“You’ll have to say that anyone visiting will need a camera,” said my partner as we sat in the Falmouth sunshine with me scribbling notes for this feature. He was right. The views were incredible, the details were irresistible and everywhere I looked, there was something I wanted to capture. The sea, the sky and The Greenbank hotel sitting in between the two.
All images supplied via Tamryn’s Lawrence (iPhone) unless otherwise stated
The Greenbank itself is really rather special. Sitting on the terrace overlooking the sea and the boats with a drink in hand as the sun goes down and the light dances on the water is one of those ‘take a deep breath and be glad to be alive’ moments. The bedrooms are perfect – full of light and sympathetically designed – and I for one have never been so happy to wake up in the morning because the view from our wonderful large picture window really was spectacular.
Image above supplied by The Greenbank hotel
And those huge views continue from the restaurant where you can indulge in fabulously prepared dinners (with seafood being a huge speciality) and why wouldn’t you linger longer over breakfast when the Coastguard captains at the next table can tell you stories all morning? The Greenbank is simply a great place to be – surrounded by friendly and attentive staff, at the water’s edge with the most beautiful of vistas stretched out before you.
From the basket of rugs by the door to the terrace that you can use when the nights are a little chilly to homemade jams that accompany heavenly cream teas, nothing is forgotten and relaxation calls you at every turn.
If you can tear yourself away from the ever-changing picture that drifts past your window, then Falmouth and beyond is certainly worth exploring. From The Greenbank, wander into Falmouth old town, dive down the stepped alleys that plunge off the main street, enjoy the shops (may I just recommend Willow & Stone and Sweetpea & Betty to you now?) and wander on to the harbour.
Image above supplied by The Greenbank hotel
From here, hop on a ferry and simply head off into the blue and the short boat ride to St Mawes is an absolute must. Not only is the journey beautiful but also the chocolate box seaside village that awaits you at the other end is such a treat. Painted cottages and flower filled side streets will have you continually reaching for your camera whilst the views from the headland are breathtaking. Definitely take your swimming kit and enjoy a dip in the crystal clear water from one of the idyllic beaches before stopping for tea and cake at Hotel Tresanton, The Idle Rocks or the newly refurbished St Mawes Hotel.
Should you be feeling energetic (or if you need to just burn off your Greenbank breakfast!), catch the tiny ferry from St Mawes to Place, just across the harbour, and set out on foot to explore the truly stunning Roseland Peninsula.
If you’re a lover of literature then you need to take the boat from Falmouth to Frenchman’s Creek, the setting for Daphne Du Maurier’s novel of pirates, rebellion and romance. The creek itself is so serene, with more bathing beaches along its edge but the boat ride is also a potential high spot as seals and pods of dolphins often accompany trippers on their excursions too.
Should you still have room on your camera, there are gardens, castles, museums and delightful spots aplenty. But it’s the sheer abundance of nature that just takes your breath away. Wherever you look, there’s water, sky, rocks, sand, green fields and shady trees – the perfect antidote to busy lives and modern madness. That said, there’s lots of luxury too. The Greenbank wraps you up and looks after you and The Cove in nearby Maenporth, right on the beach, is a great spot to relax with perfectly mixed cocktails before dinner while swimmers and surfers, waves and water entertain.
For a super special short break, a pre-wedding weekend away or a mini-moon full of indulgence, beauty and a big dose of escapism, The Greenbank, Falmouth and beyond make an absolutely perfect destination. You’ll feel like you’re explorers, discovering all these delights for yourselves and there’s really no better place to cast yourself adrift.
To find out more about The Greenbank, do take a look at their website and you can also follow them on Twitter too. The Greenbank is licensed for wedding ceremonies and reception with a ceremony & reception package for 50 people available from just £2,999.
Love Tamryn xx
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Tamryn Settle View all Tamryn's articles
Self-confessed wedding addict Tamryn spends her days in her Berkshire studio writing about all things beautiful and romantic with her black Labrador for company.
