What the Sunday Times had to say in full about Falmouth

It says while the scale may be more modest and the weather less reliable Falmouth is “the closest thing this country has to the kind of city-by-the sea lifestyle of California or Barcelona”.

“On any sunny morning on Gyllyngvase Beach, one of four in the town, you’ll see dogs chasing balls or frolicking in the surf; bobble-hatted sea-swimmers and people meditating, doing yoga or tai chi. Others simply sit with a coffee, breathing in the view and munching on a croissant from the cafe.”

Falmouth at night (Image: Getty)

It singles out Gylly Beach as one of the best town beaches in the country thanks to its well-kept loos and showers, and a “likeable” bar and café.

“Add to that a high street full of independent shops, arthouse films and theatre at the Poly, gigs at the Cornish Bank and art galleries and studios on every corner.”

It say the coffee scene is “one of the best in the country” with all kinds of and there are all manner of interesting places to eat and drink, from fish and chips highlighting Harbour Lights to the rotisserie chicken menu at the Star & Garter.

“Unlike much of Cornwall, Falmouth hasn’t had the life sucked out of it by the second-home brigade,” it says. “It does get busy in the high season, but this is a proper working town that stays peppy all year round.

Music venue The Cornish Bank was highlighted (Image: Paul Armstrong)

“That’s partly thanks to reasonable transport links to Truro and beyond and a substantial student population drawn to Falmouth University, the harbour town’s specialist art institution, and Exeter’s Penryn campus. Many artistic types stick around after graduation to set up their own design agencies or pottery studios.”

It claims there is something in Falmouth for everyone and highlights the bargain Negronis at Provedore as well as youth theatre, rugby and football for the kids as well as a popular, competitive surf lifesaving club for the for anyone between seven and 77.

But of course the setting is a big plus the bay and surrounding creeks and estuaries with Cyclists and joggers: “make the most of the quiet coastal roads and paths, keeping an eye out for porpoises and basking sharks as they round Pendennis Point. The creeks and estuaries beg for exploration by kayak, paddleboard or sailing boat. Who needs California?”

They highlight Trago Mills, and Stones Bakery, “where the sourdough is legendary”. There are record stores, Jam and Sounds OK, bookshops and craft beer with Beerwolf doing both and “lots of arty/crafty interiors stuff too”.

Also given a shout are local roaster Yallah’s sleek café and workspace, via Espressini and Beacon Coffee to the Tidal Coffee Van next to Gylly Beach.

View from Greenbank (Image: Getty)

The panoramically positioned Seaview Inn is highlighted as a standout pub along with the “folky” bottle shop and taphouse, the Moth & the Moon.

They say the best restaurants include Michelin green star Culture and the Caribbean-flavoured Cribbs and Hevva!, a new seafood joint.