The Observatory Tower occupies the highest point in Falmouth, and the stunning 360 degree views from the observatory deck will capture your imagination. You simply will not want to leave. The deck is fully serviced with bar fridge, wine cooler and hot tap, ensuring you have all the facilities to hand, to enjoy this remarkable room with a view.
The Observatory Tower was built in 1868 to observe and record the weather. There is no better place from which to witness and photograph the landscape in all weather conditions. A camera obscura was built in 1955 and has been carefully restored to full working order. Viewings are available on request.
If you can break free from the Tower's charms then you are in for a treat. A few minutes' walk will see you into the town centre, abuzz with activity in the many cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Explore the town's museums, gallerys, gardens and beaches, many within walking distance, or else accessible by good transport links. For the less energetic, take advantage of Falmouth's free shuttle bus service.
Falmouth has the third deepest natural harbour in the world, so why not take to the water to explore Flushing, Mylor, St Mawes, Truro or the Helford Passage? There are a number of ferry services available, or you may prefer to charter your own boat. From wherever you are though, you will not long be out of sight of The Observatory Tower on Falmouth's skyline.
Further details
To fully enjoy your stay in The Observatory Tower you should be of reasonable fitness to climb the 66 steps to the top (more than once a day!)
Please bring your own beach towels, as those towels provided are not to be removed from the property.
Free car parking available in the quiet residential streets nearby.
Further details indoors
Accommodation in The Observatory Tower is arranged over 5 floors and is carefully planned to make full use of the modest space available.
A private bedroom, complete with ensuite wet-room, is situated on the ground floor. There is a separate utility room which leads to a small external courtyard at the rear of the property.
On the first floor is a flexible space used as a living room, but easily converted to a second bedroom when the wall bed is pulled down. This allows up to 4 people to be comfortably accommodated.
The kitchen on the second floor is both functional and interesting at the same time. The history of The Observatory Tower is depicted through photographs, plans and original weather reports, set behind a glass splashback. A bright and airy space, with rooftop views over Falmouth to north, south, east and west.
The main living room on the 3rd floor, with its large picture window overlooking Falmouth Bay, is a precursor to the top floor. Its funky sofa was specially designed to fit the space, with fabrics chosen to reflect the changes in the weather.
After scaling the 66 steps to the top, the observation deck on the 4th floor is what this building is all about. The 360 degree views are breathtaking and if you don't know what you are looking out at, the pelmet art above the windows will help you identify local landmarks.
The Observatory Deck also acts as a camera obscura, whereby the whole room acts as a camera. When the room is blacked out, an image of the outside view is projected on to the centre table. This was, and still is, a very popular form of entertainment and is still of benefit to photographers and artists alike. Viewings are only available by prior arrangement and subject to good weather conditions. Please enquire about the camera obscura when you make your booking.
Further details outdoors
The secure courtyard is small but perfect for storing bicycles, surfboards, etc
There is no other external space but you won't need it. Relaxing on the observation deck is outdoors enough, like being on the gallery of a lighthouse; it does feel quite surreal when birds actually fly past beneath you!
