Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle is one of the finest of the mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion. The castle has seen action in many conflicts and was one of the last royalist strongholds to fall during the English Civil War. Visitors can transport themselves back to Tudor times and right through the First and Second World Wars in a packed day out.
Launched in July 2014, Fortress Falmouth and the First World War is an exhibition which focuses on the role of Pendennis and the wider area of Falmouth during the war with letters, photos, reports and artefacts from the period.
Once you have explored the many displays and exhibits, take some time to enjoy the extensive grounds and the spectacular sea views. Or you can relax in the tearoom or outside in the courtyard and enjoy one of the famous homity pies, made to a genuine Second World War recipe, or a traditional cream tea.
Each day (except on event days), the noon day gun is fired using one of four working guns out of the 37 in total on display at the castle. The guns being used are a World War Two 25 pounder, an American built 1943 Howitzer and an 18th century 18 pounder Blomefield. A rare First World War three inch anti-aircraft gun of twenty hundred weight will also be used to mark significant dates in the centenary year. The team at Pendennis Castle have been specially trained to fire the guns and will give an introductory talk before firing each day throughout the summer.
Don't Miss
- The new Fortress Falmouth and the First World War exhibition
- A fantastic events programme ranging from pirate invasions to grand medieval jousts and fighting knights
- The recently redecorated Guard House with cells
- The tempting range of home-made cakes, sandwiches and local ice creams
Education
A school visit to Pendennis Castle is a unique experience and we offer both free self-led visits as well as visits led by our experts.
One of the finest of the mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion, Pendennis Castle remains one of Cornwall's greatest fortresses. Help your class explore the history of Pendennis, from Tudor times to today with one of our many ways to learn.
Free Self-led Visits
We offer free entry to qualifying learning groups. Book a free education visit and lead your own visit in your own way. We have plenty of online resources available to download and use in the classroom before, during and after your visit.
Expert-led Discovery Visits
Let us help you inspire your students with our hands-on Discovery Visits, led by one of our experts and great value for up to 30 students. There are four Discovery Visits to choose from.
Tudor Worlds
Our session formerly known as 'Tudor Worlds' will run in partnership with the National Maritime Museum. A day of hands-on and interactive activities for KS1 and KS2 where your class will meet some important figures from the past such as Henry VIII, Sir Francis Drake and Elizabeth I. Your pupils will investigate the inner workings of a Henrican fort, study beliefs of status and society in Tudor times, and discover life between 1485-1603 through story telling, handling replica artefacts and learning about significant turning points in British history.