Things to do in Falmouth this summer

At Hotel Meudon, summer days are truly memorable. The area in and around Falmouth comes alive at this time of year, with a wealth of events and experiences within easy reach. Culture, food, and incredible landscapes all come together to make one vibrant holiday hub.

But with so much to do, the time can fly by. Here, we’ve gathered some of our top suggestions for summer activities, from open-air theatre to adventures on the high seas.

Trebah Garden, in nearby Mawnan Smith, has plenty to recommend it: acres of sub-tropical gardens, a private beach, and fantastic food. It also has its very own open-air amphitheatre, which hosts comedy and theatre during the summer months. If all this atmosphere sounds just the ticket, check Trebah’s events pages to see what’s coming up.

One of the biggest events in the local calendar, Falmouth Week is a unique celebration of sea and shore. This year, it’s taking place from Friday 4th to Sunday 13th August, with a mix of sailing races, daytime and evening entertainment, family activities and a carnival. The races themselves begin on Sunday 6th and continue over seven days, with courses set in Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads.

Hot on the heels of Falmouth Week, the town will play host to the prestigious Tall Ships Races. From Tuesday 15th to Friday 18th August, Falmouth will welcome ships in full sail, as it becomes the starting port for a spectacular race across Europe. The festivities will culminate in the Parade of Sail event on Friday 18th August, when you’ll

With so much going on, it’s important to make time to rest and relax on your holiday. Every Saturday during summer, we’re firing up our garden barbecue to grill some delicious, locally sourced ingredients, including fresh-caught Cornish mackerel and local steaks. Then, to go alongside, we’re serving up live music from Cornwall-based artists, covering everything from jazz to classical and contemporary folk.

Around 30 minutes from Hotel Meudon, you’ll find Trelissick: a majestic house and garden that’s perfectly positioned for panoramic views over the Fal estuary. The main lawn is surrounded by exotic borders, which burst into life and colour during summer. This year, the estate is hosting its Summer of Play, meaning guests of all ages can take part in classic summertime fun, from lawn games like skittles and boules to relaxing in deckchairs on the terrace.

The Helford River is an idyllic waterway, winding its way along to Frenchman’s Creek, which was made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name. Helford River Cruises runs 90-minute tours along the river in the “Hannah Molly”, built in nearby Falmouth. Or, if you fancy something more active, you could choose to explore by kayak with Koru, paddling from Budock Vean towards the Helford.

Built during the reign of Henry VIII, Pendennis Castle is an atmospheric seaside fortress with vast castle lawns and sweeping views. It’s well worth a visit at any time of the year, but during the summer there’s also the bonus of the castle’s themed event days. On these days, you can immerse yourself even more deeply in the past, as Pendennis hosts pirates, jousts, and knights’ tournaments. Check the castle’s events pages for more details.

When the sun shines and a free day stretches ahead of you, there’s no nicer place to be than our very own beach. Bream Cove awaits at the bottom of Hotel Meudon’s garden, meaning coastal adventures are always within easy reach. To make this even easier, we’ve teamed up with Dan at Little Wolf Adventures to offer paddle board hire, tuition, and guided SUP tours from the cove. You don’t need to be an expert; Dan is experienced in working with beginners, meaning you’ll be on your way in no time.

At Hotel Meudon, summer is meant to be savoured. That’s why, from 1st July to 9th September, we’re offering a special break over two, three or four nights, with added extras including a full Cornish breakfast and a G&T or mocktail on arrival. To find out more, take a look at our offers page.