Tall Ships 2023: schedule, tickets, road closures and parking

This week the magnificent tall ships from around the world will be showcased in Falmouth ahead of the prestigious Tall Ships Race, Magellan Elcano.

This will be the sixth time the town has hosted the prestigious regatta and race, with the inaugural one being held in 1966 and the last being nine years ago in 2014.

Before the race begins there will be four days of events across the town with residents and visitors also getting a chance to tour the amazing ships.

The race itself will see the vessels leave Falmouth Harbour and head to A Coruña, Spain as part of race one. The ships will then cruise Lisbon in Portugal and then raise to Cadiz in Spain.

Find out more about the race itself and the vessels here: The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano - Sail On Board (sailtraininginternational.org)

Parking and Road Closures

Across the four days, all Falmouth car parks will be open except Chruch Street which will be used for activities. You can find a full list of car parks around town here: Council car parks in Falmouth.

Parking and a shuttle bus service from the Ships and Castle Car Park to Falmouth Docks will be provided for Blue Badge holders or persons with limited mobility.

You can book a free spot for each day:

Tuesday: Tall Ships Disabled Parking Tickets

Wednesday: Tall Ships Disabled Parking Tickets

Thursday: Tall Ships Disabled Parking Tickets

There will be road closures in place every day with access into the town restricted to vehicles between 11 am - 11 pm.

Organisers for the event have said: "This will be extended up to The Moor and along Bar Road on Wednesday 16 August between 4-6 pm to enable the Crew Parade to take place between Falmouth Docks and The Moor

"There will be extra measures in place on Friday for the Parade Of Sail. Cliff Road will be restricted from any parking from midnight Thursday 17 August, through to 7:30 pm on Friday 18 August.

"It will also be securely closed from its junction with Castle Drive to the junction with Fenwick Road from 12.00 to 19.30 on Friday. Vehicular access to Castle Drive will be restricted from 07.00 to English Heritage pre-booked ticket holders, Disabled parking pre-booked ticket holders for Pendennis Point and Ships and Castles for those using the accessible parking and shuttle bus service, volunteers, and security."

You can find detailed information about parking, travel, and road closures during the Tall Ships event here: Travel and Safety Information - Falmouth Bid

Schedule

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday there will be entertainment on offer in Church Street car park, The Moor, Events Square, Falmouth Docks, and throughout the town. Friday will focus on the spectacular Parade Of Sail.

Up until Friday residents and visitors will also have the chance to tour the tall ships in Falmouth Docks. Get tickets here: Falmouth Tall Ships Tours

The Falmouth BID team has provided a full schedule for each day:

Tuesday