Pendennis Castle
- from GBP 14
- Not step-free
- Ideal for kids, teens, dogs
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Why go
- 360-degree views and wildlife spotting from the keep’s summit.
- Defences trace coastal warfare from Tudor times through the Second World War.
- The last Royalist position in western England to surrender in 1646.
Opening hours
Today10:00 – 17:00Show all
Don't miss
- Circular keepLook across Carrick Roads towards St Mawes Castle, Pendennis’s partner in defending the anchorage.At the castle’s centre.
- Barrack BlockA First World War exhibition inside the former barracks.Barrack Block.
- Battery Observation PostChildren can answer the phones here.Battery Observation Post.
- Disappearing-gun emplacementAn unsuccessful position built in 1895; the emplacement survives, but its gun was removed in 1913.One-Gun Battery.
- Half-Moon BatteryAn underground passage leads to camouflaged gun houses and Second World War guns; its wartime crew numbered 99.South of the main ramparts, through an underground passage.
Know before you go
- Dogs on leads are welcome.
What's inside
- Keep basement, formerly used as the kitchen, cellar and larder.
- Keep first-floor gun room, with seven embrasures.
- The forebuilding originally housed the castle captain.
- The East Bastion’s underground magazines were converted into a battery plotting room during the Second World War.
Tips for your visit
- The Tudor Keep is undergoing conservation and reinterpretation work; check current access before planning around its rooms or summit.
- Visitors arriving by bus, train or bicycle can get a 20% entry discount by showing their ticket or bike gear.
- A ferry to St Mawes departs from the docks downhill from the castle.
With kids
- Children can explore the keep’s rooms and winding staircases and try interactive activities; access to the keep may be affected by its conservation project.
- A soft play area for young children is beside the café.
- Jousts and adventure quests take place in the keep and barracks during events.
Interesting facts5
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48 guns
During the Napoleonic Wars, Pendennis held as many as 48 guns.
Pendennis Castle - Wikipedia -
1902
A signal station was built atop the keep in 1902 to coordinate operations with shipping.
Pendennis Castle - Wikipedia -
1900
The Royal Garrison Artillery barracks, built in 1900–1902, could house 140 soldiers.
Pendennis Castle - Wikipedia -
Cornish wrestling tournaments brought public and military competitors to the castle in the 1800s.
Pendennis Castle - Wikipedia -
1963
The barracks served as a youth hostel from 1963 to 2000.
Pendennis Castle - Wikipedia
Shorts
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Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, EnglandBig Ted's Travel
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Moonrise behind Pendennis Castle in Cornwall UKAaron Jenkin
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Short from Pendennis CastleThe Wandering Walkers IOW
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GWR 4079 Pendennis Castle powers up the 1:49 gradient through Darnhol…YorkshireSteam
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Falmouth hidden gems, Trek near Pendennis CastlePower Fit Life
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Pendennis CastleMartin Perrett
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Falmouth: Pendennis Castle 🇬🇧 Henry VIII's coastal fortressCornwall through my eyes
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Enchanting PENDENNIS castle - A brief GLIMPSE at HISTORYSeek & Discover
History
Pendennis formed part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal forts stretching from Hull to Milford Haven. During the Civil War, it also served as a Royalist supply route to the Continent.
- 1539–1545Henry VIII’s programme created Pendennis and St Mawes on opposite sides of Carrick Roads. Pendennis’s artillery fort was built in 1540–1542, probably under John Killigrew’s supervision on his land.
- 1597–1600Paul Ivey led 400 local workers in building an Italian-style ring of defences. In 1597, bad weather prevented a Spanish fleet sent to attack Pendennis from landing.
- 1646Parliamentary forces besieged the Royalist garrison by land and sea. About 1,000 people endured the five-month siege before hunger forced surrender. Prince Charles had stayed briefly earlier that year.
- InterregnumThe castle was used to imprison radical pamphleteer William Prynne.
- 1730s and 1795The ramparts were rebuilt and the guns replaced with 18-pounder cannons in the 1730s. The Half-Moon Battery followed in 1795 as part of invasion preparations.
Show all
- 1885Pendennis and St Mawes jointly controlled an electrically operated minefield across Carrick Roads.
- First and Second World WarsPendennis was rearmed in both wars and saw action against Luftwaffe aircraft during the Second World War.
- 1956After decommissioning, the Ministry of Works cleared many modern military buildings and opened the castle to visitors.
How to get there
- 15 minOn footWalk from Falmouth town centre to Pendennis Castle; free parking is available on Castle Drive, a short walk away.
Sources: Pendennis Castle - Wikipedia · Falmouth (England) - Wikivoyage (see) · Visit Pendennis Castle | English Heritage · Plan Your Visit to Pendennis Castle | English H… · Pendennis Castle Opening Times | English Herita… · Pendennis Castle - Wikipedia · Château de Pendennis - Wikipedia · School Visits Pendennis Castle | English Herita… · Family Guide | English Heritage · checked 7 Oct 2026
- Phone
- 01326316594
Questions and answers
What are Pendennis Castle’s opening hours?
It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Is there a discount for arriving without a car at Pendennis Castle?
Visitors arriving by bus, train or bicycle can qualify for 20% off entry by showing their ticket or bike gear.
Can you combine Pendennis Castle with St Mawes Castle?
A ferry departs for St Mawes from the docks downhill from the castle, with views of both castles from the water.
Can you stay at Pendennis Castle?
Callie’s Cottage has two bedrooms and stands on the ramparts; the one-bedroom Custodian’s House overlooks Falmouth Bay.
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