Lamorran is a subtropical, Italianate inspired garden on Cornwall's beautiful Roseland peninsula. It's unique postion means that the garden remains frost free in all but the most serious of winters and a wide range of plants from all over the world are grown, resulting in something of a plantsperson’s paradise. An extensive and unusual range of plants can be found, with particular emphasis on southern hemisphere and sub-tropical flora.

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Enjoy £1 off admission price per person with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

St Mawes Castle is among the best preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses, and along with Pendennis Castle was strategically placed to guard Falmouth’s harbour and anchorages.  Today you can explore the beautiful grounds and castle, learn about its history, and in summer there are outdoor theatre productions and other events to keep you entertained. 

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One of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses, Pendennis Castle has protected Cornwall against invasion since the Tudor period and operated throughout the period 1539–1956.  When you visit you can learn about how the castle has evolved, experience the sights and sounds of battle, and examine the role of the castle as part of Fortress Falmouth during the First World War.  The castle dominates a high rocky headland on the south side of the Fal Estuary, overlooking the English Channel.  It’s a great day out for families or those who are just interested in the area, with lots of events available throughout the summer months.  The castle is open from March to September and prices start at £7.90 for non English Heritage members.

There’s no better way to explore the beautiful Fal River than by boat, and with Mylor Boat Hire you can do just that with all equipment provided.  Their fleet of safe and stable boats lets you do things at your own pace whether that’s racing along, anchoring in tiny coves for a picnic of visiting a waterside pub. Based at Mylor Yacht Harbour from April – October and also offering kayak and SUP hire.  No experience necessary.

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Through their varied exhibitions programme the National Maritime Museum brings new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues, and highlight their relevance to the present day. They also bring rare objects from around the world to Cornwall to tell local, national and international stories. 

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Enjoy £1 off admission with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

Harbourside dining in St Mawes which also do the best fish and chips take away!

Watch House, 1, The Square, St Mawes, Cornwall (T:01326 270038)

Enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike, this traditional Cornish pub offers something for everyone: including fresh local seafood dishes, steaks, pasta and vegetarian options.

Victory Inn, Victory Steps, St Mawes, Cornwall TR2 5DQ  (T: 01326 270324)

There’s a thin arc of sand and shingle to flop on here at Falmouth’s most northerly beach, but that’s not the main attraction … at low tide a wide expanse of rock pools is exposed where kids and adults alike can spend hours discovering the watery pools packed with miniature sea life. Diving and snorkelling are popular here too, with plenty to see in the clear waters beyond the rocks. If you forget your bucket and net you can buy one at the beachside café, also serving drinks, ice creams and sandwiches that can be enjoyed on their large sundeck with lovely sea views. Keep an eye on the tide times though as at high tide the majority of the beach can be covered. There’s no lifeguard or car park, but plenty of parking along the road running parallel to the beach. Dogs allowed from October to Easter Sunday.

With its impressive crescent  of sand, great amenities and Blue Flag status, it’s no wonder Gyllyngvase Beach is one of the most popular in the area. Found just south of Falmouth town centre this beach is ideal for families, and with its calm seas and gently sloping sand is a good spot for kayaking and paddleboarding too. Local company WESUP are based here offering wetsuit and equipment hire and SUP activities for all ages and abilities. And nearby is the acclaimed Gylly Beach Café with its sun terrace built out over the beach, fantastic views and a menu packed full of local seafood. There’s lifeguard cover from May to September, a large car park and public toilets. Dogs allowed from October to Easter Sunday.

A lovely sandy cove on the outskirts of Falmouth with lots of sand and clear water for swimming. If relaxing on the sand’s not your thing though, the beach backs onto Swanpool Nature Reserve where you can walk dogs on leads or feed the ducks and swans, and there’s also a beach cafe, kayak hire and 18 hole crazy golf course. Dogs allowed from October to Easter Sunday