#Falmouth #LittleDennisBlockhouse #PendennisCastle
A cruise ship visiting a Cornish town for the first time today (Thursday July 1) was welcomed with a stunning display as she was carefully guided into the harbour.
In the wake of a visit from the Viking Venus yesterday, the Saga cruise ship Spirit of Discovery arrived in Falmouth at around 9am, bringing passengers to the town for the day before departing this evening.
At a cost of £346 million, Spirit of Discovery was the first cruise ship commissioned and built for Saga Cruises, and was christened by The Duchess of Cornwall in July 2019.
Although Spirit of Discovery is not one of the largest cruise ships in service, at 236 metres in length it is understood that she is the longest ship to ever dock at County Wharf in Falmouth. In the two years since Spirit of Discovery was launched, much of the ship's time has been spent out of action due to the pandemic. In March 2020, The Mirror reported that Saga had offered the out-of-service Spirit of Discovery, along with another vessel, to be used as floating hospitals for coronavirus patients, if the NHS was overwhelmed. Today, as Spirit of Discovery entered Falmouth as part of her first cruise since the pandemic began, she was welcomed by the Falmouth tug Mercia, spraying water cannon to lead the way to the harbour.
However, they were not needed in the end.
Making her way into the harbour under her own steam, Spirit of Discovery was guided by a pilot vessel and welcomed by the Falmouth tug Mercia, which fired two water cannon, creating a spectacular fan of spray in front of the cruise ship as she arrived.
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Boasting a bevy of world-class beaches, Falmouth’s coastline attracts visitors from across the globe as they feel the beguiling call of the Cornish ocean.
Providing pristine sands, crystalline waters and renowned coastal paths all dotted with cafés and restaurants with to-die-for views, whether you wish to loaf, dine, or relish an activity on sand or water, the super scenic choice is all yours. And with a fabulous range of sandy stretches to suit every visitor and agenda, from diminutive coves made for a spot of sun worshipping to sheltered beaches screaming for rock-pooling adventures, and expanses of water ideal for surfing, sailing, SUP-ing, swimming and snorkelling, everyone from individuals to couples and families can lap up the shoreline luxury.
Explore Pendennis Castle, Falmouth - a mighty fortress built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion.
Set on a headland with breathtaking views out to sea, this picturesque castle has defended Cornwall since Tudor times and played a vital role during the two World Wars.
Today, you can experience the sights and sounds of battle and climb to the top of the keep to scan the horizon for enemies, as you're transported back to wartime Cornwall.
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.
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