English Heritage - Pendennis Castle

Explore one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses, Pendennis Castle, which has defended Cornwall against invasion since Tudor times. Discover how the castle has evolved, and experience the sights and sounds of battle. Visit our fascinating exhibition, 'Fortress Falmouth and the First World War', which examines the role the castle played during WWI.

Set on a headland with breathtaking views out to sea, Pendennis Castle is one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses. The picturesque castle has defended Cornwall since Tudor times and played a vital role during the two World Wars. Today, you can experience the sights and sounds of battle, meet costumed characters from Pendennis’ past, look out for enemies, and witness the daily firing of a historic gun (Apr – Oct). Don't miss our fascinating exhibition, 'Fortress Falmouth and the First World War', which examines life at the castle during WW1.

ACCESSIBILITY

PARKING

Main car park on Castle Drive - follow signs past 'Ships & Castles' Leisure Centre. There is no parking charge. Disabled parking in castle grounds, (signposted against the one way flow on Castle Drive). Disabled visitors may be set down at the keep entrance before parking in the disabled parking bays behind the Royal Garrison Artillery Barracks.

FOOD AND DRINK

After a busy day exploring, visit the tearoom, situated in the Royal Garrison Artillery Barracks, which serves a delicious selection of refreshments, snacks and light meals made from local Cornish ingredients. Gluten and dairy free options available - ask for details.

PICNIC AREA

Large lawned area perfect for picnics.

SHOP

Gift shop which sells a selection of Tudor, World War II and castle themed books, gifts and souvenirs.

TOILETS

Male and female toilets are present on site at the rear of the shop and on the first floor of the Royal Artillery Barrack Block. Baby changing facilities are also available.

DOGS

All dogs on a lead are welcome including inside the buildings and around the grounds. There is also outside seating at the cafe.

EXHIBITION

The refurbished 1901 Royal Artillery Barracks houses an interactive exhibition on the ground floor, tracing the history of the castle, its people, and its links with Falmouth and the trade routes of the British Empire. A key feature is a hands on scale model of the castle: with the aid of special effects, children can step into the shoes of a soldier on kit parade.

On the first floor of the Royal Artillery Barracks, is an exhibition called Fortress Falmouth which includes memorabilia, letters, weapons and other displays which explore the lives and stories of the soldiers who trained and worked at the castle.

Pendennis Castle is also home to a collection of wartime cartoons by George Butterworth. The acclaimed cartoons, which appeared daily throughout World War II, lampooned both Hitler and Mussolini, enraging the Nazi leader so much that the cartoonist was put on his ‘hit-list’.

GARDENS

Extensive grounds (informal).

AUDIO TOURS

The site virtual tour is located on teh ground floor of the Royal Garrison Artillery Barracks.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: Yes.

BOTTLE / FOOD WARMING: Yes, please see staff at the Tearoom.

CHILDREN'S AUDIO TOUR: Virtual Tour on the ground floor of the Royal Artillery Barrack Block.

CHILD SIZED PORTIONS: Yes and special child's meal available in the Tea Room.

HIGH CHAIRS: Yes in the Tea Room.

PUSH CHAIRS ALLOWED: Yes and ground is mainly flat. Some steps in the Castle Keep and in other areas of the site.

PLAY AREAS / ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

No, but plenty of grassed lawns to play on.

EDUCATION

Education visits must be booked in advance.

VENUE HIRE

AVAILABLE FOR EVENT HIRE: Yes.

CIVIL WEDDINGS: Yes.

HOLIDAY COTTAGES

The Custodians House (sleeps 2).

Callies Cottage (sleeps 4).

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPH AND FILMING

English Heritage welcomes all photographers to our sites and we hope you will share your pictures with us on Flickr and Facebook. We do have some restrictions at certain locations, so if photography is your main reason for visiting, please call the site ahead of your visit to check if any parts of the site are restricted. We are keen to promote the use of our sites to location managers. If you are interested please go to (Filming Locations) for more information and contacts. English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.

HOW TO REACH

ROAD ACCESS
On Pendennis Headland, 1 mile SE of Falmouth

SAT NAV
Postcode : TR11 4LP
Latitude : 50.146832
Longtitude : -5.046738

BUS ACCESS
Falmouth Town Shuttle bus - Take the Pendennis Rise stop for circular route along seafront and the town centre. Runs all year round. Route 366 provided by OTS.

TRAIN ACCESS
Falmouth Docks 1⁄2 mile

ADMISSION

Entry without gift aid/with gift aid:
Member Free/Free
Adult £10.90/£12.00
Child (5-17 years) £6.50/£7.20
Concession £9.80/£10.80
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) £28.30/£31.20