Falmouth revisited in May 2021

Finally, restrictions on domestic and foreign travel were lifted on 17 May 2021! Unfortunately, with the pandemic still rampant in Europe and travelling restrictions at every turn, trips to Europe are out of the question in 2021.

Having had a great time in Falmouth in October 2020, my partner and I decided to revisit Falmouth in May 2021 before the 2 bank holiday weeks, taking in Somerset and Devon on the way there and back.

(See separate blog “Staycation in Devon & Cornwall in 2021” https://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=8974)

I have to confess right away that the “wow” factor was missing this time. Instead the revisit to Falmouth was like meeting up with an old friend, a great way to renew the weary spirits crushed by months of lockdown. We were also able to do the boat trips that we couldn’t undertake in October last

Green Bank Hotel

Green Bank Hotel was as welcoming as ever. Alas, there was no way that I could observe the spectacular and colourful sunrise while having my breakfast this time – sunrise at around 5.30!
By breakfast time at 7.30, the restaurant was resplendent in sunshine.

*Breakfast time outdoors at Water’s Edge Restaurant*, *Green Bank Hotel*

*Water’s Edge Restaurant at Green Bank Hotel*

*View from inside Water’s Edge Restaurant, Green Bank Hotel, at breakfast time*

Sunset at Falmouth

The long daylight hours of late May accentuated the serene charm of Falmouth Harbour. The stillness in the warm glow of the late evening (20.45) sun was quite delightful.

Around Falmouth

There were buntings around town but the streets were rather empty because of road closure to vehicles through the High Street. According to the taxi drivers it was to do with the preparations for the G7 summit meetings at nearby St Ives from 11 June 2021.

National Maritime Museum

I was glad to have visited the museum, although primarily it was to take shelter from the sudden heavy showers!
There’re interesting exhibits and I would have liked to spend more time reading more about them. However having had to wear a face mask whilst indoors did not provide the incentive to linger!

*The Observation Deck of National Maritime Museum*

*View from the Observation Deck of National Maritime Museum*

The day after our visit, the National Maritime Museum was closed to the public, to be prepared as the headquarters for the Press, 2 weeks before the G7 summit meetings!

Around Falmouth by boat

Weather permitting, no visit to Falmouth is complete without going on at least one boat trip!

Boat trips of various destinations and durations are readily available from Prince of Wales Pier (nearest Green Bank Hotel) or Customs House Hotel at the far end of Falmouth.

On River Fal

We took a return boat trip to St Mawes one day and a harbour tour another. Under a bright blue sky, the simplest landscape looked enchanting!

St Mawes

The crossing from Falmouth to St Mawes by boat afforded a great view of the sailing vessels of all sizes on River Fal. St Mawes itself was great for a walk, although the road up from the castle was rather steep. On the way back the sky began to look a bit threatening, adding a bit of dramatic to the scenery

Trebah Gardens revisited

When we visited the gardens in October 2020, my partner and I were so taken with their tranquil beauty that we wanted to see the gardens in spring.

Last October the paths around the lake were decorated by colourful hydrangeas. This time around, gunneras with their oversized green leaves dominated the landscape. The colours were however provided by eye-catching shrubs and exotic plants.

Trebah Gardens – Gunneras were the main attraction

At the far end of the garden, there’s an access controlled by red and green lights, onto the beach on River Fal. There’re a refreshment kiosk as well as picnic tables and benches

There were plenty of photo opportunities …

….and after 14 months of living in walking clothes finally I got the chance to wear a dress for dinner at a lovely hotel on the last night at Falmouth!