Sorgente is an excellent touring base situated along the original main route from Penryn to Truro and is within a 5 minute drive to Falmouth.
For discounted ferry tickets, local guides and maps, follow this link to the Fal River website.
PENRYN
(Cornish: Pennrynn, from Pen-ryn meaning ‘promontory’)
One of Cornwall’s most ancient towns, it was once a thriving port and a centre for commerce and is reputed to be one of Cornwall’s oldest and best surviving historic towns. In the medieval period it was an important harbour in its own right, exporting granite and tin. Now a conservation area bestowing a wealth of old world charm, character and history, most evident from its impressive Tudor and Georgian architecture. It is a vibrant place giving home to quaint streets, small passageways, galleries, a restaurant, a wine bar, pubs and cafes. Within walking distance of the cottage is the town quayside on the creek that leads to the wide stretch of sailing waters of Carrick roads and Falmouth Bay. Here a variety of traditional craft are moored next to the modern Jubilee Wharf with its café and shops.
FALMOUTH
(Cornish: Aberfal)
Cornwall’s internationally recognised seaport and home to the world’s third deepest natural harbour. This is a vibrant year round resort for all ages with world class beaches, restaurants and a coastal golf course. It boasts a flourishing contemporary arts scene with numerous galleries and embraces its cultural heritage with the celebrated National Maritime Museum.
Historic background to the area
Originally called Peny-cwm-cuic, which later became ‘Pennycomequick’, it was the site where Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle (1540) to defend Carrick Roads. The main town was at Penryn with Sir John Killigrew creating the town of Falmouth shortly after 1613. In the late 16th century, under threat from the Spanish Armada, the defences at Pendennis were strengthened by the building of angled ramparts. During the Civil War, Pendennis Castle was the second to last fort to surrender to the Parliamentary Army.
The Falmouth Packet Service operated out of Falmouth for over 160 years between 1689 and 1851. Its purpose was to carry mail to and from Britain’s growing empire. As the most south-westerly good harbour in Great Britain, Falmouth was often the first port for returning Royal Navy ships. The news of Britain’s victory, and Admiral Nelson’s death, at Trafalgar was landed here from the schooner Pickle and taken to London by stagecoach. In 1839 Falmouth was the scene of the gold dust robbery when £4,600 worth of gold dust from Brazil was stolen on arrival at the port.
Here are just a few of our favourite places that are reachable by car, cycle or even on foot!
Muddy Beach Cafe
Jubilee Wharf in Penryn, on Commercial Road (underneath the wind turbines). Children friendly. Free Wifi access. www.muddybeach.com
Rick Stein’s Seafood Bar
Falmouth. Next to the Maritime Museum.
Indaba Fish
Overlooking the beach at Swanpool, Falmouth. Best to book at busy times. 01326 311886
Pandora’s Inn
12th century thatched pub and restaurant – Restronguet Creek. A great place to arrive after walking along the river direct from Sorgente. www.pandorainn.com
Seven Stars Pub
The oldest ale house in Falmouth. Step back into the past!
The Poly Arts Centre
Alternative cinema in the centre of Falmouth. www.thepoly.org Box office 01326 212300
The Maritime Museum
Buy an annual membership and visit as many times as you like and get free entrance to the Eden Project and more. www.nmmc.co.uk 01326 313388
Glendurgan Garden
Mawnan Smith. National Trust website 01326 252020
Trelissick Garden
Feock, near Truro. National Trust website 01872 862090
The Boathouse
Pub and good food, great views! Beacon St. Falmouth 01326 315 425
Raze the Roof
Indoor play area. Mega play frame, slides, climbing wall, ball cannons, astro glide… Kids. 30a Parkengue, Kernick Road Ind. Est. Penryn. 01326 377481
Oliver’s Restaurant
High St. Falmouth. 01326 218138
Harbour View
Falmouth if you like burgers.
Mariners chippy
Near the clock tower in Penryn.
Pippins Cafe
Also for take away pasties, Penryn.