Falmouth life

Falmouth is a special place. Where else can you find world-class beaches, delicious food, music, culture and art, cutting-edge tech and innovation, and a vibrant creative community all in one place?

With its rich mix of independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, Falmouth is proud to be different and all the better for it. And, with the town set among stunning natural beauty in all directions, it makes for a heady mix where life can be enjoyed and celebrated.

Festivals

Cornwall is known for its festival calendar. Annual events include Boardmasters, Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival, the Masked Ball and the Cornwall Film Festival. But you don’t have to go far to get involved, the International Sea Shanty weekender, Fal River Festival and Real Ale Festival all take place in our very own Falmouth town.

If food is your thing, check out the Porthleven Food Festival, which brings together celebrity chefs, local food stalls and music to the picturesque harbour, or stay close to home and enjoy the everpopular Falmouth Oyster Festival.

Music and performance

Throughout Falmouth town, bands play, and open mic nights take place regularly. Check out The Chintz (a bar where Alice in Wonderland meets boho-chic!), Jacob’s Ladder, Finn M’Coul’s, Gylly Beach Cafe and The 'Front where there’s a mix of upcoming bands, folk sessions and acoustic beats to keep you going. Head to AMATA on the Penryn Campus for sundown sessions, acoustic performances and much more. Further afield discover what’s on at the Old Bakery Studios in Truro, the Acorn in Penzance and the Eden Sessions.

Alongside this, there are a number of vibrant theatre companies throughout Cornwall who constantly push the boundaries of contemporary theatre to great critical and commercial acclaim. Live comedy is also a regular fixture on the events calendar. From home grown talent to household names - you’re never far from an inspiring performance. Enjoy open air theatre at the Minack, watch international acts at the Hall for Cornwall or stay close to home and catch a show at the Poly in Falmouth.

Sport

For a small town, Falmouth punches well above its weight when it comes to sport. It’s home to successful football, rugby, cricket and netball clubs as well the record-setting Falmouth Pilot Gig Club.

You’ll also find a huge number of Student Union sports and societies.

The great outdoors

Whether it’s surfing, gig rowing, Zumba on the beach, yoga on stand-up paddle boards or pretty much anything else you can think of in between, the great outdoors in Cornwall is a place to have fun. Cornwall boasts over 400 miles of coastline and Falmouth itself is home to three beautiful beaches; Gyllyngvase (known by everyone as ‘Gylly’), Swanpool and Maenporth.

Culture

For entertainment with a difference, explore our underground scene with poetry slams, factory parties and secret cinema. Discover Cornwall’s long history with art at the iconic Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange.

Student Union

Our Students’ Union is shared with the University of Exeter in Cornwall. Run independently by students, for students, SU provides support, advice, entertainment, parties and opportunities for volunteering and fundraising.

The Students' Union also runs a wide range of clubs and societies, from cheerleading and sea swimming, climbing to Kung Fu – there’s something for everyone!