Should you visit Pendennis Castle Falmouth? - I was Disappointed! - Days Out in Cornwall

[@nicholasmaycock267]

Have joint Senior Membership of English Heritage. Gives entry to all EH properties for my partner and I and upto 6 children within the family under the age of 18 so ideal with Grandchildren. After 1 year you also have access to equivalent Welsh and Scottish sites. Excellent value for £96 a year. Visit Pendennis, St Mawes and Tintagel Castles and you have already paid your annual membership so very good value bearing in mind there are over 400 sites to visit in England alone. As for Pendennis, visited last year and found it interesting and enjoyable, combined it with visit to St Mawes using the regular ferry service.

[@nickwebb9290]

We took our niece there some years ago while she was here staying with us. It’s a wonderful location and great views but overall the visit was somewhat underwhelming. Haven’t felt the need to revisit the place again. Another enjoyable video, thanks

[@Ewell1901]

I'm researching Cornwall for our upcoming May 2024 Transatlantic cruise. Googled history of Falmouth, first video was your exploration of brothels 😂. Definitely not on any of walking tours I had previously seen. Love the humor and history, so me! Biggest shock was seeing the Clemson Tigers' cap! We live 20 miles from Clemson University, our oldest son graduated from Clemson, then coached football for 17 years. Go Tigers !!

[@timcrompton913]

We went a couple of years ago and bought the guide book, made understanding the site much easier, and from memory it wasn't that bad a price. Love your videos thanks. 😊

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Second hand on eBay about £2.50! Sarah :)

[@brianmerrien3290]

Just one comment Andrew. The toy bow and arrow you were looking at was in fact a Cross bow, I know it may seem a bit picky but when you are criticizing others try and get it right. Great informative program. Keep it up. I know some people be really picky and annoying. Ha ha

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Not much we can say about that is there? Ha! Ha! Sarah :)

[@Dujfjfo]

I walked all the way up there from town once, took a look at the price, turned back around and went for a swim instead 😂

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Sound like a plan! Sarah :)

[@cornwallparanormalresearch2378]

Thumbs up good job guys and thank you very much for sharing.

[@julianbeesley5059]

The cornish heritage membership also gives you 75% discount access to castle event days such as the knights Tournaments, I think these are usually around £20 you pay just £5

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Excellent! Sarah :)

[@RosemullionView]

Great tip, I’ll be joining CHT! It must be tough keeping all these sites operational.

[@JoannaLouise200]

I was there 30yrs ago, and it looks exactly the same! I think EH is missing a trick ~ a small well-equipped visitor centre (an illustrated history on large colourful boards and maybe a mini 'son & lumiere' type introduction video etc) as a starter point for visitors, would make all the difference. Also, I totally agree with you Sarah, that if they could get one or two rooms/ + the kitchen fully decked out say in Tudor period furnishings, it would make all the difference ~ it would set the scene/enhance the experience. BTW, on CWT recommendation, I have just joined Cornwall Heritage Trust :) Such a good deal!

[@CosmicBrain21]

Hi there! I stumbled upon this place after looking at some of my parents photos probably from 40 years ago. Did they still have the wax figures on display in the garrison room when you visited? It looks bare today but it seems, a long time ago they had exhibitions on display etc.

[@peterdovey5182]

The last time we were down in Cornwall we walked up the road from the docks to Pendennis point. A little van called " Cafe Kernow " was there selling hot drinks and ice cream. I recall sitting there early November, wrapped up against the chilly wind enjoying a bit of winter sunshine on the face and sipping some of Cafe Kernow coffee. Little things like that stick in the mind, well mine anyway. Thank you for another great film and jogging my memory.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Memories - they are precious! Sarah :)

[@TravellingTorunn]

Thank you for a great tour. We were there last year and I agree that a guided tour would probably have made it a lot better. Though we enjoyed walking around and see a lot of the things. I think £18 is a bit much without a guided tour. But the cream tea was very nice and quite reasonably priced ❤ Torunn.

[@harrytomlucy]

Thanks for a great video :) We visited July 2023 (2 adults and 4 children) and ended up signing up to English Heritage (EH) due to the 'hard sale' on the door. The old fellow who signed us up was nice enough but like already said, it did seem a bit forced on us. Our National Trust (NT) membership was about to expire so thought we'd try EH for a year or so, we just need to do a few visits and it will pay for itself. Anyway we'll probably sign up again to NT as it's really handy in Cornwall especially for parking and using the facilities when the kids desperately need to use the toilets!

