Pictures of Pendennis Castle

a Castle in the town of Falmouth, in the county of Cornwall

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About Pendennis Castle

Built at the side of a naturally deep harbour Pendennis Castle forms one of Henry VIII's coastal defences, built to guard against French attack. It occupies an outstandingly beautiful position on a headland with views across the water to St. Mawes.

The castle is built to a circular plan with two rings of walls to guard the harbour. In the 16th century, on the orders of Elizabeth I, the castle was extended with star-pointed bastions and earthworks. It was further strengthened at the outbreak of the English Civil War. During this period the fortunes of the castle fluctuated, it was besieged by Parliamentary forces for a period of six months and King Charles II is known to have stayed at the castle before leaving for the Scilly Isles. Ultimately, the castle later fell to the Parliamentarians.

For centuries the castle fell silent, it was not used as a defensive structure again until the outbreak of World War II. The secret defences erected in readiness for impending conflict can be visited, including underground tunnels and magazines. Visitors can also explore the restored Guardhouse, which has been repaired back to its former WWI condition.

A lively Discovery Centre is open at the castle, this tells the rich history of Pendennis Castle and has exhibits of arms, armour and Tudor battles. There are hands on activities and interactive displays. At certain times of the year Medieval festivals are held, and during July and August one of the castle guns is fired, its thunderous sound echoing all over the town.

Visitors to the castle get the thrill of a wonderful Medieval fortress, whilst being able to enjoy unrivalled views over the famous Carrick Roads to St. Mawes and the picturesque Percuil River.

To make your visit more enjoyable, why not catch the "Land Train" which regularly leaves Falmouth centre for the castle carpark.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Pendennis Castle.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Pendennis Castle

St Mawes Castle	(1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction NE)	Pictures
St Anthony Lighthouse	(1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction E)	Pictures
Glendurgan Garden	(4.1 miles, 6.7 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Trebah Garden	(4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Trelissick Garden	(4.6 miles, 7.5 km, direction N)	Pictures
Frenchmans Creek	(6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Truro Cathedral	(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction N)	Pictures
The National Seal Sanctuary	(7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Goonhilly Downs	(9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Carn Brae Castle	(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction NW)	Pictures

All attractions in Cornwall
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Recommended towns near Pendennis Castle

Falmouth, in the county of Cornwall (0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
Think of Falmouth and you immediately think of the sparkling sea in a bay alive with busy colourful pleasure and sailing boats...
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St Mawes, in the county of Cornwall (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction NE)
St. Mawes is the stuff picture postcards are made of, the sunlight reflecting on the frothy ocean waves, the warm sea breezes, dreamy thatched cottages overlooking the bay.
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St Anthony, in the county of Cornwall (1.8 miles, 3.0 km, direction E)
Pleasant coastal hamlet with a "picture postcard" look. It is situated in south-facing position at the edge of Gillan Creek and is backed by lovely wooded countryside.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Mylor, in the county of Cornwall (2.0 miles, 3.1 km, direction N)
This pretty resort is beautifully situated close to a creek that was once a Royal dockyard, these days it is busy as a yacht anchorage, it is at its most attractive as the waters of high tide gently laps the quay.
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St Just in Roseland, in the county of Cornwall (2.9 miles, 4.6 km, direction NE)
This is a little place that is every bit as enchanting as its name.
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Mawnan Smith, in the county of Cornwall (3.4 miles, 5.4 km, direction SW)
The village is about two miles from the Helford estuary, this offers scope for sailing, watching the wildlife of the area, and lovely riverside and country walks.
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Veryan, in the county of Cornwall (7.5 miles, 12.0 km, direction NE)
Popular Cornish resort in the heart of the beautiful Roseland peninsula, Veryan is a place of strong Cornish traditions which offers it's visitors a genuine welcome.
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Truro, a Historic Market Town in the county of Cornwall (8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction N)
Truro, today is Cornwall's unofficial capital and adminstrative centre but in the Middle Ages Truro was one of the towns which controlled Cornwall's flourishing tin mining industry.
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Gweek, in the county of Cornwall (8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction SW)
Gweek existed as a thriving port for several hundred years, this fact is evidenced by the Old quays.
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Portloe, a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall (8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction NE)
"One of the least spoiled and most impressive of Cornish fishing villages" - Sir John Betjeman (famous poet 1906-1984)
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All towns in Cornwall
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Nearby travel help

Falmouth Docks Station	(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
Falmouth Town Station	(0.8 miles, 1.3 km)
Newquay (Cornwall) Airport	(20.4 miles, 32.9 km, direction N)
Plymouth City Airport	(45.7 miles, 73.5 km, direction NE)
M5 Junction 31	(77.0 miles, 124.0 km, direction NE)
M5 Junction 30	(80.2 miles, 129.0 km, direction NE)
Pendennis Castle to London	(235.0 miles, 378.1 km, direction NE)

Accommodation & Hotels near Pendennis Castle

Hotel Name
The Falmouth Hotel	(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
The Lerryn Hotel	(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
The Royal Duchy Hotel	(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
Hotel Anacapri	(0.9 miles, 1.4 km)
St Michael's Hotel & Spa	(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
The Westcott	(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
Lugo Rock Hotel	(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
Best Western Falmouth Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Centre	(1.0 miles, 1.5 km)
Hawthorne Dene Hotel	(1.2 miles, 2.0 km, direction W)
The Green Lawns Hotel	(1.2 miles, 2.0 km, direction W)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts