This summer visitors and residents in Falmouth are enjoying a new perspective on the bustling maritime town, as thousands of people every week take a trip on its first open top bus service.

Run by First Kernow in conjunction with Fal River Cornwall, the new route is a sensory feast, taking in all the sights and sounds of the town and Falmouth Bay itself, while treating high-flying explorers to an hour of spectacular views.

Beginning at Falmouth Park and Float/Ride, the journey continues to the Prince of Wales Pier and through the town, before passing the fascinating Falmouth Docks and embarking on a tour of Pendennis Headland.

From here visitors can soak up far-reaching views of Falmouth Bay, ships at anchor and the famous Manacles rocks, before journeying down Falmouth’s seafront towards Gyllyngvase Beach and eventually back to the starting point.

The service runs eight times a day until September 26 and departs on the hour, 10am - 6pm, from Falmouth Park and Float/Ride.

Tim Light, director of Fal River Cornwall, said: “We are grateful to First Kernow for working with us to make the service available this summer; it’s proving to be an extremely popular way of exploring the town.”

He added: “The views from Pendennis Headland and the seafront are even better when enjoyed from the open top deck. The service also provides a new perspective on shipping activity in the world’s third deepest natural harbour.”

Alex Carter, managing director of First Kernow, said he was pleased to be offering the service this summer, saying: “The open top bus tour highlights what an exciting, beautiful and diverse town Falmouth is, and why it is such a great place to visit.”

Tim explained that local people are also enjoying the new service: “It’s not only visitors that are using the open top route - local residents have also taken the opportunity to ride the Number 400 for a new perspective on their town.”

To find out more about the route visit www.falriver.co.uk/open-top.