Falmouth may be famous for its beaches and seaside vibes, but that’s not all it can offer.
Updated: 09 Jul 2026
Situated in Cornwall and home to nearly 22,000 people, Falmouth isn’t always remembered for its university. Being a creative one at that, thousands of budding minds occupy the town to add to the population, and its attractions definitely meet their needs.
Here’s just 10 top things students can do when in Falmouth…
Good for: Wannabe surfers.
What it is: Falmouth’s most notorious beach.
Why you should go: If you like that holiday feeling and enjoy the British Summer, Gylly is the place for you. One of four Falmouth beaches, it’s loaded with restaurants and eateries to satisfy any hungry student, and is also a good place to visit when lectures are cancelled. Grab a Mr. Whippy and settle down on the sand to momentarily forget about the modules you’re leaving behind.
Good for: Festival lovers and music buffs.
What it is: As one of Cornwall’s most celebrated annual events, Boardmasters music festival brings in crowds from all over the country and beyond. It’s the perfect hybrid of music, surf, and partying, and students at Falmouth are ideally located to head on over and make it a weekend to remember..
Having hosted acts such as Craig David, George Ezra and Rag’N’Bone Man Boardmasters is the perfect post exam stress buster. This year, Boardmasters takes place on 7-11th August.
Why you should go: To rave without trekking through muddy fields.
Good for: A well rounded night out.
What it is: A nightclub which resembles a landmark in the area.
Why you should go: Club International is the student favourite on a night out. Whether you’re into grime, cheesy pop hits or a bit of R’n’B, this place has got you sorted. Often compared to marmite, the club has stood the test of time and continues to be a winner for decades of students.
Good for: A thrill-seeking night.
What it is: The Masked Ball isn’t an elegant evening in this case – it’s something far more interesting. Hosting roughly three balls a year, the event brings the best of character role-play to the music scene.
Whether it’s a hotel take over, an American Horror Story mayhem night or the maddest Halloween bash you could imagine, the masked ball is something completely different every time. It’s loved by students all over Cornwall, and its festival atmosphere feels like an escape from reality.
Why you should go: To embrace your alter-ego.
Good for: Beer drinkers and book lovers.
What it is: Quite literally a book shop with booze and endless games.
Why you should go: Whether you need to study or just want a pint, Beerwolf has you sorted. They’ve mastered the beer to books ratio perfectly, and also store plenty of board games to distract yourself with after a hectic day. With a chilled vibe and smiling students tenfold, this is the ultimate student haven of relaxation.
Good for: The best post-night out food.
What it is: A favourite among the student population, Cod on the Corner has mastered the late night food game. With your only other options being either Subway or Domino’s, this joint serves up the best fish in town no matter the hour. Chips? Check. Curry sauce? Check. Happy? Check check check.
Why you should go: Who doesn’t want to visit the only late night chip spot?
Good for: When the parents come to visit.
What it is: For some of the most prestige views of Falmouth and a lovely bit of history, Pendennis Castle offers both culture and nature to those who visit. You can even walk from Swanpool to Pendennis point which is a go-to activity when your parents come into town.
Why you should go: For a bit of British culture.
Good for: Live music, poetry and comedy nights.
What it is: Toast is the perfect place to go for student’s lacking some evening entertainment. The bar itself always has a lively atmosphere, and the cocktails are anything but crummy.
Why you should go: If you’re after something different to just a normal club night, Toast can spice up the evening for you. It’s a good place to go after a long day of lectures, where you’re too tired to dance but also wanting to go out and have fun.
Good for: Cocktails galore.
What it is: The Shed is pretty much the place to go for something other than a pint. Topped with sweets and perfect for a student budget, cocktails here don’t break the bank but still hit the spot all the same. It’s a great place for a girl’s night or group get together, and an Instagram of your drinks will always bring the likes rolling in.
Why you should go: This place cannot be beaten with their extravagant drinks.
Good for: Getting involved with local traditions.
What it is: This one isn’t focused for students, but it does embrace the best customs this part of the world has to offer. The Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the best oysters, pale ale, live music and everything in between, and has been running for over 20 years. Not only can you receive endless free samples of the best, but you can widen your pallet further than the student classic meals such as beans on toast.
Why you should go: Taste the freshest seafood Cornwall has to offer.
This is just a taster of all the great social and cultural things to do in Falmouth - there's so much more to explore. No wonder Falmouth students are happy with their choice:
Falmouth University specialises in courses that will prepare you for a career in the creative industries, including Art, Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Journalism, and Marketing.
If you are looking for a career in any of those industries, and you choose to study at Falmouth, then as you have seen, there’s plenty of great things awaiting you. Why not order a prospectus or book a place at their next open day now.
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