Category: Cornish Folklore

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Things to do in Falmouth

Falmouth is a charming town located on the south coast of Cornwall, England. Here are a few of the great things to do in Falmouth on your visit.

  1. Natural Beauty – Falmouth boasts stunning natural beauty with its picturesque coastline, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. You can explore the South West Coast Path, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. The nearby Helford River and Fal River also provide opportunities for scenic boat trips and water activities.
  2. Maritime Heritage – Falmouth has a rich maritime heritage, which is evident in its bustling harbor and historical connections with the sea. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall, located in Falmouth, is a must-visit attraction on the things to do in Falmouth list. It showcases Cornwall’s maritime history through interactive exhibits and displays.
  3. Beaches & Watersports – Falmouth is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, such as Gyllyngvase and Swanpool Beach. These beaches are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or enjoying various watersports like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The town is also a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts, with nearby spots such as Porthtowan and Perranporth offering great waves.
  4. Art and Culture – Falmouth has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The town is home to the Falmouth Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of artwork, including pieces by renowned artists. Falmouth University’s School of Art is also well-regarded, and you can explore local galleries and exhibitions featuring contemporary and traditional art.
  5. Gardens and Parks – Falmouth boasts several beautiful gardens and parks. The subtropical paradise of Trebah Garden, with its exotic plants, stunning flora, and fauna, is a must-see attraction. The Queen Mary Gardens, located near the town center, offer a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  6. Festivals and Events – Falmouth hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. The Falmouth Week is a renowned sailing regatta and shoreside event that draws crowds with its yacht races, live music, fireworks, and carnival atmosphere. The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is another popular event that celebrates maritime music and culture.
  7. Gastronomy – Food lovers will appreciate in particular the things to do in Falmouth’s culinary scene. The town offers a wide range of dining options, from cozy cafes to award-winning seafood restaurants. You can sample fresh local seafood, Cornish pasties, and traditional cream teas while enjoying the coastal views.
  8. Day Trips & Exploration – Falmouth serves as an excellent base for exploring other attractions in Cornwall. You can take a ferry to visit St. Mawes, a charming coastal village with a historic castle, or head to the nearby St. Ives, known for its art galleries and stunning beaches. The Eden Project, a world-famous ecological attraction, is also within driving distance from Falmouth.

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Cornish Crab Salad

This Cornish crab salad can be enjoyed on its own, served as a sandwich filling, or as a topping for crackers or toasted bread. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as part of a seafood spread.

Ingredients:

  • 450g fresh white crab meat
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 100g samphire, blanched and refreshed 
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lettuce leaves (for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Method:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix well to combine.
  2. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps. Make sure the crab meat is evenly coated with the dressing.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that crab meat can be naturally salty, so be cautious when adding salt.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. When ready to serve, line a serving platter or individual plates with lettuce leaves.
  6. Take the crab salad out of the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Spoon the crab salad onto the lettuce leaves, creating a mound.
  7. Garnish with additional samphire if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
cornish crab salad
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The Beast of Bodmin

A fabled beast known as The Beast of Bodmin is claimed to prowl the countryside of Cornwall. Over the years, numerous people have reported seeing this large, black animal with a panther like appearance. Sightings have persisted well into the twenty first century after the first reports of the monster surfaced in the late 1970’s.

There hasn’t been any concrete evidence to back up the allegations of the beast’s existence. Despite intensive efforts by researchers, wildlife experts, and locals. Others continue to insist that the beast is a real animal, that is still hidden in the rough terrain of Bodmin Moor. While some people think it is just a myth or the result of people’s overactive imaginations.

Many theories have been proposed to explain the creature’s origins. Some speculate that it was an exotic private pet released into the wild. While others speculate that it was a survivor from a a population of big cats, native to the British Isles. Others believe it is a hybrid of different species or a previously unknown type of animal.

beast of bodmin

What is the Beast of Bodmin?

Numerous research groups over the years have been set up in an attempt to discover the truth about the Beast of Bodmin. As well as numerous photographs and moving images, claiming to show the creature have been taken. However none of these images have been clear or conclusive, in order to prove the beast’s existence.

The legend of Beast of Bodmin continues to intrigue people all around the world. Despite the paucity of reliable proof. Other people see it as a cautionary tale about the risks of meddling with the natural world. While some see it as an intriguing mystery that may one day be solved. Whether or not the creature exists, its tale is certain to survive for a long time to come yet.

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The Mermaid of Zennor

The small parish of Zennor lies on the North Western Cornish coast, to the untrained eye the village just looks like a picture perfect Cornish settlement. However the local people of Zennor will tell you a story of enchantment & mystery that will point you in the direction of the village church.

The story begins….

….long ago when a beautiful and strange looking lady that seemed ‘not of this earth’ began to appear occasionally at the church services in the village. None of the villages knew who she was or where she came from and she seemed to disappear as quickly as she appeared.

Many of the local men became enchanted by her beauty, her long long flowing gold hair and in particular her unique singing voice, it was also said that her dress ‘shimmered like the sea on a sunny day’. One local man by the name of Matthew Trewella’s became so besotted over time with this beautiful woman that he took it upon himself to find out who she was and where she came from.

After the church service had concluded one Sunday Matthew decided to follow the lady as she made her way towards the towards the steep cliffs to the West of the village. This was the last time that Matthew and the mysterious lady would ever be seen in Zennor.

The Mermaid of Zennor
Many years had passed….

…..since Matthew vanished, so long so that his distraught mother had passed away. But late one summer’s evening the captain of a merchant ship anchored just off the coast to the west of Zennor heard a voice calling out to him. ‘Ship ahoy, ship ahoy’, as the captain leaned over the side of the vessel, a lady with long golden hair was clearly visible in the water. She told the Captain to move the boat as the anchor was blocking the access to her home on the sea bed & her husband Mathy was trapped inside with their children.

The captain fearing that the sight of a what could be a mermaid would bring disaster on the ship, wasted no time in agreeing to this request. As the captain turned away he noticed the the glimmer and swish of tail in the water and the lady was gone! On hearing of the this news from the ship’s captain the local’s decided to commemorate the story by carving the ‘Mermaids Bench’ which can be seen to this day in the church of St Serana in the north of the village.

Directions to Zennor.

Zennor can be easily accessed by car and is located just off the B3306. There is also a regular daily bus service to and from the village.