Much-loved by locals, Gyllyngvase beach has recently become a hotspot for visitors too. Ideally located to the centre of Falmouth – just a ten minute walk – it’s great if you don’t want to spend a whole day on the beach (mind you, we’re not sure why you wouldn’t). Gylly Beach Cafe is also extremely popular with its open-air terrace and excellent menu, serving locally-sourced goodies right through from breakfast to dinner.
Extremely pretty, Gyllyngvase Beach is lined with gorgeous formal gardens which are well worth a wander in. Established in 1910, it’s not hard to imagine ladies with parasols and gents in boaters leisurely walking past the sup-tropical plants. Today, it’s a nice diversion through to the beach from the handy car park.
This isn’t a wild and woolly beach – the beach is raked every day in the summer – but is a great spot for a family day out and brilliant swimming. It’s also one of only eight beaches in Cornwall to receive the Blue Flag Award in 2017 – an award for cleanliness (both the beach and sea) and safety. Access is easy and there are public loos too. Hardcore locals are known to swim every day of the year here, without the aid of wetsuits!
Gylly Beach Cafe is a haven for chic types – a place to be seen in – but also frequented by families seeking a top notch bite to eat. In the evenings, the cafe hosts live acoustic music sessions – an extremely romantic accompaniment to the sun setting over the sea.
If you want something a little less formal, there’s a small take-away kiosk serving food, ice cream and the usual beach paraphernalia if you don’t want to move off of the beach.
If you fancy a stroll, you can get to the centre of Falmouth in ten minutes, whilst a walk on the coastal path in the opposite direct will take you to another beach – Swanpool – and the Nature Reserve, which is well worth a visit.
Dogs are welcome on the beach except between Easter Sunday and the 30th September when the seasonal dog ban is in place.
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| Gyllyngvase Beach, Cliff Road, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4NA |
