Things To See and Do
Against a strikingly beautiful setting, Pendennis Castle offers you exciting first-hand experiences of history. Discover historic guns, look out for enemies on the horizon and meet characters from the castle’s dramatic past. Below we’ve put together our highlights for enjoying a brilliant day out at Pendennis, including tips for families, where to get the best views for those all-important selfies, and all the info you need about where to eat and shop on site.
Enjoy gorgeous coastal views
Pendennis Castle offers breath-taking views over the town of Falmouth, nearby beaches and out to sea.
Look out for sea-faring vessels of many kinds, as well as a huge range of wildlife, birds and coastal creatures. With so many vantage points to choose from, you can always find a spot to admire the view, soak up the sun or simply sit and watch the world go by.
Have some Family fun
Discover Pendennis Castle through the family-friendly interactive exhibitions and Castle Explorers family trail.
We’ve put together a Family Guide to help you plan your visit. The castle grounds offer acres of space: the perfect spot for a picnic with a view. So don't forget to pack your picnic blanket!
View our Family GuideExplore the Tudor Keep
Climb the spiral stairs to the roof of Pendennis Castle to experience unparalleled views out to sea. With 360° panoramas, you can easily see why the castle's headland location was so strategically significant.
Read more about the history of Pendennis Castle before you visit.
Learn about Historic Weaponry
Marvel at the display of big guns in the Field Train Shed and learn about the awesome power of these coast defence weapons. The collection includes Tudor, Napoleonic, Victorian and 20th-century guns, each with information on how they would have been used.
Continue around to One Gun Battery – once home to a 'disappearing gun', then descend through the rock cut tunnel to the Half Moon Battery.
Let off some steam at the Soft Play
Under 5s will love exploring the castle-themed soft play at Pendennis. Located next to the cafe, it’s the perfect place for little ones to play while you enjoy a cup of tea and some cake.
This indoor play area offers a fun and safe environment for kids – perfect if the weather’s wet!
Scan the Horizon
During the Second World War, the Battery Observation Post provided around the clock watch to help keep Falmouth safe. Travel back to wartime Cornwall to discover how enemy ships were pinpointed on the horizon and how the Half Moon Battery guns were controlled.
Look out for approaching enemy ships and listen in to conversations between the commander and his gun crews!
Stop for a Bite to Eat
You’ll find the bright and airy Number 6 Café in the Royal Artillery Barracks. The cafe offers a wide selection of meals freshly prepared at Pendennis Castle. The menu includes both local and seasonal Cornish dishes catering to a wide range of dietary requirements. All our meat is sourced from British farms adhering to Red Tractor standards; we only use RSPCA assured eggs; and all our fish is caught following MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) standards.
Our selection of teas and coffees is ethically sourced and certified fair trade. We prioritise eco-friendly packaging, ensuring these are either biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, the Number 6 Café is the perfect place to start your adventure at Pendennis or to reward yourself after a busy day exploring. Kids' lunchboxes are also available.