A gentle riverside stroll from The Alverton past Boscawen Park will take you to the sleepy village of Malpas, where your water adventure starts. Hop on board the classic wooden ferry, designed for your comfort and stunning views – with twin decks, a covered seating area, toilets, and refreshments on board, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is enjoyable.
From Truro to Falmouth with Fal River
From seal spotting to tropical gardens and plenty of Cornish history, join us for a boat trip along the Cornish waterways with Fal River.
Based in the Cornish capital, The Alverton is a mere stone’s throw from some of Cornwall’s best attractions. While it may be tempting to hop in the car, April sees the return of the Enterprise – Fal River’s much-loved ferry trip along the waterways. Running between Truro and the harbour town of Falmouth, it’s more than just an excuse to get on the water.
Providing a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich maritime history, the trip promises to be a peaceful escape from the ordinary, leaving you with unforgettable memories. With over two hours on the water, this return journey offers breath-taking views of Cornwall’s natural beauty.
As you cruise the Truro River, look out for the vast Tregothnan Estate, which follows the river. Tregothnan (translated from Cornish, means ‘the house at the head of the valley’) is owned by Lord Falmouth and is a rare example of a living and working private estate. Rare plants have been nurtured by the same family here since 1344, and Tregothnan, with its unique micro-climate, pioneered the growing of English tea. In addition to tending to 26 miles of tea bushes, they produce Cornish manuka and wildflower honey.
The Truro River flows into the Fal, a haven for wildlife. As you approach the iconic King Harry Ferry, you might spot seals feeding and lounging around the mussel farm, or flashes of turquoise from a glimpse of the kingfishers often sighted along the banks. Herons are also frequently spotted, and one regular visitor to the banks of the King Harry Ferry has been affectionately named Harry.
The next must-see attraction is National Trust-owned Trelissick House, a riverside garden and house set on its own peninsula. The house was built in the 1750s and has spectacular views over the Fal River. The garden has a superb collection of exotic and tender plants, summerhouses, and riverside woodland walks. With so much to see and do at Trelissick, if you take an early departure from Malpas, there’s time to stop off on the cruise for those who want to explore.
The history continues on the cruise as you approach Tolcarne Creek, a local wild swimming location, and Turnaware Point. The beach is famous as an embarkation point for the D-Day landings. It is proudly marked with a memorial to those who lost their lives from the 29th Infantry Division, V Corps US Army.
Around the corner from Turnaware Point is Tolverne Cottage, also known as Smugglers Cottage. This grade II listed cottage dates back to the 17th century. General Eisenhower stayed here during preparations for the D-Day landing.
As you head towards the coastal town of Falmouth, look out for St Mawes Castle – one of the best-preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses and the most elaborately decorated.
Coming into the harbour, you’ll see bustling Falmouth Docks, home to Pendennis Shipyard, renowned for its diverse sailing and motor yacht projects, before landing at the Prince of Wales Pier in the heart of Falmouth.
From there you’re all set to explore this beautiful Cornish town. With its range of independent shops, delicious delis and arty museums, it’s the perfect place to spend the day. Make sure to pop along to The Greenbank at the top of town to enjoy an indulgent lunch or a couple of brews in The Working Boat pub. With views across the harbour, it’s an unparalleled spot to watch the boats bob by.
When you’re done enjoying all that Falmouth has to offer, hop aboard the ferry and make your way back to Truro for a night of relaxation at The Alverton.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, set sail on a boat trip with Enterprise Boats and create memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left the boat.
In addition to a beautiful river trip connecting you to three unique destinations around the Fal River, Falmouth, Malpas, and Trelissick, Enterprise Boats also sail directly into the center of Truro on special ‘High Tide Cruises’ when the tide allows on selected dates throughout the year.
More information on Enterprise Boats, including the timetable and tickets, can be found here.
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