St Mawes Castle
St Mawes, Cornwall TR2 3AA. Tel 01326 270526
Facilities: Picnics welcome. Gift shop. Souvenir guide available. Toilets. Parking.
How to get there.
Road: in St Mawes on A3078.
Foot: Ferry: St Mawes Ferry Company from Falmouth, Prince of Wales Pier
(Tel: 01326 - 313234).
Car: via King Harry Ferry at Feock on B3289 (Tel: 01872 - 862312).
Map Reference: SW 842328
The dramatic Cornish coastline around St Mawes was used as the setting for the popular television series Poldark. The impressive St Mawes Castle, built between 1539 and 1545 just adds to the drama of this evocative landscape. From the castle at St Mawes there are fine views across the estuary towards Falmouth and Pendennis Castle, and of the pretty fishing village of St Mawes itself with its little boat-filled harbour, the passenger ferry tracking across the Fal, and the splendid coastline. St Mawes is also the start of some delightful walks along the coastal path.
Henry VIII, built St Mawes and its larger sister castle, Pendennis, as part of a defensive chain of fortresses to protect the south coast of England. St Mawes was built half way down the hillside on the eastern shore of the River Fal estuary to provide protection to the large inland expanse of water known as the Carrick Roads. St Mawes was constructed with a central tower overlooking three huge circular bastions attached on the sides in a clover leaf pattern, providing a wide area for gun placements, with gun ports covering every angle of approach to the estuary.
St Mawes is one of the finest examples of Tudor military architecture, being one of the most decorated of Henry VIII's castle forts. The castles stonework was embellished with string courses, elaborately carved gargoyles and detailed windows. The Royal Coat of Arms is carved into the stonework above the entrance, with more carved inscriptions throughout the interior of the castle, proclaiming loyalty to Henry and the Crown.
The central tower was designed with four floors. You enter the tower by a bridge to the third level. The elaborate decorations were continued inside the tower, with wooden carvings of a cherub, a monk, Tudor roses and fleur-de-lis surviving to the present day. The gun platforms at St Mawes, were like Pendennis well designed, with the towers upper gun deck being built with ventilation shafts above the gun placements to disperse the smoke. The forward gun room at the castle has several canons on display to the general public; you can still see the sockets in the walls that held the large beams to support the gun tackle needed to manoeuvre the large cannon.
St Mawes, like its neighbour Pendennis did not see action against the French or the Spanish during the Tudor period. The defences were improved by Elizabeth I in preparation for a full scale invasion, following the Spanish landings and raid on Penzance and Mounts Bay in 1595; but this never materialised. St Mawes was a Royalist stronghold - along with Pendennis - during the English Civil War. The Royalist commander at St. Mawes, realising the castles inherent vulnerability from a land attack being located part way down the hillside - surrendered to the Roundheads shortly after being confronted. The castle at Pendennis commanded by Sir John Arundel and assisted by Sir Henry Killigrew, was in a much better strategic position, perched securely on top of the hill and although completely cut off by Parliamentarian forces, resisted the siege for six months.
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for accommodation in St Mawes- main listing
Heritage - Character properties in the St Mawes
Area
Self Catering
A rural idyll perfectly situated on the upper reaches of the River Fal in the heart of the Roseland Peninsula. The three cottages are ideally positioned to visit the beaches and villages of the Roseland as well as Cornwall’s many other attractions. 3 cottages sleeping 2 - 5 people |
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Self Catering
If you are looking for somewhere to stay that is totally relaxing, peaceful and quiet then look no further. Two superbly finished luxury holiday properties that are within easy reach of all the amenities and facilities of the Roseland Peninsular and the surrounding villages. Sleeps 6 |
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Self Catering
The Hut (Sleeps 6), in the heart of the Roseland Peninsula. Situated in an acre of its own gardens .'The Hut' offers quiet relaxing beautiful surroundings. It is approached through quiet country lanes and is directly on a National Trust coastal footpath. It has a wonderful garden and splendid sea views. |
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Self Catering
12 suites/apartments (with discreet mini kitchens) in large Georgian house. Overlooking Gerrans Bay, nr Portscatho, and a short stroll to the beach. |
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Self Catering
A great place for one family to really spread out and enjoy - big enough for two families to share comfortably.... There is also a large sunny enclosed walled garden, to relax and play in. Tregony is a charming village set in the midst of rolling countryside at the top of the Roseland Peninsula. Sleeps 8 |
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Hotel
A highly rated 3 star hotel with 2 AA rosette restaurant in one of Cornwall's most idyllic waterside locations on the beautiful Roseland peninsula, tastefully decorated with individually appointed bedrooms and a personal and friendly service from a dedicated team. |
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Self Catering
A newly converted, cosy cottage for two with a wealth of timber features, tucked away from the main village street and enjoying lovely views over the Fal valley. It is ideally situated both for the Roseland's beautiful coastline and visiting the main Cornish attractions. Sleeps 2 |
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Self Catering
