The Bedknobs Guide to Pendennis Castle

You can find out more about Pendennis Castle, including opening times and events by visiting the website listed below.

Pendennis Castle

Pendennis Castle is a Henrician Gun Fort situated on the West bank of the river Fal built to defend the estuary, known as the Carrick Roads, and the port of Falmouth from invasion. The Castle and surrounding Fort have had a long history of development from the 16th Century up to WWII and have been restored and presented to provide a historical record of maritime defense over the last 450 years.

Planning a Day Out

Pendennis Castle is situated within a large embanked Fort with plenty of areas to explore. There are several exhibition areas across the site and excellent views to be had of the Carrick Roads and Falmouth itself. Allow a good dry half-day as the Fort is in an open and exposed position and there is fair walk from one end of the fort to the other. The Castle itself is situated to the South of the Fort overlooking the see and if your short of time, then head straight for it. There is a small cafe/restaurant in the Barracks building where you can obtain a reasonably priced meal. There are also large areas of grass where you can picnic.

The Fort is home to a collection of various type of artillery and there are regular firings throughout the peak season.

You may also like to visit the sister fort St Mawes Castle which is on the other side of the Carrick Roads. It's a bit of a round trip by road, but you can take a shortcut via the King Harry Ferry.

You can find out more about St Mawes Castle, including opening times, by visiting the website listed at the top of this page.