St Mawes is known as the gem on the Roseland Peninsula. The village lies a short ferry trip away from the walks across National Trust managed land to St Anthony Head and the beaches of Porthbeor and Towan. There are also regular ferries to Falmouth town centre and the Maritime Museum.
Numerous footpaths in the area make Seagulls an excellent base for walkers. The area offers a variety of walks from long treks for experienced walkers to more gentle strolls for those with young children. Most walks are on National Trust managed lands and include tree lined paths and stunning sea views.
If looking to explore the history of the local area, the Castles of St Mawes and Pendennis are nearby, as is the secretive church of St Just.
For eating and drinking, St Mawes and the local towns and villages offer plenty of places to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, these include friendly pubs, small cafes and boutique hotel restaurants. Within St Mawes there are two pubs, a bakery and a cafe that offer traditional cream teas, as well as Cornish pasties; there is also a deli, a fish and chip shop and ice cream parlour.
St Mawes Castle was built in 1538 by Henry VIII, is now owned and managed by the English Heritage. Located on the western point of the village of St Mawes the castle is open throughout most of the year.
St Mawes still has an active fishing fleet made up of small trawlers and crabbing boats with much of what is caught by these boats ending up at local restaurants, pubs and the local wet fish shop. Anglers can also fish off St Mawes with a good length of the shoreside to choose a spot for fishing, as well as fishing trips available in the summer months.
The annual Fish Festival at St Mawes is organised by local fishermen and businesses and gives visitors the opportunity to taste some of the locally caught fish and shellfish. The festival is held every September.
Looking to hire a boat whilst in St Mawes? A small motor boat can be hired at the Freshwater Boatyard with their 5.5 metre bass boat perfect for exploring the local rivers and creeks. Place Ferry also has some small boats that are available to hire.
Sailing is a popular water sport at St Mawes with its own sailing club and races run throughout the year. The harbour at St Mawes offers both short and long term moorings and sailing excursions are on offer.
Kayaking has become an ever increasingly popular water sport in St Mawes and you can hire a kayak from St Mawes Kayaks.
The sub tropical gardens at Lamorran in St Mawes are open for most of the year. The gardens have a large collection of rhododendrons and azaleas and have some of the most beautiful views of St Anthony’s Head.
At the top of the St Mawes main village car park is the recreational grounds, which are home to a tennis court and children's play area. The tennis court can be booked at the local Tourist Information Centre.
Just a short ferry ride away from the village of St Mawes is Falmouth, a town known for its maritime history, as well as its stunning coastal scenery, beaches, water sports and close ties with arts and culture.
The county town of Truro is within easy reach of St Mawes and well worth a visit. The town has some excellent shops, as well as many pubs and restaurants. Attractions in Truro include the cathedral, the Royal Cornwall Museum, Coinage and City Hall and the Passmore Edwards Library.
St Mawes is the perfect setting for walkers with footpaths to suit all abilities within easy reach. Guided walks around St Mawes are a great way to learn about the local area and see the scenery. The walks are held most Wednesdays mornings from early April through to early October.