A stylish, luxury two bedroom apartment in the picturesque harbourside village of St Mawes. Situated a stone's throw from the beach. Sleeps four. Stunning sea views from roof sun ter e. |
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Self Catering
A substantial stone barn complex set around a courtyard with the stables opposite still in use. The barns have been beautifully and tastefully converted into self catering cottages. |
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Bed & Breakfast
AA**** Rated En-suite bed & breakfast accommodation. Elerkey is a wonderful, relaxing base from which to explore Cornwall. A warm welcome awaits everyone to our family run guest house set in its own beautiful grounds, one mile approx. from Beaches & Coastal Paths. |
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Self Catering
Alba House is very modern and comfortable with large airy rooms. It has been put together with an eye for quality and makes the most of its elevated position and excellent view.Alba House benefits from having a completely separate self contained studio at one end of the building. |
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Bed & Breakfast
Alison and Michael Rawling have owned Treverbyn House since 1998 it has a four star Visit Britain rating. All rooms ensuite. Open all year. One mile from lovely beaches & coast, Truro - 12 miles, St. Mawes - 8 miles Within easy reach of The Eden Project and The Lost gardens of Heligan |
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Self Catering
An immaculately presented fully double glazed bungalow in Veryan in the heart of the Roseland Peninsula. Sleeps five.All attractions within easy reach Lovely beaches 1 mile, Truro 12, St. Mawes 8 - Sleeps 5 |
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Self Catering
Arrallas Farm provides the perfect place for a relaxing, comfortable and peaceful break. Our well equipped cottages provide a homely base from which to explore all that Cornwall has to offer. Cottages Sleep 6 and8 |
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Self Catering
Brookfield is a large semi detached house located in the quaint village of Tregony on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. It is well equipped providing for your every need whilst on holiday in this popular part of Cornwall. Sleeps 8+cot. Available June - August incl. |
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Self Catering
Enjoy stunning sea views from your own private balcony with one of Cornwall Waterfront Homes two exclusive luxury apartments located on the harbour front in St. Mawes. It's the perfect location to relax and unwind! |
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Bed & Breakfast
Expect a warm welcome at Trevenna! - A very comfortable house with en-suite rooms set in the heart of Cornwall. Fifteen minutes from Truro, it is ideally situated for the beautiful north and south coastlines, Heligan and The Eden Project. |
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Self Catering
Garden Cottage is delightfully spacious and is comfortably furnished and equipped to a high standard. Away from the main village making a peaceful location. Tregony is situated at the gateway to the Roseland Peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty, with many picturesque villages and miles of unspoilt coastline. |
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Self Catering
Gorgeous Cornish holiday cottage offering superb standards of comfort. Rayburn heated kitchen, woodburner in living room. Ideally situated for exploring Eden and Heligan. North and south coastlines within easy reach. Sleeps 5 |
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Self Catering
Just moments from the attractive harbour and the beach - The Old Bakehouse is in the centre of the pretty village of St Mawes . Completely refurbished and redecorated in 2010.The Old Bakehouse offers convenient and comfortable accommodation for up to five guests. It is close to local amenities and to the regular ferry sailings to Falmouth and Place. |
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Self Catering
Luxury self catering apartment with stunning estuary views, roof garden surrounded by safety rails, a lovely, relaxing area to take in the panoramic views with an evening drink or morning coffee. Sleeps 4. |
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Self Catering
Mermaid Cottage forms part of a terrace of very old fisherman's cottages built right into the rocks on the north side of Portmellon Cove. Its situation, with commanding views overlooking the sea, is quite magical and second to none. |
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Self Catering
Messack Farm is a spectacular, peaceful location away from roads etc.Good walking, close to beaches,attractions such as Eden, Heligan & NT. Ideal spot for children to run free. |
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Self Catering
Offering deluxe self catering accommodation set within 85 acres of rolling pasture, arable and woodland. Vose Farm is an ideal holiday destination for families or couples seeking somewhere to relax and get away from it all. An ideal location to explore all that Cornwall has to offer. |
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Self Catering
Pelyn Creek Cottage - Sleeps 4. Beautiful location set in 18 acres of valley beside a creek, which is an inlet from the Percuil River on the Roseland Peninsula. The perfect tranquil location for your holiday in Cornwall |
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Bed & Breakfast
Penhesken Farm is a working Dairy Farm situated in a quiet location on the beautiful Roseland Penninsular. We have two very spacious bedrooms, one is ensuite and the other has it's own newly refurbished private bathroom. |
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Bed & Breakfast
Quality B&B in a unique, listed 17th century cottage. We are 5 miles fromTruro and offer en suite rooms and flexible breakfast arrangements, which
