Falmouth

Located on the waterfront at Discovery Quay in Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall honors the county's longstanding bond with the ocean. Opened in 2003 in an impressive building overlooking one of the world's finest natural harbors, it serves as a sister site to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich and houses the National Small Boat Collection. Its galleries span five floors, exploring everything from boat design to Cornwall's maritime history.

The highlight is the towering Boat Hall, where a variety of small craft, including Inuit kayaks and racing dinghies, are suspended from the ceiling. Visitors can head up the hundred-foot Lookout Tower for sweeping views of the estuary and harbor, or head down to the Tidal Zone to watch marine life through underwater windows. Between the interactive displays and rotating exhibitions, it's a great spot for families and sailing enthusiasts alike.

Trebah is a stunning subtropical ravine garden nestled on the wooded south bank of the Helford River near Falmouth, Cornwall. Spanning about 25 acres, it was originally designed in the 1800s by Charles Fox, a wealthy Quaker whose original paths and choice of trees still define the landscape. Thanks to a mild, sheltered microclimate, exotic plants from across the globe thrive here in wild abundance.

The garden drops roughly 200 feet down a steep valley toward Polgwidden Cove on the tidal river, taking visitors through a series of striking landscapes. With massive gunnera, towering bamboo, tree fern glades, and vibrant rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and magnolias, Trebah feels almost like a jungle. At the bottom of the ravine is a quiet beach featuring a memorial to the American troops who departed from here for the D-Day landings in 1944. It is truly a magical spot for a relaxed stroll.