Pendennis Castle
Falmouth, United Kingdom
A round artillery fort built for Henry VIII in the 1540s on the headland guarding Falmouth harbour. English Heritage runs it and charges entry; there is parking on the headland with views over the Fal estuary.
Pendennis Castle is an artillery fort from the reign of Henry VIII, on the headland above Falmouth that guards the Carrick Roads anchorage at the mouth of the Fal. The round gun tower was built around 1540 as part of the coastal defences and was coordinated with St Mawes Castle opposite, so that their fields of fire overlapped. Under Elizabeth I, ramparts and bastions were added between 1597 and 1600. In the Civil War the Royalist garrison held out for about five months and surrendered to Parliament in August 1646.
In both World Wars the fort was headquarters of the Falmouth defences, and it was decommissioned in 1956. English Heritage looks after it today. You can see the Tudor gun tower, guns ranging from replica Tudor pieces to Second World War weapons, and the observation post that directed the guns of the Half Moon Battery. From the headland there are views over the Fal estuary and Falmouth.
- Nearest town
- Falmouth, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 50.1470, -5.0490
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Veryan Camping And Caravanning Club SiteMotorhome stopover15 km from Pendennis CastleTentsMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Chacewater ParkMotorhome stopover15 km from Pendennis Castle · 29 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Trevellas Manor Farm CampsiteCampsite22 km from Pendennis CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Blue Hills Touring SiteCampsite22 km from Pendennis CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Resparva House Touring ParkCampsite25 km from Pendennis CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Little Winnick Touring ParkCampsite25 km from Pendennis CastleTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pendennis Castle?
Pendennis Castle is in Falmouth, United Kingdom, at GPS 50.1470, -5.0490. It is about 23 km from Mevagissey.
Can you camp near Pendennis Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Coastland, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 138 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pendennis Castle?
Pendennis Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cornwall’s south coast: St Michael’s Mount to Fowey.
What is there to see near Pendennis Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kynance Cove (23 km), Lizard Point (24 km), St Michael’s Mount (31 km) and Eden Project (32 km).
When is the best time to visit Pendennis Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)