From the moment the boat leaves Falmouth's harbour - the third largest natural harbour in the world - you'll have many fantastic views, starting with bustling Falmouth Docks, home to Pendennis Shipyard, renowned for its diverse sailing and motor yacht projects.

As you enter the Carrick Roads, look out for St Mawes Castle standing proudly on the headland, one of the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses and the most elaborately decorated.  

Sail past St Just in Roseland, known for its famous Grade I-listed church. The church is thought to have been founded around 550AD and has a unique waterside semi-tropical garden setting. John Betjeman described it as being "to many people the most beautiful churchyard on earth."

You will pass many of the narrow sheltered creeks and inlets of the Carrick Roads, including Mylor Creek, which, in the second half of the 19th Century, was home to HMS Ganges, a Royal Navy training ship for boys, and also the Falmouth Packets. Pill Creek was a significant area for shipbuilding and Fal Oyster fishing.

To the distance, look for National Trust-owned Trelisick House, a riverside garden and house set on its own peninsula. The house was built in the 1750s and has spectacular views over the Fal River. The garden has a superb collection of exotic and tender plants, summerhouses, and riverside woodland walks to enjoy. Visitors can take a picnic or use the Crofters Cafe, and with so much to see and do at Trelissick, we make a stop off on the journey for those who want to explore, providing a complete and fun-packed day out.

The Carrick Roads are a haven for wildlife. As you approach the iconic King Harry Ferry, look out for seals feeding and lounging around the mussel farm, flashes of turquoise from a glimpse of the Kingfishers often sighted along the banks. Herons are also often spotted, and one regular visitor to the banks of the King Harry Ferry has been affectionately named Harry.

The next flash of blue you'll see is that of the spectacular King Harry Ferry, which crosses King Harry's Reach, part of the Pilgrim's Way to St Michael's Mount and named after King Henry VI. The passage was called 'Kybyllys', which means ferryboat in Cornish. This impressive chain ferry connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula to Feock, Truro and Falmouth. It avoids a 27-mile route through Truro and Tresillian, instead offering breathtaking views as it glides across the river.

The vast Tregothnan Estate follows the river and is both a living and working private estate. Rare plants have been nurtured by the same family since 1344, and Tregothnan, with its unique microclimate, pioneered the growing of English Tea. As well as tending to 26 miles of tea bushes, they also produce Cornish Manuka and wildflower honey.

The history continues on the cruise as you approach Turnaware Point; the beach is famous as an embarkation point for the D-Day landings and is proudly marked with a memorial to those who lost their lives from the 29th Infantry Division, V Corps US Army. Around the corner from Turnaware Point is Tolverne Cottage, also known as Smugglers Cottage, which dates back to the 17th Century. General Eisenhower stayed at the cottage during preparations for the D-Day landing.

The journey culminates in the picturesque village of Malpas, this idyllic setting provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch at the Heron Inn for those who want to split the journey; alternatively, stay on board and enjoy some of the best bits of the Fal River as you head back to Falmouth.

At just over two hours, this return trip offers something for everyone:

  Natural beauty - the journey showcases Cornwall's breathtaking landscape from the water; soak up the beauty as you sail

  A sense of history - immerse yourself in Cornwall's maritime past.

  Peaceful escape - leave any worries behind as you relax in the tranquillity of the river

  Memories to cherish - create memories that will stay with you long after you've left the boat

Our classic wooden ferries have twin decks offering stunning views and a covered seating area, toilets and refreshments on board, ensuring comfortable passage.

Set sail on a boat trip with Enterprise Boats. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, have an experience to remember!

Book tickets and find out more here