St Mawes is a fishing village that sits on the Roseland Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a delightful place to spend the day. While you could pay a quick visit to St Mawes, or even admire the quaint village from the water as you sail by on a river cruise tour, there is a surprising amount of things to do packed into this sweet village. Offering something for everyone, here’s how you can spend a day in St. Mawes.
Sat on the riverfront, water-based activities make up a strong portion of life in St Mawes, so experience the best of the village from the water. Take a trip down the river on a ferry boat trip, or embark on your own adventure in a kayak or canoe. Pack a picnic and stop off at a few of the smaller and quieter beaches dotted along the riverbanks. If you don’t own a boat yourself, then there are plenty of hire crafts available, as well as lessons for beginners to the world of boating.
Sitting on the other side of the river to the mighty Pendennis Castle, St Mawes has a slightly smaller, but nonetheless impressive castle offering. Another of Henry VIII Cornish fortresses, the castle is well-preserved and under the protection of the English Heritage. With stunning views across the Fal Estuary, you’ll be able to see the delights of the river, and across to Pendennis from the castle walls! In the summer, the grounds are transformed into a theatre, with performances taking place in open air. Entrance costs £5.40 for adults and £3.20 for children, with the castle open 10am-4pm from Wednesday to Saturday.
St Mawes is something of a foodie’s paradise in Cornwall. With much of the village framed by the harbour, local restaurants and cafes make the most of the freshly caught seafood, with fish dishes featuring prominently on the menus of many harbourside establishments. One of the most popular restaurants in the area is The Watch House, which serves up classic cod and chips, as well as introducing locally sourced seafood to dishes such as curry and pasta.
Image Credit: Tom Oates
One of the most beloved and popular churches in Cornwall, the St Just in Roseland Church sits in a beautiful garden with a tropical feel, framed by a tidal creek. While the church that stands today was built in the 13thcentury, the area it is built on was once a Celtic chapel in the 6thcentury and has acted as a place of pilgrimage for many centuries. The church itself is a grade one listed building, so it is certainly beautiful in its own right, but what makes St Just one of the most visited churches is the gardens. With circular paths, exotic plants and a running stream, the church is an ideal place to head for a walk in the tranquillity of nature. The church is located a short 5-10 minute drive from the main village.
Looking at the charming village nestled into its riverside location, it’s not hard to see how you could become inspired by St Mawes. As such, it should come as no surprise that the village is home to a number of art galleries, each displaying contemporary pieces from local artists. The Square Gallery puts locally crafted items, paintings and prints on display, many of which take clear inspiration from the surrounding area. At the Waterside Gallery, many of the pieces are also inspired by the gorgeous local scenery, with plenty of seascapes and pieces constructed from driftwood.
St Mawes is the dream location for many walkers, with a combination of waterside walks, dramatic clifftops and untouched valleys presenting an exciting and varied adventure. With a range of routes in The Roseland to choose from you’ll have plenty of places to explore. One of the most popular routes is the Carrick Roads circular walk that leads along the harbour to St Mawes Castle and then via a path alongside the estuary for some stunning views.
While the nearby city of Truro is home to many high street retailers, in St Mawes you will find a selection of independent shops and boutiques selling everything from designer clothes to unique souvenirs and gifts. Along the harbourside and tucked into the narrow winding streets are an array of small businesses, including the quaint gift store Grace and Favour, and the designer clothing boutique Onda.
If you’d like to spend a day in St Mawes, as well as exploring the surrounding areas of Truro and Falmouth, then a stay at our 5-star cottages in Cornwall would provide the ideal base for your holiday! If we’ve missed any great things to see and do in St Mawes, then get in touch via the comments below or reach out on our social media channels!
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