities.

Visitors can not only see the history of this ancient castle, they can hear it, too. The noon day gun is fired every day from April to October (with the exception of event days), by a specially trained team of people who also give a short introductory talk before firing.
The castle also features an on-site cafe which offers spectacular sea views and serves up a fine selection of freshly baked cakes and scones, Cornish pasties and hot drinks.

Take a walk through a world-changing piece of our history and get under the skin of how this fascinating castle guarded the port of Falmouth for more than 400 years.