Pendennis Castle, Cornwall



8th July 2013
1539 - castle built by Thomas Treffry for Henry VII, due to the threat of invasion from the French and Spanish. 
1588 - The sailing of the Spanish Armada could be seen from Pendennis (and St Mawes castle). 
1596 - Pendennis castle was very nearly attacked by the Spanish
1646 - Civil War -  King Charles II took refuge in the castle, en route to his escape abroad.
17th century onwards - castle became a military base. 
The castle saw service during the Napoleonic War and World War II – when it was the headquarters for Falmouth Fire Command. 

This castle is an old favourite of ours. There is lots to see and we would definitely recommend it for children. The café/tea rooms are very nice. The guided tour of the Half Moon Battery comes highly recommended. Approximately 45 minutes long the tour takes you in normally inaccessible parts of the Battery. There are lovely views towards Falmouth and across the Carrick Roads (St Mawes Castle and St Anthony Lighthouse). We would suggest looking out for the events that are held here – in particular the Jousting (usually around July-August time).

Owned by English Heritage
Designated car park 
Shop, cafe, toilets 
Joint guidebook for Pendennis and St Mawes castle
Dogs allowed 

We would recommend a visit to Little Dennis, which can be seen from the castle. It is a small Tudor blockhouse, built just before the castle in 1539. Parking is just above the blockhouse at Pendennis Point. 

N & K

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