Renting a cottage in Cornwall is a fantastic idea for a fun and relaxing break. If you're keen to stay somewhere with a rich history, great attractions and some of the county's famously beautiful beaches, make sure you head to Falmouth.

This historical port town is situated on Cornwall's south coast – a beautiful spot for luxury holiday cottages. By choosing accommodation here, you can enjoy this fascinating location, with its vibrant atmosphere, gorgeous green spaces and sublime shores at its very best.

Beautiful beaches

If there's one thing that always attracts people to a break in Cornwall, it's the idea of finding a beautiful stretch of sand without having to jet off overseas. Falmouth is home to four excellent beaches suitable for families, water sports fans and sun seekers alike.

Should you be keen to give kayaking, windsurfing or dinghy sailing a go, head to Swanpool Beach. This pretty cove is a haven for water sports enthusiasts – and it's also adjoined to the charming Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve.

Boasting Blue Flag status, Gyllynvase Beach is one of the best – and most popular. With inviting golden sands, it is an excellent destination for a leisurely walk, paddling, building sandcastles or simply admiring the scenery. Plus, there's a great cafe overlooking the beach that offers magnificent views and a delicious array of food.

Rich history

Falmouth has an intriguing past – particularly when it comes to its status as an important port. One of the best places to explore this – and, indeed, Cornwall's seafaring tradition as a whole – is the National Maritime Museum. Comprising 15 fascinating galleries, this is packed with interesting exhibits and artefacts that will entertain people of all ages.

However, if you're not keen on museums, the town is also home to some castles that are great fun to explore. Among them is Pendennis Castle, which has a rich 450-year history. Once upon a time, this was one of Henry VIII's coastal strongholds. More recently, it was used as a Second World War base. As well as exploring this imposing structure, you can learn the story of its past in the onsite Discovery Centre.

Fun activities

Falmouth is also home to an abundance of pretty green spaces, art galleries and walking trails that are well worth exploring. For example, one of the most exciting places to visit here is the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

This 200-acre site comprises all kinds of fascinating vegetation, from woodland and jungle to Italian-style gardens. A real delight to explore, it is also home to a charming tearoom where you can refresh yourself after your walk with an authentic Cornish cream tea.

If you're a keen walker, meanwhile, there are plenty of great trails to discover when staying in Falmouth holiday cottages – including paths that take you along local beauty spots such as the Fal River and Roseland Peninsula. The South West Coast Path also runs through Falmouth, which is bound to appeal to dedicated walking fans.

Hosting a number of events over the course of the year, the town can be a particularly exciting place to discover when it holds one of these, such as the Falmouth Spring Festival. Taking place from March 17th to 25th this year, it celebrates the local green spaces and offers a range of fun activities, including guided walks and a spring fair.