If you’re heading to the Roseland Heritage Coast and fancy a day packed with history, sea views, and maybe a cannon or two – St Mawes Castle in Cornwall is calling your name. One of the finest surviving coastal artillery fortresses built by Henry VIII, this castle offers cracking views over the Fal Estuary, plenty of places to explore, and even welcomes your four-legged friend. Let’s dive into why a visit to the castle at St Mawes should be top of your holiday hit list.
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St Mawes Castle Reviews
Visitors rave about the panoramic historic views of Carrick Roads, the well-preserved grounds, and how peaceful it is compared to its busier cousin across the water, Pendennis Castle. Whether you’re into soaking up the sea air, brushing up on your Tudor history, or just love a good coastal wander, reviews often highlight how family-friendly, dog-friendly, and photographer-friendly this spot is. Instagram, eat your heart out.
St Mawes Castle History
St Mawes Castle was built between 1540 and 1545 by Henry VIII as part of a defensive strategy to protect England against potential invasion by France and Spain. Perched strategically at the entrance to the Fal Estuary, its purpose was to guard the anchorage at Carrick Roads – one of the world’s largest natural harbours. It’s one of a pair – the other being Pendennis Castle in Falmouth – and together they were designed to provide crossfire. Smart thinking from ol’ Henry.
St Mawes Castle Facts
- It’s shaped like a cloverleaf – stylish and strategic.
- It once housed 19 guns to defend against enemy ships.
- The castle was used during the Second World War, complete with a searchlight and a concrete bunker.
- It’s part of the St Mawes Castle English Heritage collection – meaning it’s maintained by the registered charity to help support and preserve England’s historic buildings for future generations.
- The site has been used for various events, including performances of Twelfth Night!
Are Dogs Allowed at St Mawes Castle?
Is St Mawes Castle dog friendly? Absolutely! Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and the castle itself, so your pup doesn’t have to miss out. There are plenty of sniffs, grassy patches, and coastal breezes for your canine companion to enjoy. Can dogs go to St Mawes Castle? – Yes, they can, and they’ll likely give it a paws-up.
St Mawes Castle Admission
St Mawes Castle Prices are reasonable, especially for an English Heritage site. Adults pay around £8.50, children (aged 5-17) get in for about £5, and under-5s go free. Concessions and family tickets are available too – ideal if you’re bringing the crew. Entry is also free for English Heritage Members, so it might be worth signing up if you’re planning to visit other English Heritage sites in Cornwall.
English Heritage Members Get Free Entry
An English Heritage Membership is a game-changer. As a member, I get free entry to incredible sites all over the UK, including dog friendly gems! It’s saved me a fortune, especially when exploring Cornwall and Devon. Now that I’m in my second year of membership, I get free access to CADW sites in Wales, too! Plus, there are discounts on stays, food, and events.
Membership Prices (2025):
- Individual (18+) – £82 a year (£6.83 per month)
- Senior (65+) – £69 a year (£5.75 per month)
- Joint (2 adults) – £144 a year (£12 per month)
- Family – Same as individual/joint, and kids go free!
- Occasionally, there are special offers on joining.
English Heritage Offer
English Heritage Deals: Get 20% off memberships purchased by direct debit by using the promo code PV20OFF at the checkout. It is valid until 31 December 2025. Making a single membership £57.60 per year and a couple’s membership £100.20. Get yours here.
St Mawes Castle Parking
St Mawes Castle Car Park is small with only 15 spaces. It is free for English Heritage Members or a small pay-and-display fee. There’s also a car park in St Mawes, about a 15-minute walk through the village. On a sunny day in peak season, it’s best to arrive early or consider using the ferry from Falmouth – it’s all part of the coastal adventure!
St Mawes Castle Events
The castle hosts seasonal events, from living history days to open-air theatre. Past performances include theatre performances and family-friendly storytelling. Check the English Heritage website before your visit to see what’s on – you might just time it perfectly.
