Venues

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival takes place across the whole town in a variety of venues. From cosy pubs to professionally engineered main stages, street corners to parish churches we have them all!

Here’s the list of venues who will be hosting shanty groups at the 2024 festival.

  • Chain Locker

    Following a sensitive yet spectacular restoration the Chain Locker, on Falmouth’s historic quayside offers stylish and contemporary dining with the original and distinctive charm of the 16th century inn, believed to be one of Falmouth’s oldest buildings. The first floor provides unrivalled waterside views of the bustling key and spectacular natural beauty of Carrick Roads with two fantastic new balconies perfect for dining alfresco. On the ground floor the original bar has been refreshed and brought back to its former glory retaining the ambience that locals and visitors love.

    Chain Locker website

  • Falmouth Rugby Football Club

    Falmouth Rugby Football Club was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest rugby clubs in Cornwall. It has a thriving mini/Junior section and runs two senior teams.

    Falmouth RFC Website

  • Fives Cyderhouse

    “I thought I heard the old man say…. Come on down to Fives today”

    Cracking Pints, Top notch pizzas and service with a smile. Did we mention the fact we are hosting Sea Shanties all weekend and know a few ourselves.

    Five’s Cyderhouse Website

  • Fives Cyderhouse Garden

    The larger of the two venues, we have a covered garden for all weather conditions. A perfect south facing area where you can enjoy everything Fives has to offer.

    Five’s Cyderhouse Garden Website

  • Gylly Beach Cafe

    Wonderfully positioned on Falmouth’s famous Gyllyngvase Beach, overlooked by the imposing Pendennis Castle and central to panoramic views of the Lizard Peninsula and The Helford River, Gylly Café is a unique, stylish and popular eatery.

  • Harbour House, Flushing

    Harbour House opened October 2023 after a full refurbishment. We are a modern take on the classic waterside pub. Located just over the water from the Falmouth, we are easily accessible by car – around 8 minutes from Falmouth, or water taxi/ferry in five minutes. The Ferry runs every half an hour from Prince of Wales pier over to Flushing Quay.
    We serve a fabulous selection of local beers and ciders specialising in Verdant and Lacuna. Our kitchen is led by head chef Andrew Tuck who’s specialises in cooking over fire. Our food is cooked over a charcoal ember grill where we’re serving incredible dry aged Cornish beef and pork, local shellfish, the freshest day boat fish, lobster and our speciality ember roasted queen scallops. Alongside this we have our bar menu with changing pub classics such as an epic house burger or pie and tasty bar snacks like house pig skins or mini Cornish pasty’s.
    We’re super excited to be included in this years Sea Shanty festival.
  • Indidog Eatery

    Mix, mingle, chat, or just be. Solo, social, friends or work. Bunker, booths and amazing harbour views.

    Coffee, juices, milkshakes, beer, cocktails, wines. Delicious breakfasts, sharing platters, healthy salads, kids’ meals, social snacks, filling mains, sundowner dinners. All day.

    It’s your time so it’s your choice. Find what works for you and find your view at IndiDog.

    Indidog Eatery was designed and created by Simon and Vanessa Clark of Highcliffe Contemporary Bed and Breakfast.

    Simon and Vanessa have taken their knowledge of the hospitality industry, eye for contemporary design and ability to notice and develop every detail for the most comfortable and tasty dining experience, to create Indidog.

    IndiDog Website

  • King Charles the Martyr Church

    Our church in Falmouth, Cornwall is a place where you can explore and experience the Christian faith. You can’t miss the building – it’s right on the main shopping street ,where Church Street meets Arwenack Street, adjacent to the King’s Head Pub, and the church hall is nearby in New Street. Our people comprise- Young and old; Cornish residents and visitors; those who attend services every Sunday, and some occasional visitors.

    KCM Website

  • Main Stage, Church Street Car Park

    Church Street Car Park will be used as one of the venues for this year’s Sea Shanty Festival. With incredible views across the water to Flushing, this is the perfect location to sit back, relax and enjoy the music on offer from the main stage.

    You can also visit the Arts and Crafts Market which will host a great selection of local, food and arts and crafts traders.

