Pendennis Castle
Guarding the Cornish town of Falmouth, Pendennis Castle and its neighbour St Mawes Castle face each other across the estuary of the River Fal, the ‘key to Cornwall’. This really is a great castle for the whole family to explore, commanding fine views of the Cornish coastline.
Pendennis Castle was built in the 16th century as a defence against French attack by King Henry VIII. Ironically, just over a century later during the English Civil War, Charles, Prince of Wales and future king of England, escaped through its gates to find sanctuary at the court of the French royal family. That the castle was strong enough to withstand a five month siege during this time, is a testament to its designers.
The Spanish Armada, attempting an invasion of England in 1588, were first spotted from the viewpoint which sweeps across a huge swathe of the coast. The strategic importance was such that it was still being used as a look-out post at the end of World War II. Inside you will find a preserved governor’s residence from the 18th century, and a collection of cannon and artillery, including the Noonday Gun that was once fired on a daily basis.