What To Do In Falmouth This Christmas?
Key Dates:
Falmouth Festive Weekend 6 & 7th December – The Old High Street is having our first street market! Join us from 11.30am – 5.30pm and soak up the festive spirit.
And when you venture away from the Old High Street into the rest of Falmouth, you’ll find live music, an artificial ice rink, and plenty more market stalls.
All the info can be found here: https://www.falmouth.co.uk/falmouth-events/falmouths-festive-weekend/
We’re rounding off another fabulous year on Falmouth’s Old High Street, home to an eclectic and gorgeous mix of renowned independent shops, restaurants and bars. But before the year is out, we have the Christmas festivities to prepare for and celebrate. And, Christmas is a time for giving, so we’re giving a shout-out to our wonderful neighbours on Falmouth’s Old High Street.
Year-round Falmouth is a vibrant hub of great independent shops, award-winning places to eat, and unmissable art galleries. But come Christmas time, the town is even more inviting and full of festive cheer! It’s the perfect opportunity to browse the shops or stop for a cocktail at that bar you’ve been meaning to visit all year…
Let’s start with the new faces on the Old High Street! This year the Star & Garter pub has been taken over by two friends, Hazel and Het, also known as Saffron Huns. You can expect brilliant breakfasts, small plates, delicious cakes, and more. It’s the perfect place to have a pause from your Christmas shopping. I can vouch for the breakfast being just across the road from Inspire Makers!
After spending time in London, Emily Dymond has reopened Cor Gallery, showcasing a wonderful selection of art, including her own! And we welcome Louis Domville-Musters and his new pottery studio and shop.
Firmly rooted in our Old High Street community, homeware shop Ash, and seafood restaurant Hevva have settled in after two years. We are so pleased they joined us!
That’s just a small introduction to Falmouth’s Old High Street, it has so much to offer you this Christmas! Read on to find out more.
A Guide To Independent Shopping In Falmouth
Did you know that the vast majority of Falmouth businesses are independent? The town is full of entrepreneurial spirit, which is exemplified by the variety of shops found on Old High Street. Every business is locally owned and run, and we all work together to make sure residents and visitors alike get a great experience when they venture up the street. It’s a steep hill – but trust us, it’s worth it!
Many of the buildings are Grade II listed – including Inspire Makers. The original street, developed in the 17th century, was called ‘Ludgate Hill’. At the top, the congregational chapel still stands but has passed through several guises and the building is now home to an art and antiques shop. Built as a chapel in 1705 the building was then bought by the Killigrews and became the Town Hall around 1725. It was also used as a courthouse, and in 1884 was the scene of a trial that saw two sailors tried and acquitted for eating a cabin boy when their ship sank and they were cast adrift.
Opposite Inspire Makers is Barracks Ope, with a glorious view down to the Fal River. This is a historical archway built in the 17th century leading down the harbour, once the entrance to the Royal Marine barracks.
The mid-section of the high street was destroyed in 1862 by one of the largest fires recorded in Cornwall, resulting in 400 people being made homeless. Today’s road is actually 10 feet wider than it was before rebuilding after the blaze.
Where To Eat And Drink In Falmouth This Christmas?
There’s a great selection of food and drink emporiums on The Old High Street, and you can easily feed and water (or something stronger) yourself in style without leaving the street.
For breakfast or a light lunch, I recommend Stones Bakery, their pastries are divine. Wash it down with a coffee from Beacon. After a day exploring Falmouth’s high street, and coastal walks, follow up with dinner at Restaurant Mine in a lively courtyard setting, or popular seafood restaurant Hevva. Finish with cocktails at Chintz Symposium, and their sister venue Underland (literally underneath)!
Head to the top of the road and you will also see The Boathouse and The Working Boat – not strictly part of the High Street but they do have some of the most spectacular views of the river and across to Flushing. Great for a traditional pub ambience, watching sport and having a hearty pub meal.
Where To Buy Artisan Gifts In Falmouth?
The self-styled “Artisan Quarter” of Falmouth, we are home to many creative arts businesses. Let’s start with us, Inspire Makers, we stock the work of Cornwall based artists, jewellers, ceramicists, and more. Then, a few doors down, you will find Mirri Damer, an exceptional jeweller who crafts the most amazing pieces from gold and precious stones. Then, check out Cor Gallery to see an eclectic mix of ceramics, paintings, and sculptures. Next door, pop into Ondine Ash for gifting heaven – think plants, skincare, and handmade clothing.
Jezebel houses a jeweller/piercer and tattoo artist, plus a selection of work by local artists. Stitches & Cream are purveyors of the finest independent wool brands and also offer knitting and crochet workshops. Star Glazers pottery and Painting Cafe has something for all ages, whether that be a few hours painting with the kids or spending an evening with friends at a “gin and paint” session.
If you’re looking for quick and easy Cornish gift shopping from the comfort of your own home, check out our online shop and we’ll post your gifts to you. You can even add a card at checkout and select gift wrapping. We’ll include your message and send the beautifully wrapped gift straight to your loved ones.
Clothes and Homeware Shops In Falmouth
Whether you are looking for a gift for yourself, your home or your garden, you will find everything you need on the High Street.
Parade stocks a seasonal range of gorgeous clothes and accessories perfect for presents. The previously mentioned Ondine Ash stocks a selection of locally made and organic clothing.
Cloudberry Living is a home interiors shop specialising in modern Scandinavian design and Grey Lurcher has an eclectic mix of gift brands and upcycling paints such as Annie Sloan.
Falmouth Preloved And Vintage Shops
Round off your visit to the High Street by browsing our unmissable set of antique, book and record shops.
The Old Town Hall Gallery is a quirky mix of antiques and art curated by the owner. Ludgate House Antiques has a fast-turning selection of 18th to 20th Century finds and decorative items and is the organiser of Enys House’s annual antiques fair. Kitty Gubbins offers a handpicked selection of vintage and antique clothing, accessories and homewares chosen for their eccentricity, aesthetics and history.
Greenbank Books is a treasure trove of second-hand and rare books, specialising in Maritime, Aviation, Art & Design, Motoring and Railways. Jam Records has two floors of new and preloved vinyl, plus books and journals, coffee and sofas!
So Why Not Pay A Visit To Falmouth Old High Street?
Most shops are open Tuesday to Saturday but check websites for individual opening times. Shop local and support independent businesses this Christmas!
Stay in the Heart of Falmouth
Alongside Inspire Makers, we have a self-catering private holiday apartment that has been lovingly renovated, and is the perfect place for a decadent retreat for two. Situated right in the heart of Falmouth’s Old High Street, with immediate access to the town’s bakeries, beaches, bars, galleries, independent shops, and much more, it is a perfect spot to make the most of Falmouth.
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