St Mawes Castle Opening Times
Typically open daily from April to October, from 10am to 5pm. In the off-season, opening times are reduced or the site may close altogether, so be sure to check ahead. Last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing.
Take a Picnic
Devon Hampers sends the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream, and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider, and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs go to St Mawes Castle?
Yes! Dogs on leads are welcome both inside and around the castle grounds.
Who built St Mawes Castle?
It was built by King Henry VIII in the 1540s to defend against invasion.
When was St Mawes Castle built?
Construction began in 1540 and finished around 1545.
Where is St Mawes Castle?
St Mawes Castle is in the town of St Mawes, Cornwall, overlooking the Fal Estuary.
Is St Mawes Castle National Trust?
No – it’s managed by English Heritage, not the National Trust.
What is the St Mawes Castle to Castle swim?
It’s an annual open-water charity swim from St Mawes Castle to Pendennis Castle, around 1.6km across the estuary. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!
St Mawes Castle Tickets?
Available via the English Heritage website, or you can buy them on arrival.
St Mawes Things To Do
There are plenty of things to do in St Mawes. Aside from exploring the castle, St Mawes is a charming Cornish village with:
- A scenic harbour perfect for boat-spotting
- Boutique shops and art galleries
- Gorgeous coastal walks along the Roseland Heritage Coast
- Get the ferry to Falmouth – a chance to spot seals or dolphins if you’re lucky!
- Visit Lamorran Gardens
Restaurants in St Mawes
Post-castle exploring, you’ll need to refuel. The Watch House is a favourite for seafood and sea views. Grab a crab sandwich from St Mawes Seafood Bar, enjoy traditional pub grub at The Victory Inn, or sit with a cocktail and a view at The Rising Sun. St Mawes might be small, but it delivers on the foodie front. Discover the best places to eat in St Mawes.
Get 50% off Food in Cornwall
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Places to Visit Near St Mawes
Looking for things to do near St Mawes? Hop on the St Mawes Ferry to Falmouth and explore the National Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle (for a St Mawes Castle to Pendennis Castle comparison!), or hit the shops. The ferry ride itself is an experience with stunning views of the Fal Estuary.
You’re also not far from Truro – the capital city of Cornwall – visit the iconic Truro Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and wander through the city’s charming streets. Or immerse yourself in the world of cider at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm. Here, you can learn about traditional cider-making processes, sample a range of ciders, and even meet some friendly farm animals.
Trelissic Garden
A short drive away, Trelissick Garden offers glorious riverside walks and lush gardens. The estate features 30 acres of vibrant gardens and 375 acres of parkland and woodland walks, all boasting stunning views over the River Fal. The estate also houses the historic Trelissick House, an art gallery showcasing local Cornish artists, a second-hand bookshop, and the Crofters Café. A ferry service operates from Falmouth via St Mawes during the summer months, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic journey along the Fal River.
National Trust Membership
A National Trust Membership gives you unlimited access to hundreds of historic houses, beautiful gardens, and stunning nature reserves across the UK. It’s totally worth it if you love days out, discovering hidden gems, and getting free parking at most locations. I love our couples membership; it’s only £13.40 per month, and most locations are dog-friendly.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Where To Stay in St Mawes
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
St Mawes Ship and Castle
Want to wake up with views of the harbour and be steps from the castle? We stayed at the Ship and Castle Hotel, which offers dog-friendly rooms with serious sea-view perks. We were upgraded to a balcony room overlooking the harbour — our dog absolutely loved people-watching and boat-spotting from his new favourite spot. The room was clean and modern, and he had space for his bed and bowls, plus essentials like a coffee pod machine and good WiFi. Parking’s easy too, with a nearby pay-and-display just a minute away (only £6 for 24 hours).
Holiday Cottages
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts, and manor houses, which are perfect for self-catering holidays.
🐾 Dog friendly
Cornish Days Out
There are so many unusual things to do in St Mawes; it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or just exploring solo, this charming Cornish town has something for everyone. So, venture off the beaten path the next time you visit and enjoy these unique activities.
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