Falmouth’s High Street & Old High Street: A Locals Guide to independent shops in Falmouth

Next time you find yourself in Falmouth, we’d really recommend spending a slow afternoon wandering the High Street and Old High Street. It’s one of our favourite things to do any time of year, but during the winter months the town feels calmer, the streets are quieter, and there’s time to enjoy everything at an easy, unhurried pace.

This is when Falmouth feels most like itself. Independent shops are open, cafés are warm and welcoming, and there’s no pressure to be anywhere in particular. Just a proper wander, stopping wherever catches your eye.

Starting on Falmouth High Street

We usually start on the main High Street, taking it one shop at a time. What we love most is that it doesn’t feel like a typical high street at all, it’s full of independent boutiques, lifestyle stores, galleries and gift shops, each with its own personality.

You’ll find places offering beautifully chosen pieces that feel thoughtful, creative and very much rooted in coastal Falmouth life.There are wonderful spots for browsing books, stationery and art, with shops that invite you to slow down, pick things up, and discover something you didn’t know you were looking for.

January is especially nice because there’s space to browse properly. Shop owners often have time to chat, and everything feels a little more personal.

A Detour to the Old High Street

Just at the top of the main road, the Old High Street is where things get really charming. Full of character, it feels like a small creative pocket tucked away from the rest of town.

This is where you’ll find artist studios, galleries, vintage shops and carefully curated boutiques. We always recommend popping into places like Parade,Grey Lurcher, Cloudberry Living, Ludgate House Antiques , Saffron Huns, Inspire Makers, and other small studios and maker spaces dotted along the street.

It’s one of those places where you don’t need a plan,  just wander, peek into doorways and see what you discover. We almost always find something unexpected here, whether it’s a handmade piece, a thoughtful gift, or a shop we somehow missed last time.

Independent Shops We Always Recommend

If you’re looking to make sure you don’t miss any local favourites, these are the independent shops we often point people towards when they ask where to explore:

Old High Street

• Inspire Makers - Artisan gallery shop showcasing Cornish artists.

• Cloudberry Living - Scandinavian design gifts and home accessories.

• Jezebel - Female owned art studio, tattoo and Jewellery 

• Stitches & Cream - Natural fibre yarns, contemporary knitting products

• Out West Studio - Pottery Studio and shop

• Ludgate House Antiques - Quality Antiques

• The Grey Lurcher - Curated gifts and homewares shop

• Jam Record Shop- Independent Record store and coffee shop

• Ondine Ash- Female run collection of homeware , ceramics and clothes

High Street

• The Natural Store - An Aladdin's cave of whole-foods, organic foods including cupboard and fresh essentials

• Uneeka Life - A family run business selling handcrafted furniture, homewares and lifestyle accessories

• The Wool Basket - Wool & needlecraft shop

• Oceana Jewellers - Silver Jewellery and Watch Repair

• The Cornwall Jewellery Co - Jewellery 

• Pebble Cornwall - Family Owned women's boutique also offering permanent jewellery

• Cream Cornwall - Homewares inspired by the Cornish coast and made in Britain

• Just Lily - Jewellery, gifts and home decor from independent makers in Cornwall

• Tall Ships Trading - Nautical Gift shop 

• Falmouth Bookseller - Independent bookseller featuring books by Cornish authors

• Sessions Surf Shop - Surf Shop  

• The Painted Bird - Jewellery, Homewares and gifts

• Maxari - Ladies Clothes

• Dizzy - Mother and Daughter owned clothing and accessories shop

• Longstaffs - Florist, Cards, plants, gifs and more!

• Willow & Stone - Gifts, Quality homewares and Ironmongery (make sure to check out their amazing windows displays!)

• Bolt Vintage - Men’s and women’s vintage clothing

• Sabzi - Amazing food and coffee but don’t miss their pantry section filled with incredible foods and gifts

• Bookmark - Secondhand book shop 

• Bean - The home of funky and quirky gifts and homewares describing themselves a “beige-phobic”

Each one feels different, and together they really reflect the creativity and independent spirit that makes Falmouth so special.

Stopping for Coffee (Essential, Obviously)

No wander is complete without a café stop,  or two. Luckily, you’re spoilt for choice around here.

We often stop at Beacon Coffee or Dark Pony Coffee for a really good cup of coffee and somewhere cosy to sit for a while. Forty Five, Ola Factory and Sabzi are also great if you want somewhere relaxed and welcoming to warm up after a chilly walk.

January café stops feel especially lovely,  no queues, plenty of space, and that gentle reminder to slow down.

Why January Is One of Our Favourite Times

This is when Falmouth really shines for us. There’s no rush, no pressure to tick things off a list. You can browse properly, chat with shop owners, linger over coffee and really take in the town. It feels more local, more relaxed,  like you’re seeing the true rhythm of everyday life here.

Perfect for a Winter Stay

If you’re staying nearby, this kind of day pairs beautifully with a winter beach walk or a cosy evening back indoors. Pick up something lovely from a local shop, enjoy a warm drink, and head home feeling like you’ve genuinely experienced the town rather than rushed through it.

A Little Local Tip

If you’re ever unsure where to go, follow your instincts,  some of the best discoveries in Falmouth happen when you’re not looking for anything in particular. The High Street and Old High Street are made for wandering, and if you stray from the high street there is even more to discover and January is the perfect time to do just that.

Zoe and Luis x