Holiday rentals in St Mawes

Sitting at the tip of the Roseland Peninsula is the idyllic harbourside village of St Mawes — a popular destination for coastal walks, wildlife spotting, and fun on the water. The town lies within Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, for its picture-postcard coastal landscapes, sheltered coves, and three stunning beaches. The popular Summers Beach is protected from the open waters, offering calm, clear waves lapping over a shingled shoreline — ideal for swimming and kayaking. The village sits in the shadow of the historic St Mawes Castle, with cafes serving afternoon tea, fine restaurants showcasing the day’s catch and other local seafood, traditional English pubs, and a selection of interesting shops and galleries.

This part of Cornwall is well known for its beautiful coastal walks, including St Mawes Headland Walk, offering scenic views around the castle and across the headland to the town of Falmouth. The spectacular St Anthony Coastal Walk is a four-mile circuit around St Anthony’s Head just across St Mawes. The walk takes in historical sites, including a lighthouse, a wartime battery, and the untouched beaches of Porthbeor, with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.

St Mawes is milder all year round than the rest of the United Kingdom, and summer temperatures can rival those of the Mediterranean, which is comfortable for spending time at the beach. The sun can be intense, so you’ll want to pack a hat and sunscreen. The spring and autumn months are possibly the most pleasant times to visit when you can expect mild temperatures for enjoying scenic coastal walks. Be aware that you might experience some rain mixed in with sunny days.

In October, the Falmouth Oyster Festival is a highlight, featuring cooking demonstrations by top chefs, live music, and plenty of fresh oysters. A winter visit will still be greeted by cold weather and the chance of rain. If you enjoy sitting by a warm fire in a holiday cottage while watching the weather pass, then winter in St Mawes could be for you.

St Mawes Headland Walk

Explore St Mawes along the 3.5-mile Headland Walk, which starts from the harbour and takes you past St Mawes Castle, where you’ll enjoy views of the historic fortress from many angles. The trail continues along the headland, where stunning views of the village of Falmouth across the headland will be your reward. The walk also takes in St Mawes village itself, where you can browse the shops and galleries or stop by a cafe for a spot of afternoon tea.

St Mawes Castle

The historic St Mawes Castle is one of the best-preserved — and most beautifully decorated — coastal fortresses in the United Kingdom. Inside you’ll find displays and exhibits offering an insight into the castle’s 450-year history. You can also wander around the landscaped gardens and search for the historic carvings on the castle walls, which were odes to kings of the past. The views of the sea and passing ships are also spectacular.

Ferry to Falmouth

The ferry ride across the headland to Falmouth is one of Cornwall’s most iconic boat journeys. The 20-minute trip takes in the beautiful scenery of Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. When you arrive in Falmouth, there is much to do, including trips to the award-winning Maritime Museum or Cornwall's largest fortress, Pendennis Castle. The ferry runs every day, except Christmas Day, from St Mawes Harbour.