Our Guide to Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth

Falmouth

Sweeping, sandy and on our doorstep. Call us biased, but Gyllyngvase is by far our favourite Falmouth beach. Here's our top ten Gylly facts...

1.

Falmouth’s golden beach of Gyllyngvase is Cornish for ‘the shallow inlet.’

2.

The largest of Falmouth’s beaches, it has a wide crescent shape and gentle shelving so bathers can expect generally calm conditions.

3.

Gyllyngvase has the elite status of being one of the UK’s 61 Blue Flag beaches. The international standard for the best beaches in the world looks at cleanliness, facilities and lifeguard cover. The sand is raked every morning during the summer months so it’s super spotless, and the RNLI lifeguards are on duty from May until the end of September.

4.

It’s the ultimate setting for an action-packed day of beach activities – from volleyball and bouncy castle fun to two renowned watersports centres.

5.

WeSUP offers stand up paddleboarding lessons from £35 and equipment hire from just £10. You can choose from a great selection of wave friendly 10 footboards to big cruising 12 footboards, so whether you want to learn a little SUP surfing or head out to explore the beautiful reef around Gylly Bay, you’ll be riding the best board for the conditions and your ability.

6.

Our friends at Gylly Adventures have the know-how in all watersport activities, from SUPing to cliff jumping and climbing. Spot wildlife and shipwrecks on one of their kayaking tours or uncover coves, scramble through caves and leap from dramatic cliff faces during a coasteering day. Also, all of our guests receive 10% discount when they book an adventure with them.

7.

Gyllyngvase is just a ten minute walk into Falmouth town and its famous harbour. We recommend a morning beach session here then a gentle stroll for a spot of lunch. Gylly is also linked via the South West Coast Path, and within minutes you can reach Swanpool Beach and its Nature Reserve.

8.

Gylly Beach Café has a fresh moreish menu to match the amazing views across to Pendennis Castle. It’s often a hub of live music sessions in the evenings and in the summer months it offers open-air barbecue nights on Fridays to Sundays.

9.

Dogs are welcome at Gyllyngvase except between Easter Sunday and 30th September, when its seasonal dog ban is in place.

10.

Queen Mary Gardens can be found next to the beach. Opened in 1910, this sun-drenched hideaway is home to many mature sub-tropical plants and vivid flowers. Perfect for picnics amongst the agapanthus and lazy summer snoozes.

WHY I LOVE GYLLY:

Pam, an avid swimmer at Gyllyngvase beach, said: “I’ve been coming here for years for my early morning swim."

"There’s nothing better than bracing the fresh water for a good half an hour’s front crawl, then just as my fingers start to shrivel I’ll head to St Michaels for a big cup of coffee or sauna session.”

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