Falmouth makes for an interesting day out, with its busy port, National Maritime Museum and shopping centre.
It boasts the largest natural deepwater harbour in the UK (the 3rd in the world) and there is always something impressive to see in dock. August sees the annual Henri-Lloyd Falmouth Week, when there are numerous sailing events and displays, as well as craft and antique fairs, live music and firework displays. There are also various sailing racing events held by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club throughout the year.
The town is also becoming well-known in the world of art, and is now home to Falmouth Art Gallery and Falmouth Arts Centre.
At nearby Pendennis Head, you will find one of the most important Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres in the UK, covering the Atlantic and local waters. HM Coastguard co-ordinates its Search and Rescue operations and monitors all types of shipping for 1000 miles, reaching almost as far south as the Azores. Opened by Prince Charles 25 years ago, the coastguards here operate around the clock using state of the art satellite communications, and were the pioneers of long-range search and rescue on a world-wide basis. In 2006 alone, they dealt with over 1900 incidents, and saved many lives.
Between May and September you can visit the RNLI shop and enjoy guided tours of the lifeboats.