  • Main Stage, Custom House Quay

    Custom House Quay is the nautical heart of old Falmouth. These worn stone quays built back in 1670 have witnessed the growth of the town from a single manor house and a few fishermen’s cottages to a bustling international port of call. In days gone by there were scores of sailors’ drinking holes within easy staggering distance of the wooden ships moored alongside. Today, tourists enjoy cream teas and take river trips from these salty old quaysides.

  • Palacio Lounge

    Standing proudly on the Moor in the heart of Falmouth is the distinctly elegant Palacio Lounge.

    This impressive building began life as a fire house, then became a Magistrate’s Court and finally a nightclub before becoming Palacio Lounge. The splendid entrance takes you into a striking lobby with hanging chandeliers and a grand, curving staircase. We’ve gone for a classic 1940’s lounge look downstairs with floral wallpaper and a few portraits (Lenin on a sofa is a favourite). Upstairs things take a more interesting turn with high ceilings and low-hanging lights. Huge paintings and mirrors give guests plenty to look at. And, when the light gets a little lower, our lamps come into their own, hovering in mid-air to create the perfect mood.

    Spread across our two floors is space for 145 lovely Loungers. There’s also space outside for another 32 to watch the world (and a few seagulls) go by.

    Palacio Lounge Website

  • Seasalt Main Stage, Events Square

    Discovery Quay (Events Square) is a vibrant part of Falmouth’s waterfront. It was developed 10 years ago and now offers a great mix of shops, businesses, cafés and restaurants. The quay also houses the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, a centre of nautical excellence that attracts people of all ages with its award-winning exhibitions.

    Known locally as Events Square it is one of the key open air arenas in Falmouth and as such, plays a key role in helping to host Falmouth Week, Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth Spring Festival and Famouth Oyster Festival.

  • The Boathouse Falmouth

    A licensed pub for over 300 years, The Boathouse is one of Falmouth’s favourite pubs and one of only a handful of independent, free houses remaining in the town. With stunning views over Falmouth Harbour, the Penryn River and Flushing, and out onto the Carrick Roads, the pub specialises in expertly made, locally sourced and seasonal food, accompanied by specialty ales and wines. 

    Our very experienced team will be delighted to welcome you; whether for a light lunch, decadent dinner, or one of our famous Boathouse Sunday Roasts. We are also dog friendly so your furry friend can join us too. Please click the links above for more details, including our opening hours, the rules of the boat, and current menu.

    The Boathouse Website

  • The Cornish Bank

    The Cornish Bank lives up to its name by opening in a former bank in Church Street, Falmouth, a building which was last used as a council one-stop shop.

    The Cornish Bank is founded by Will Greenham and Rufus Maurice. Will also runs Smugglers Records Shop in Deal, Kent, and its associated Smugglers record label and festival, while Rufus runs The Old Tractor Shed arts space and music venue in Mabe, near Falmouth. The Cornish Bank brings together live music gigs and food and drink. A membership for local people operates which gives you as a community member you to join 10% off at the bar while as a community arts member you get 15% off food and drink and 24 hours notice of any upcoming gig before anyone else.

    The Cornish Bank Website

  • The Cornish Store

    The Cornish Store is a unique Piskey-sized Cornish department store with an extensive variety of fine Cornish gifts for every occasion and every budget. Situated along Arwenack Street in historic Falmouth, we sell everything from Cornish Hampers and St. Piran flags to jewellery, books, music, clothing and chocolate pasties! We also sell all festival merchandise including t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, caps, CD’s and progrmmes.

    The Cornish Store

  • The Front

    Situated by the harbour in Falmouth, with outside seating for the better weather. Superb collection of ales and knowledgeable staff plus good selection of spirits. It’s small but has a great atmosphere. It does not serve food but you can take your own in!

  • The Grapes Alehouse & Kitchen

    One of Falmouth’s oldest pubs, The Grapes Alehouse & Kitchen was founded in the 1700s and, situated on Fish Strand Quay, has traditionally been the destination of choice for the seafarers, merchants and Navy-men whose ships are docked in Falmouth’s stunning harbour which this pub overlooks. The beautiful panoramic view from the back of the pub is a perfect location to enjoy a great drink from the pub’s very extensive range; with over 80 spirits and liqueurs across the back bar and a great range of lagers and local real ales and ciders – there is something for everyone.

