Few shops in Falmouth reward a slow rummage quite like Dig and Delve (or Dig N Delve, as the sign and the regulars have it), the much-loved retro emporium at No. 12 Swanpool Street, just a short stroll off the main high street. Records, CDs and cassettes share the floor with guitars, cameras, vintage clothing and a jukebox, and the joy of the place lies in never quite knowing what will turn up next.
Background / History
Dig N Delve has been part of Falmouth life since 1992, and for decades it was the town’s go-to second-hand treasure house, famous for its packed shelves and its gloriously random mix of stock. More recently the shop has been given a new lease of life by owner Amy and her partner, who renovated the interior, made far better use of the space and brought back the artwork on the shop front that long-time locals remembered. The result keeps the bargain-hunting spirit that made the shop a local institution while giving it a bright, cheerful new look, complete with a colourful painted mural in pink, teal and navy.
What You’ll Find
Music is a big part of the mix. Browsers of second-hand vinyl will find crates of LPs from across the decades, with stock turning over regularly so there is always something fresh to flick through. Shelves of CDs and cassettes sit alongside a substantial wall of DVDs, making this a handy stop for anyone still collecting physical media of every kind. Beyond the records, the shop carries a strong line in second-hand musical instruments, with a long rack of acoustic and electric guitars, plus amps and other bits of kit. Vintage and modern clothing fills much of the floor, with Levi’s denim and Carhartt workwear among the regular finds, and there are second-hand cameras, video games and quirky collectables to round things off. There are even changing rooms, so you can try on that jacket before you take it home.
Experience / Atmosphere
Walking in, you are greeted by bold colour, plants, fairy lights and a jukebox that tends to win over younger visitors in particular. The layout runs deep into the building, so it pays to keep wandering, with record crates, clothing rails and instrument displays each carving out their own corner. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to chat about a find or leave you to dig at your own pace. It is the kind of shop where students, musicians, holidaymakers and lifelong locals all end up crossing paths, and that easy mix of people is a big part of its character.
Why Visit
- A Falmouth institution trading since 1992, refreshed by its current owners
- Second-hand vinyl, CDs and cassettes at sensible prices
- A wall of guitars plus amps and other music gear
- Vintage and modern clothing, with Levi’s and Carhartt among the finds
- A jukebox, colourful mural and genuinely welcoming staff
Summary
Dig and Delve is a proper rummage shop, part record store, part music exchange and part vintage wardrobe, and all of it rooted in more than three decades of Falmouth history. Whether you leave with an LP, a guitar or a pair of well-worn jeans, set aside time to explore every corner, because the best finds here are rarely the first thing you see.
