An elegant harbour village on the Roseland Peninsula, with a Tudor castle, sheltered beaches, sailing and a ferry across the water to Falmouth.
St Mawes sits at the tip of the Roseland Peninsula, facing Falmouth across the Carrick Roads. It's refined and relaxed, with pastel houses, a sheltered harbour and some of the mildest weather in Cornwall.
Things to do in St Mawes
- St Mawes Castle. Built by Henry VIII in the 1540s to guard the estuary alongside Pendennis Castle in Falmouth, it's one of the best-preserved of his coastal forts (English Heritage).
- Take the ferry. A passenger ferry runs across to Falmouth, and in summer another crosses to Place for the walk to St Anthony Head.
- Sailing and boat trips. The sheltered waters are popular for sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
- St Just in Roseland. A short drive away, this church in a subtropical creekside garden is one of Cornwall's most beautiful spots.
Beaches
The small harbour beach and Tavern Beach are good for swimming and paddling. On the peninsula, Towan Beach and Porthcurnick are lovely sandy beaches, and Pendower and Carne offer long stretches of sand.
Walks
Walk along the waterfront to the castle, or take the ferry to Place and walk the St Anthony Head loop, with views of the lighthouse and Falmouth Bay.
Food and drink
St Mawes has upmarket hotels and restaurants, plus pubs and cafés on the harbour. Seafood and sunsets are the draw.
Getting there and parking
By road, St Mawes is around 30 minutes from Truro, or use the King Harry Ferry across the Fal. The Falmouth ferry is often the most enjoyable way to arrive. There is a car park in the village.
When to visit
Spring through autumn is ideal. Summer brings regattas and a lively sailing scene.
Approximate · next 3 days
Reading the sea…
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