Pendennis Castle

The basics

Must-sees at the castle include the keep with its stunning rooftop views, the weapons exhibitions in the Field Train Shed, and the gun defensive positions around the perimeter, including the Half-Moon Battery, which can be reached through a tunnel.

Visitors can explore the castle independently, or opt for a private full-day excursion around West Cornwall. You can also take a Cornwall tour from London—offering a convenient way to discover the county’s highlights—or see the castle on a multi-day self-guided bike tour around the region, along with sights like the Lizard Peninsula.

Things to know before you go

• Pendennis Castle will appeal to history, military, and sightseeing buffs, including families with children.

• Allow about 2-3 hours for a visit.

• On-site amenities include a kids’ soft play area, tearoom, gift shop, and restrooms.

• Access for wheelchair users is limited, but the barracks block has accessible exhibitions and restrooms.

• Visitors can bring their own food and drink for picnics.

How to get there

The castle sits about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Falmouth center; the nearest station is Falmouth Docks, a 20-minute walk or a ride on the shuttle bus—which leaves regularly from nearby Pendennis Rise—to the gate. If you’re driving, take Falmouth’s Bar Road or Melville Road to Pendennis Rise and follow this headland road until you see the free castle parking lot.

When to get there

Pendennis Castle is typically open daily April–October and only on the weekends November-March; it’s best to check the winter changeover dates in advance. The castle is very popular during the summer and public holidays, and usually busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon, so plan to arrive outside these times for a quieter visit. Last admission is 1 hour before closing, and the tearoom shuts 30 minutes before closing.

Things to do at Pendennis Castle

There’s plenty for all ages to do at the castle, and a lot to stir the imagination. Kids can climb the keep’s winding stairs to the rooftop—accompanied by soundtracks of Tudor-era battles—while history enthusiasts can join guide-led talks that explain the workings of the gun batteries. Other draws include a World War I exhibition and summer events featuring pirates and medieval-style jousts.