rely on our own free range eggs, home baking and other local produce. |
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Hotel
Quiet relaxing holidays in our 200 year old hotel on the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula. Award winning licensed restaurant, en-suite bedrooms |
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Self Catering
Self catering cottage sleeping 4 adults, ideally located for touring Cornwall, yet nestling in a quiet and relaxing location only 3 minutes walk from the sea. |
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Bed & Breakfast
Set in extensive grounds with an orchard, small stream, garden and children's play area. It is situated just a short drive from Gorran Haven and the fishing port of Mevagissey. |
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Self Catering
Sitting on top of a sandy beach with long reaching coastal views. Just converted (summer 2004) into a beautifully furnished holiday cottage, with views across the pond with its many types of wild life. Pond Meadow Cottage sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms. |
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Self Catering
Situated 5 minutes walk from the picturesque harbour in Mevagissey, with its interesting shops and restaurants, in an area designated to be of outstanding beauty. This two bedroomed ottage is spacious, light and airy, yet parts of it date back to the 1700's. |
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Self Catering
Superb modern apartment. Stunning panoramic views of National Trust coastline. Sleeps four in great comfort. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms. 100m to picturesque beach. Perfect for relaxing, sailing, swimming and walking |
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Bed & Breakfast
The Ancient Shipbrokers sits in the centre of the lovely historic village of Pentewan over looking the beautiful fresh water harbour on one side and one of the best sandy beaches in Cornwall on the other. A haven of tranquillity nestling between the sea and rolling fields. |
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Self Catering
The last Cottage in the village, up above the sea on the south east side. Cliffs and sea at the doorstep. Lying in bed you can watch the fishermen in the harbour below or look far out to sea. A lovely comfortable, atmospheric place to stay. Because of the proximity to the sea this cottage may be unsuitable for toddlers. Sleeps 4 |
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Self Catering
The Roseland Barns offer luxury accommodation for six and four people. They are perfectly located for a relaxing or activity holiday at any time of year. Surrounded by open countryside, very close to many safe and sandy beaches of the Roseland Peninsula |
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Self Catering
This delightful 1825 Victorian Terraced Cottage has traditional slate floors, timeless features and great character. With views stretching across the rooftops to the sea. The picturesque harbour only 4 minutes walk. An excellent base to explore the wonderful Cornish Coastline and beyond |
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Self Catering
This is a fine and comfy Victorian cottage right on the sea front. It has a nice old fashioned feel, but is newly decorated and comfortably furnished.. The sea is the other side of the wall in front of the cottage. Sleeps 6 |
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Self Catering
Tredeanne sleeps 4/5, and has superb view across Gerrans Bay towards Porthscatho and the Lizard. An ideal base for exploring all that Cornwall has to offer, or just enjoying a relaxing break. There are many local walks and the South West Coastal Path is virtually on your doorstep. |
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Self Catering
Treetops is a beautifully presented timber cabin set in an idyllic, sunny valley far away from the madding crowd, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the nearest beach is only a mile away. Sleeps 2 |
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Self Catering
Trelagossick Farm is a traditional working dairy farm on the Roseland Peninsula. All 3 self-catering cottages are situated in peaceful countryside and have superb country views. The coast is just 3 miles away and offers fine coastal walks and safe sandy beaches. Ample parking, linen and towels /laundry facilities are provided for all 3 cottages. Cot available. |
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Camping + Caravans + Tourers + Self Catering
Treloan is a friendly, relaxed family-run campsite and a perfect base for watersports, fishing and walking. Discover sandy beaches along the
picturesque South West Coastal Path. Family friendly pubs and traditional cream teas can be found in Portscatho and Gerrans, along with shops, art
galleries and a Post Office. |
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Self Catering + Camping
Trewince Manor on south coast of Cornwall, self catering and Timeshare holiday accommodation: a well-kept secret in this hidden part of England |
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Bed & Breakfast
Two beautiful unique properties each having breakfast served with fresh local produce, yet both having the luxury of a self catering feel. Situated in Veryan Green on the Roseland Peninsula with stunning coastal views and walks. |
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Self Catering
WINNER SELF CATERING HOLIDAY OF 2004 , 4 stylish yet homely award winning cottages in an idyllic rural location yet minutes from stunning sandy beaches and coast path. All Weather Tennis Court, wildlife lake, donkeys, home cooked meals service. Something for everyone. |
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Tel: 07885 573 848 |
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