[@sharynkhan1104]

We went there in the late 1990's they had a lots more interesting artifacts including men models in costumes lighting the cannons etc it made it seem much more realistic. Tbh it looks rather boring now and it's doubtful we would return for £18.00 per adult. Thank you for a great video

[@bobspeller2225]

Good review of this site and a very fair one considering your walk around in the video. nice Bob

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it, Sarah :)

[@christineterry8369]

Enjoyed the video as always. Thank you. I live here in Cornwall, so I shall definitely check out Cornwall Heritage Trust. Just as an aside, St Mawes Castle across the water is a mirror castle built at the same time, also owned by English Heritage and very similar inside and out as Pendennis. Take the ferry from Falmouth as a good day out.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Great tip! Sarah :)

[@ExplorewithSarahlouise]

I often think that ruins are not that exciting I personally think I prefer the ones with the furnishings in showing how the person lived but sometimes they are interesting.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Perhaps that sums it up! I like a few props and clues! Sarah :)

[@Mavin1972]

Another great video guys! We got married in the keep gun room and it looked a lot less bare then!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

We kind of wondered if props would be annoying to move in and out every time there was a wedding, and maybe intentionally plain! Sarah :)

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

The Henry VIII artillery forts were built using stones taken from dissolved monasteries. Interesting video.

[@judybee]

If it's one thing that makes me turn around and head the other way, it's persistent sales pitch people trying to sell you stuff! Especially before you have even set foot in the place! I love a Castle🏰. But not at that price😞 I think if I'm right it was used for filming as the French garrison in the first Poldark series in the 70s. Interesting to see your reaction to it Sarah. You are always usually so upbeat about places you visit. And for half a day, it defo was very disappointing. We have a castle🏰 down here which is the same...looks inviting from the outside & once through the doors it lacks atmosphere. Always enjoy watching you two anyway, no matter where you go! 😊 x J x

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

'Lacks atmosphere' sums up Pendennis Castle too. A few hints using props and other devices can transport you! Sarah :)

[@marieryan2541]

Hi Sarah and Andrew. I think for only half the day it is quiet expensive. I would still go just for the history of the place through the years.

[@georgefoord7087]

If you go to the castle make sure you go to the joust in the summer. Great day out

[@glenbowden7334]

Always Amazing Vids & Big Thanks ! 👏😍🙏

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

You’re welcome! Sarah :)

[@suroyal9394]

Thanks for this video. It’s actually put me off visiting as military history is not my thing; I prefer places that show how people lived - use of furnishings etc. We’ve been all round the perimeter and you get lovely views from Pendennis Point. A very expensive day out, especially if you have children; the price of those toys was ridiculous, though nice they weren’t plastic. By the way I loved my bow & arrows as a little girl 😉. Thanks for the tip about Cornwall Heritage membership, we will definitely be taking this up. Thanks as always for an entertaining video xx

[@ExplorewithSarahlouise]

I’m like that too o like to see how the people lived I like the national trust as a rule

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

You're welcome! Sarah :)

[@clairematthew891]

We must have struck lucky as we visited the sat of the armed forces day in June we had a view of the air display from the roof of the Castle it was priceless.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I think the events days must be more fun than a normal day, Sarah :)

[@martillewelyn9245]

The disappearing gun appears to be genuine. Pendennis Castle is listed online as one of the global installation sites, and the illustration on the sign is representative of the variations of that type of gun. You can see the mechanism on the gun you were looking at which raises & lowers it, although it doesn't look exactly like posted sign.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Interesting! Sarah :)

[@cathydyer3774]

Great views and I am glad you enjoyed the tour and the food. I would have liked more information boards. Sarah you had your confused face on a lot this time. Will you send your video link to the Pendennis Castle contact email for them to think about?

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I'm not sure it would change anything! Sarah :)

[@heatherdepasquale9803]

Wonderful video. If I were planning a visit to Pendennis Castle... From what you presented I could determine if I wanted to visit and second, how I would want to visit. I would enjoy the views, the tour, and the food. I might want to do some historical research first. Seems you covered everything!😊

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Hi Heather, thank you! Yes a lovely little castle but could do with a bit of helpful information, every now and then. Sarah :)

[@anthonyphilips7171]

Thanks for the video; it reminded me of a visit there in the 1990s. I was a member of English Heritage then for about ten years and, having rejoined about five years ago, I am a current member. I think that the price for English Heritage annual membership is very reasonable as it pays for itself once you have visited more than approximately five of their properties, and after the first year, it includes free entrance to Welsh and Scottish properties. I am surprised, however, at the aggressive sales tactics as I have always found their staff to be informative, polite and helpful

