Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the enchanting village of St Mawes beckons visitors with its timeless Cornish charm. This coastal haven weaves together luxury and authenticity, from its historic Castle to sophisticated hotels, artisanal shops, vibrant galleries, and exceptional restaurants. Let us guide you through the irresistible reasons for hopping aboard the St Mawes Ferry for an unforgettable day out.

A Journey as Memorable as the Destination 

Your St Mawes adventure begins the moment you step aboard the St Mawes Ferry. As you cross the beautiful blue water, Falmouth Harbour opens up, followed by the impressive silhouette of Pendennis Castle and the natural landmarks of Black Rock and St. Anthony Head on view, setting the scene for your arrival in St Mawes.

A Tudor Treasure

Rising proudly above the coastline, St Mawes Castle is a magnificent testament to Tudor engineering and artistry. With its unique clover-leaf design, this beautifully preserved fortress ranks among Henry VIII's finest coastal defences. As you wander through its immaculately landscaped grounds, pause to admire the intricate carvings celebrating Henry VIII and his son Edward, each telling tales of England's rich maritime history. From its elevated position, the Castle commands breathtaking views across the Fal Estuary to its sister fortress, Pendennis Castle.

Walks That Inspire 

For those who love to explore on foot, St Mawes has several excellent walking routes to satisfy the senses. A standout path is the enchanting walk to St Just in Roseland Church, where a 6th century church nestles beside a peaceful creek. The churchyard, famously described by John Betjeman as possibly "the most beautiful churchyard on earth," feels like stepping into a secret garden. For more dramatic vistas, the St Mawes Headland walk leads you past the Castle, rewarding your efforts with sweeping views across the Carrick Roads.

Unforgettable Flavours

St Mawes offers excellent dining options with a focus on local ingredients. The Idle Rocks serve fresh seafood with great harbour views, combining Cornish seafood and produce in their dishes. The St Mawes Hotel offers a 'from the heart, from the hearth' philosophy with their food served in a lively coastal setting. For a fresh harbour-side experience, the St Mawes Seafood Bar invites you to feast on the morning's catch while watching the boats in the harbour. For a perfect coffee and freshly baked treats, call into Cafe Chandlers or head to Da Bara for the best cinnamon bun, and for delicious seafood by the seashore, harbourside dining at The Watch House restaurant is a must. With a Watch Out takeaway service available too, you can have your fish and chips on the beach!

Toast to Tradition

The pubs in St Mawes are full of local character. The Lower Deck Bar at the St Mawes Hotel offers live music every Thursday from Cornwall's most talented musicians. At The Rising Sun, you can enjoy a well-served local ale while enjoying views of the Roseland Peninsula. The Victory Inn proudly showcases its history and offers fine food and award-winning beers.

Discover Inspiring Galleries

The artistic vibe of Cornwall is evident in St Mawes' galleries, which consistently showcase new and intriguing works. The Waterside Gallery overlooking the harbour features a diverse collection of contemporary art, including glassware and ceramics. Tregony Contemporary is an artist-run gallery with an impressive roster of distinguished British and international contemporary artists. The Square Gallery showcases contemporary art, craft and design in a friendly space.

Independent Shopping

Forget conventional high street brands - St Mawes celebrates the unique and authentic. The Arcade houses treasures like Mr Scorse GOurmet Deli and Wines,  where every artisanal product and small-batch spirit has been carefully chosen. Grace and Favour brings coastal chic to life with carefully curated fashion and homeware, while Aspiga and, Bridie & Bert offer a sustainable style that captures the essence of beach living. The St Mawes Scent Room bottles the village's essence in handcrafted fragrances, while Fudge & More provides sweet temptations that are impossible to resist.

Beach Life 

St Mawes is blessed with several beaches for family fun, clear water swims, rock pooling, and skimming stones at Tavern Beach and Summers Beach. As the tide retreats, Harbour Beach emerges, offering yet another perfect spot for water's-edge relaxation.

Stay Over 

If one day isn't enough (and trust us, it rarely is), St Mawes offers some of Cornwall's most luxurious and charming accommodation options. The iconic Idle Rocks, perched on the rocks at the harbour's edge, offers sophisticated rooms with stunning sea views and exceptional service - perfect for those seeking a luxury coastal retreat. Hotel Tresanton, once a yacht club, has been transformed by renowned hotelier Olga Polizzi into an elegant haven combining nautical charm with contemporary comfort, featuring a private yacht for guest excursions. For a cosy boutique experience, the St Mawes Hotel provides stylish rooms in the heart of the village, merging modern design with a maritime character. Ships and Castle offers comfortable, family-friendly accommodation with spectacular views across the Fal Estuary. For those seeking more independence, St Mawes Retreats provides a collection of luxury self-catering properties, each uniquely positioned to capture the village's magnificent coastal views and perfect for extended stays.

Your Gateway to Cornish Magic 

The St Mawes Ferry, faithful to its schedule 364 days a year, welcomes two and four-legged adventurers aboard. Escape the ordinary and discover the timeless charm of St Mawes, a Cornish coastal gem where time slows down, allowing you to savour every moment of your coastal escape.

Find out more and book your ferry ticket tickets here