It’s that time of year again — Falmouth Oyster Festival weekend! One of our favourite events of the season, it’s all about celebrating the start of oyster dredging on the beautiful Fal Estuary. Expect live music, cooking demos, oyster shucking and the always-fabulous Grand Oyster Parade it’s pure Cornish charm from start to finish. 

There’s a bit of exciting news this year too. For the first time in decades, the Cornwall IFCA has increased the minimum size for Fal oysters from 67mm to 72mm. It might sound like a small change, but it’s a big step towards protecting the fishery and giving oysters more time to breed so there’ll be plenty for future festivals to come. 

And honestly, the bigger oysters are worth waiting for! Fal oysters are known for their sweet, creamy flavour, thanks to that special mix of mineral-rich river water and salty sea air in the estuary. 

Most people love them raw with a squeeze of lemon (and we do too), but they’re also incredible cooked. Two of our go-tos? Oysters Charentaise with a little spicy sausage or BBQ oysters grilled with butter and herbs – simple, smoky, and absolutely delicious. 

Cornwall’s Changing Seas 

Beyond the festival, Cornwall’s coastal waters are full of stories this season. Local fishermen have noticed a surplus of octopus this year, feeding on shellfish stocks and changing the rhythm of traditional catches. Meanwhile, Atlantic bluefin tuna have made a remarkable return to Cornish waters, exciting both conservationists and chefs. The sea, as always, keeps Cornwall on its toes ever-adapting, ever-inspiring. 

Where to Taste the Best of Cornwall’s Seafood

If the festival whets your appetite, there’s no shortage of outstanding places across Cornwall to continue your seafood journey. Some of our favourites include: 

• Outlaw’s New Road (Port Isaac) – Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-starred restaurant where the menu is built around the day’s freshest catch. 

• Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant (Padstow) – A Cornish classic serving oysters, crab, and lobster just metres from the harbour. 

• Paul Ainsworth at No.6 (Padstow) – Elegant and imaginative, showcasing Cornwall’s finest local ingredients. 

• North Street Kitchen (Fowey) – Modern coastal dining with a relaxed, fresh approach to seafood. 

• The Sardine Factory (Looe) – A lively spot on the quay, known for creative seafood dishes and harbour views. 

Unwind After the Festival at Tawnamoor Rural Retreat 

After a weekend of sea air, local flavours and festival buzz, there’s nothing better than retreating somewhere peaceful. Back at Tawnamoor Rural Retreat, our guests can relax in the outdoor wellness area, soak in the wood-fired hot tub or enjoy a moment of calm in the surrounding forest. It’s the perfect way to round off a Cornish weekend fresh oysters, fresh air and a sense of simple, natural luxury.