    The front of the pub faces onto Falmouth’s busy high street and located right in the centre of town. The Grapes Alehouse & Kitchen is a great place to drop by during the day – espresso coffees and a range of teas are available as well as a full brunch, lunch and afternoon food service. Main meals are also available here at lunch and dinner time; all our food is locally sourced and home made by our kitchen team which is headed up by our highly experienced Chef, Keith Webb.

    The Grapes Alehouse & Kitchen is also hosts a series of evening entertainments including our regular Wednesday night Quiz, ‘Folk Thursdays’ and ‘Friday Night Live’ featuring the best of local musical talents. A full schedule of evening events are on our Facebook wall.

    So come down to The Grapes Alehouse & Kitchen! All are welcome – we’re family friendly and we accept well behaved dogs too. See you soon….

    The Grapes Alehouse & Kitchen Website

  • The Greenbank Hotel Main Stage

    Steeped in history with unbeatable sweeping views, the four star hotel was originally built in 1640 and has now been lovingly refurbished. Moor up on The Greenbank’s private pontoons, float from your boat to the dinner table, then sink a few in their cosy quayside pub The Working Boat.

    Established in 1876 and rebuilt in 2015, many a Cornish brew has been supped at The Working Boat. The pub honours its rich history deeply engrained in Falmouth’s sea-faring past, and a warm welcome and cool pint will always be waiting for you.

    The Greenbank Hotel Website

  • The Princess Pavilion

    The Princess Pavilion, Falmouth is a year-round live music venue and theatre complex offering a wide programme of excellent entertainment, combined with the well-known and stunning Gyllyngdune Gardens.

    Princess Pavilion Website

  • The Seven Stars

    A 17th century ale house where time has stood still. The building itself dates back to the 14th century when it was used as a grain store for the mill that was next door. The view from the windows was slightly different then! The Moor (aptly named) is reclaimed land and the river came right up to where Asha indian restaurant is now. It is now a Grade II listed building and on the CAMRA National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. The interior is smoke stained, the bar hasn’t been decorated since the 1950s.

    The Seven Stars was granted its licence in 1660, a year before Falmouth was given its Royal Charter and the licensee at the time was one Henry Penial and his spouse Mary-Jane! It has seen many changes around Falmouth and has also encountered many characters, from salty old sea dogs to royalty. Many of the characters worked on the water or for the water, on working boats or down in the shipyard. All of them had fascinating stories to tell.

    The pub has seen seven generations of the same family as landlords, dating from 1873, the most famous being Rev John Barrington Bennetts. He served as landlord for nearly 60 years while also serving his congregation at the Parish Church, before his passing back in 2011. There are quirky points to the pub, the coffin hatch being one of them, which you can find in the back saloon bar. An amazing collection of keyrings can be found in the bar which started back in 1953. We still find ourselves being handed keyrings from eager customers!

    The Seven Stars Website

  • The Windjammer Cafe & Bar

    Windjammer is the restaurant with sea views and seafood directly on our doorstep in Falmouth. Serving you fresh fish and meats, vegetarian and vegan food from breakfast and late into evening hours. We are a coffee & cake-loving cafe by day and an active diner & cocktail bar by night. Welcoming families, kids and dogs!

    The Windjammer Website

  • The Working Boat

    Seas the day at The Working Boat, a proper pub on the waterfront where you can sink a few on Cornish time whilst admiring the view across Falmouth harbour. With fifteen beers and ciders on tap including our own Working Boat brew, moor up and cruise in for a pint (or three) of your favourite.

    When you’re hungry there’s no better place to be than The Working Boat. Jam-packed days mean hearty appetites, so expect proper pub food and generous portions, available every day of the week. Nothing brings people together like good food – so sit back and enjoy. Or should we say, ahoy.

    The Working Boat Website

Festival Groups

Check out the line up

With performances over the years from 75 groups, take a sneak peak at the performers and get in the mood for the three-day festival.

SEE MORE
Falmouth Classics 2020

Visitor information

Plan your visit to the festival

Taking place at various locations throughout the town, from pubs and bars to historic courtyards and quays, check out our visitor information section for information on travel, accommodation and food and drink.

SEE MORE