Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon

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Honeymooning in Falmouth

Honeymooning in Falmouth

For those looking for a minimoon that showcases the best of Cornwall, you'll be amazed at the food and fun that Falmouth offers

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Words: Lucy Higgins
Photography: Andy Lawrence

WHY GO
Recently named in a Sunday Times poll as the UK's best place to live, the buzzing harbour town of Falmouth is also a faultless spot to visit, especially for a minimoon. The choice of accommodation means you can opt for opulence, pick a perfect beachy B&B or plump for a design-led dwelling, while its buzzing and vibrant nightlife offers restaurants to suit everyone from those wanting proper fish and chips by the seaside to in-the-know foodies in the market for the most on-trend cuisines. And don't forget it also has a Blue Flag-accredited beach within five minutes walk of the town centre, not to mention stunning scenery right along its coastline. The River Fal separates the Roseland peninsula from the rest of Cornwall, so you'll feel far-removed from home without even leaving the county. What's not to love?




WHERE TO STAY
The Royal Duchy Hotel and Spa
Regardless of the kind of honeymoon you're after, Falmouth has a range of accommodation to suit every type of newly-wed. If you like traditional luxury of the elegant kind, head to the Royal Duchy Hotel and Spa, which sits majestically overlooking the bay. This is a hotel that evokes old-school glamour - think bell-hop porters, first-class service and dinner jackets in the restaurant, yet a recent upgrade of the spa also means relaxing is a must-do here. The sauna, heated loungers, treatment rooms and warm pool provide the perfect spot to languish in the long afternoons, feeling every inch the VIP. And what better way to start married life than to treat yourselves to the champagne breakfast on offer, or unwind with a glass of wine poolside? With rooms overlooking the beach, and waking to the dappled sun streaming through the white curtains, it's almost Mediterranean in its feel.
royalduchy.co.uk





The Chain Locker
If you're anything of a design buff, The Chain Locker will be right up your cobbled street - just off Falmouth's main street, it has been sensationally restored and is a super-hip play to stay. Still retaining the charm of the original pub downstairs, there's a new first-floor restaurant with floor-to-ceiling doors that open out onto the quayside, affording patrons views of the bustling waterfront as they dine on top-notch Cornish cuisine. Leading off the restaurant are six boutique bedrooms, which are all tastefully decorated. Think Vi-Spring beds, Orla Kiely toiletries and views of the sea right outside your window. It's in the perfect location for a Falmouth mini-break, situated in the heart of the town but with the serenity of the sea surrounding the hotel. Luxurious but homely, trendy but comfortable; it's a real contemporary hideaway.
chainlockerfalmouth.co.uk








WHERE TO EAT
Star & Garter
Before you've even had a morsel of the mouth-watering menu on offer at the Star & Garter, the friendliness and knowledge of the staff is already quick to impress, with a smile and a drink suggestion on hand. The food itself is second to none; from the hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings served on a platter, to the potted rabbit or smoked ox cheek, it's fairly priced food in a cosy, comfy space, but with the flavours and quality of a high-end establishment. Fish direct from the boat and meat straight from the farm, the kitchen does all its own butchery and properly subscribes to the 'nose to tail' ideology, aiming not to waste any part of the animal.
With a range of world-class tipples to complement your meal, it's the perfect place to while away an afternoon or dress up for an evening of hearty fare and harbour views right outside the window.
starandgarter.squarespace.com





Gylly Beach Cafe
Whatever time of day you want to visit Gylly Beach Cafe, you'll be gifted gorgeous scenery and views of the English Channel. Perfect to pop into for a warming hot chocolate or filling lunch after a bracing walk on the beach, there are exterior heaters if you're not quite ready to leave the great outdoors behind yet. In the evening, the space is transformed into a gorgeous restaurant, with twinkling lights and a menu designed to inspire and fill. The beachside location is mirrored in the fresh seafood dishes on offer, from St Ives scallops to fish landed from Falmouth Bay, accompanied by crisp white wines. "Souls, spirit and smiles" is how the team describes itself and the restaurant, and we'd add one more word to that... Scrumptious!
gyllybeach.com






WHAT TO DO
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
A port town sitting on the River Fal, the docks and the ocean have always played an important part in Falmouth's history. It couldn't be more fitting, then, that the scene of the old boat-building sheds is now home to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. With more than 15 galleries over five floors, the museum is a real pearl in Falmouth's crown. Exhibitions change frequently here, but all are designed to enthral and entice.
nmmc.co.uk





Espressini
Nestled halfway up trendy Killigrew Street is a coffee shop, Espressini - but it's no ordinary coffee shop. The focus here is on sourcing its own single origin coffee; working in conjunction with Yallah, owner Rupert of Espressini directly trades with coffee growers in Ethiopia, Guatemala and Costa Rica (among others) to allow not only a fair deal for the farmers, but a better product for consumers too. And what a product it is! Whether you just want a quick pick-me-up espresso, or have time to while your way through the truly taste-sensational menu, no trip to Falmouth would be complete without a visit to the chilled and stylish surrounds of Espressini.
espressini.co.uk