Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Pictures of Pendennis Castle

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

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.

Share the beauty of England..

Related Articles

10 of the Best Castles to visit in Cornwallby poe

Recommended towns & villages near Pendennis Castle

Trebah Gardens

Falmouth (97 Pictures)

a Seaside Town 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 all jostling along in bright sunshine. You think.....

St Mawes

St Mawes (61 Pictures)

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...

Truro train viaduct

Truro (41 Pictures)

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...

Portloe

Portloe (5 Pictures)

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)..

The Ship Inn at the harbour entrance, Porthleven in South Cornwall

Porthleven (55 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall

(12.5 miles, 20.1 km, direction W)

Porthleven has two picturesque harbours - the inner harbour is lined with dazzling white cottages, with the walls of the outer harbour giving shelter from the often tumultuous seas...

All towns in Cornwall
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Pendennis Castle

St Mawes Castle - the sea view.

St Mawes Castle (12 Pictures)

(1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction NE)

Built by Henry VIII between 1540-45 due to the threat of invasion from Catholic France and Spain. Built as one of a pair, their.....

St. Anthony's Lighthouse. near Falmouth, England

St Anthony Head (1 Pictures)

(1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction E)

One of the world's largest natural harbours...

Greenery

Trebah Garden (14 Pictures)

(4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction SW)

Trebah Garden occupys one of Cornwall's most dramatic landscapes, set into a beautiful wooded ravine descending towards a private.....

Glendurgan Gardens, in Cornwall.  Tree Heather in flower in March

Glendurgan Garden (23 Pictures)

(4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction SW)

These beautiful gardens are set on a rising landscape at the side of the Helford River. The gardens, mainly full of exotic trees.....

Truro, Cornwall. Truro Cathedral from the river

Truro Cathedral (23 Pictures)

(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction N)

A former 16th-century parish church once stood on the site of this sumptuous cathedral, which was designed by John Loughborough.....


All attractions in Cornwall
Complete A to Z of attractions in England