What it’s like to live in the events capital of Cornwall: Falmouth

BUZZY SEAPORT THAT SATISFIES LOCALS, STUDENTS AND VISITORS AT ANY TIME

Views of one of Falmouth’s four beautiful beaches are guaranteed from many properties

Falmouth is unusual among seaside towns in that it stays vibrant out of season, thanks to three thriving elements – its boatbuilding industry, the university and tourism, which attracts 500,000 visitors annually. There are also four sandy beaches, beautiful year round. IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW Expect a sea view – or glimpse at least – from many properties in town. But for a prospect over the peachiest beach in town, Gyllyngvase, you will need to dig deep – into the millions. According to Sam Spencer at Laskowski & Co estate agents, demand is undaunted. A more modest £200,000 might get you a twobedroom Victorian terrace in need of some work, in town. Funds go further in the Boslowick or Longfield areas. Penryn, the next town along, is even better value. BUTCHERS, BAKERS & COFFEE MAKERS If you’re searching for bits and pieces for the new home, try Cream Cornwall for lampshades, cushions and ceramics. Stationery, books and door handles pepper the shelves of nearby Willow & Stone. For vintage vibes, head to the high street. And when it comes to food, forget supermarkets as small businesses have it covered. There’s Falmouth Fish & Seafoods, butcher Myatts of Falmouth, Baker Tom’s Bread, the Courtyard Deli and Un_ rap for plastic-free pantry essentials. COUNTRY LIFE & CULTURE Water sports are popular but there’s plenty for landlubbers, too. Start with The Poly, an arts venue offering theatre, music and arthouse films. Festivals take place in celebration of oysters, sea shanties and spring, when the town is decked out in daffodils, which arrive early in Cornwall’s microclimate. The town is full of cafes and eateries, each with their own shtick. Try The Natural Store for organic provisions and brunch on the harbour front, or head to Dolly’s Tea Room for boozy book clubs. ‘Even a year ago, there wasn’t quite the eclectic profusion we have now,’ says one local. ‘It’s really happening here!’ And for dining out, her hot ticket is the unassuming Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar, which gets booked out weeks in advance. SCHOOLS Falmouth has five primary schools, three considered Good by Ofsted: the new Falmouth Primary Academy, St Francis, and King Charles. St Mary’s is Outstanding; Marlborough Requires Improvement. Falmouth Secondary School has recently been downgraded to Inadequate. Falmouth University has its heritage in arts, media and design. GET AROUND There are three railway stations all leading to Truro for connections to the Paddington to Penzance mainline. Falmouth is at the southern end of the A39, which meanders its way up to Bath.

IN THE AREA Out on the headland, Henry VIII’S well-preserved Pendennis Castle is worth a visit.