[@jenniferlittlechild5839]

We’re missing seeing your weekly video’s, I know it’s still summer almost autumn over there (we in Australia), & that you try to avoid the crowds during tourist season. I hope you are both well, & understand you also have day jobs .. but we both miss seeing your walks, my husband asked every day if there’s a new one to watch. My GG grandparent’s on my mother side came out to Australia, along with many other Cornish mining families, & originally settled in Burra, South Australia, before going overland to the goldfields of Bendigo here in Victoria. My great grandparents married in Bendigo, & they moved to Melbourne. The family was originally from St Just in Penwith, so I particularly love your walks in that area & to see the ruins of the old copper mine. I had no idea it was on the coast & perched on cliffs. Mum paternal line was Warren, but not the famous pastie baking Warren’s😄 Thank you for your video’s we just love them, Cornwall looks such a beautiful part of the world 🤗❤️

[@lynnoorman2144]

I was thinking of taking my granddaughter there, but i dont think i will now - she would be bored. For that entrance money i would think that English Heritage would put more in there. After all the National Trust (of which i am a member) do! Brilliant video guys - thank you! Btw that white blouse looks good on you!(hope that doesnt sound creepy???)

[@fificrossnails]

Thanks for the honest review, it’s pretty expensive for what it is. We’ve considered visiting on several occasions but have been put off by the high admission fee. However, thanks for the tip about the Cornwall Heritage Trust membership, as we might join this instead!

[@irenepeter-lyons350]

It's worth joining Cdwa. ( the Welsh equivalent of English Heritage) It's half the price. ( well £75) The first year, you can only visit Welsh castles etc, free, with half price to English and Scottish heritage. The second year is free to all sites.

[@fificrossnails]

@@irenepeter-lyons350 thanks for the tip, I live in Devon, and when I next visit Wales I might consider this so I can visit some of the sites there, and like you mention, I could then have membership for another year and then visit sites in Cornwall too!

[@SpanishEclectic]

Oh my! I hear you about the wedge-shaped stone stairs in those towers. I still remember how scary they can be (especially when the stone is worn down) from the Tower of London and Warwick Castle, and really not great if you have big feet. Horse pasties? Ugh. The place sounds interesting, and doing some research beforehand might help, but for the fee, they should give you more. I also like historic buildings to be staged with period appropriate furnishings and artifacts, even if they use reproductions because of the salt air. I feel you were very fair in your evaluation and review. The views really are terrific.

[@snafufubar]

Went there a few years ago. Good half day, the cannon they fired had a good gunpowder load as you could feel the blast in your chest. Going to Cornwall after about 8 years away. Have dog for the first time, any suggestions for dog friendly days out?

[@colinbaker3415]

Slightly disappointed. I would have thought that a daily guided tour of the castle and the later additions would be available, but not so from your experience. The lack of signage is rather poor considering the admission fee. Thanks for the moneysaving tip, it would seem the best way to save money is to spend it in the first place and get a membership!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

You're welcome! Sarah :)

[@barbedwards2755]

I really wish I'd known more of the history when we visited from the Downunderlands in 2006. For us, having English Heritage and National Trust memberships saved us a heap of money during our 8 months in the UK. I loved Pendennis Castle. Don't remember the tea rooms though. I really miss the clotted cream with scones and jam.

[@markwatkins8309]

Last went there 1992! although I go to Cornwall regularly for holidays, usually Hayle, tho' also did Marazion June just gone.

[@judygraham4983]

I'm intrigued by Andrew's collection of hats. Where ever does he come up with US ballcaps. Clemson Tigers? Does he follow US football, both pro and college? Just curious.

[@busterguff1068]

There's a lovely battery over at St Anthony

[@75ckh]

I got married in the Garrison room and loved it, so I’m rather biased. But hate pushy sales tactics 😡

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Love Buttercup! Sarah :)

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

Hi ya 18 pounds wow, I visited maybe 13 years ago and paid 6 pounds I rushed round missed a lot you've shown but maybe I just cannot remember old age. The military guns etc yer lack of info back then. I feel they show the bare rooms to get more people in lol I'm glad I paid so little and visited the place for 2hrs as I'd never pay 18 pounds now. Even either free parking. I'd rather walk around the walls outside looking in for free.😅 I know what's inside now so if they'd added more things to look at and further updates maybe I'd visit again but eighteen pounds 😮.. Naaaa sod that I'm off to walk the coast and free parking I wised up to locations after 30 years of visiting cornwall. Love padstow 3 weeks each year love visiting places that are priced ok we refuse rip off prices. Kev😊

[@garypeacock5919]

We visited in September 2021 from Glasgow, found the staff to be very helpful, my mother in law was 76, (now sadly passed away), and though we didn't have a blue badge, they let us park within the castle because of her age, couldn't speak highly enough of them. Personally we thought it was value for money, but everyone to their own I suppose. We did get a couple of excellent bottles of mead though 🍷

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I hope you enjoyed the mead! Sarah :)

[@garypeacock5919]

@CornishWalkingTrails Certainly did Sarah, Visiting Cornwall for new year, will stock up again !

