Appealing Falmouth is a blend of busy commercial docks, beach resort and student town. With a stellar maritime museum, lively cultural scene, raft of boat trips and plenty of places to sleep, eat and drink, it works well as a base or as a day trip.

Falmouth’s shops, pubs and galleries fan back from a bustling shorefront that overlook one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The arts-focused Falmouth University (Chancellor, comedian Dawn French) has its main campus in Penryn, 5 miles north of town.

The town’s big sight is the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

Beaches

Falmouth’s string of beaches sits within easy reach of town. Gyllyngvase is around half a mile from the central harbour and offers a curl of soft white sand. Half a mile to the west smaller Swanpool is backed by a nature reserve. A mile or so further on, gently sloping Maenporth is a family favourite.