A day works if you're docking on a cruise ship, but you'll want at least two days to properly explore the Lizard Peninsula, St Michael's Mount, and the Cornish heritage sites people actually book here. The coastline rewards slow wandering, and most private tours run 4-7 hours, so staying overnight gives you flexibility.

Check before you go, but private tours are popular year-round in Falmouth, especially during school holidays and summer. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead is safer if you have specific dates or want a particular guide.

Yes - the best experiences in this area (smugglers' secrets, Doc Martin filming locations, the Lizard Peninsula) are spread across coastal villages, and a guide handles navigation while sharing real local knowledge. You'll move faster and see more than going solo.

May to September offers the warmest weather and longest daylight for coastal exploration, though spring and autumn bring fewer crowds. Winter can be grey and wet, but if you're cruising, you visit when the ship arrives - just pack layers and waterproofs.

If you're booking a private tour, your guide typically handles transport as part of the experience. For independent exploration, local buses connect Falmouth to nearby villages, but a car or taxi gives you much more freedom along the Cornish coast.

Most include hotel pickup, guided exploration of 2-4 locations (coastal villages, heritage sites, or gardens depending on the tour theme), and return transport to port. Check before you go on whether lunch, entrance fees, or specific stops are included with your tour.

Many private tours can be adapted for families, but terrain varies - the Lizard Peninsula involves coastal walks, while heritage and garden tours are more leisurely. Contact your tour operator in advance if you're traveling with young children or anyone with mobility concerns.