[@kernowcapers6199]

Cornwall Heritage Trust is a bargain. ❤

[@KatrinaMargaret]

Pendennis holds a very special place in my heart 💖 My husband and I were married there in 2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5mamYetpq6tgcUsi=oVxI6cGWGxac293O The lower gun room is kept pretty empty because that is where wedding ceremonies and other events take place. Our reception then took place in the Garrison building. You may have seen a bed in one of the rooms upstairs in the castle keep. Our youngest granddaughter at the time was 6 months old and still being breastfed, so our eldest daughter who was also my chief bridesmaid was given permission to feed her just before the ceremony whilst sitting on the bed which I believe is roped off from public access - that'll be her claim to fame when she's older 😜 Thanks for sharing

[@domnicazaharia183]

Thank you!

[@bernicebest]

Mixed reactions from visitors maybe, it’s not a Castle I would get excited about, it looked very uninviting, but then I don’t suppose it was meant to be, I was wondering when it rained the hole at the top of the chimney would surly put the fire out 🤔or, maybe not, can’t comment on the toilet facilities, how would the women cope with those heavy gowns of that period 🥴 the only redeeming feature I thought was the stunning views from the battlements, a very interesting read on the history of the Castle Sarah but I don’t think when Andrew eats his Cornish pasties I will be able to watch ever again 😱 I agree with you both a bit disappointing! but a great video as always, 👍

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Hi Bernice, yes a little disappointing. It used to be so much fun when the children were small, they had an audio of firing cannons and all staged complete with mannequins! Sarah :)

[@bernicebest]

@@CornishWalkingTrails That would have been awesome Sarah, how things change, but wonderful memories of the carefree days of childhood:) Bernice 🤗

[@ihbcsomerset6966]

Fantastic castle, but rooms look incredibly sparse - could do with contextual furniture

[@gordonsimpson3235]

That was interesting guys. But I think I will give it a swerve.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Thank you! You can still explore little Pendennis near the car park on the headland, for free! Sarah :)

[@mark211-un5dm]

One question Andrew where's your bead?

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

He shaved it off for graduation photos! Sarah :)

[@mrengland6325]

better then wendel

[@RandiMEE]

It's all in the eye of the beholder. It seems like you were already looking for things not to like before you went. Of course it smells musty,it's an ancient castle on the river. SMH

[@keirac.5170]

We visited today... very disappointed

[@chatticheswick4939]

This video was like a 30 minute forced sales pitch for Cornish Heritage membership. Pendennis Castle only has a 20 minute forced sales pitch for English Heritage membership. And that shows the extra value that Cornwall provides. I've heard rumors that Devon Heritage membership only has a 10 minute forced sales pitch. It's like they have nothing nice to say.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Great views, great Cream Tea, and great tour! I think we said all of that in the video. Also, we have no affiliation, no contacts and no connection with Cornwall Heritage Trust (and definitely no commission!) - just trying to save you a few quid, Sarah :)

[@chatticheswick4939]

@@CornishWalkingTrails I know. I was just being a bit cheeky. I guess I need to warn people first.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

@@chatticheswick4939 Ahh! We read it and re-read, it not sure which way to take it! Thanks for clarifying and apologies if too many 'have-a-go' KZbin comments have made us cynical! Sarah :)

[@chatticheswick4939]

@@CornishWalkingTrails I'm sorry, I never thought about KZbin comments being a problem. I tried doing a local history version here and failed so bad, I think in terms of the logistical problems of producing an episode. There's a lot to do. And I appreciate all the unseen work that KZbin content producers do in a walking tour.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

bit empty guys, in more ways than one. not for me.

[@keithallan4956]

£3 for a can of pop, not expensive????? Sorry I have to disagree. Great videos though.

[@jentill1034]

Doesn't it all just taste like chicken? 😏🤣

[@AnthropoidOne]

Cat pastie🤮🤮🇺🇸