Cornish destination has been named one of the most beautiful places to visit in England by The Times
Tucked away on Cornwall’s picturesque Roseland peninsula lies St Mawes, a charming village that boasts pristine waters, a historic fortress and rows of vibrant cottages – everything you need for the perfect day out.
Recently hailed as one of ‘the most beautiful places to visit’ in England by The Times, property prices here will make your eyes water at an average of £2.2million, according to Rightmove.
Yet with its 16th Century fortress steeped in the turbulent era of Henry VIII’s reign, an array of exquisite hotels and breathtaking coastal walks, it’s easy to understand why this fishing community captivates visitors.
St Mawes Castle stands out with its distinctive circular design, featuring a cloverleaf layout and four-storey tower that once safeguarded the Fal estuary.
From the castle grounds, visitors can glimpse across to Falmouth on bright, clear days, reports the Express.
Awarding it five stars, one TripAdvisor visitor wrote: “St Mawes is a small round castle some might even say picturesque, situated on a headland above the village of St Mawes with unrestricted views of the Fal estuary to Falmouth itself.
“The castle is essentially one big gun emplacement with cannon on the foreshore in front of the castle and on the battlements. Inside the castle there are plenty of information points so you get a really good picture of what life was like.
“There are a number of circular stairways that allow you to get to the top of the castle and down to the kitchen and troop living areas.
“The views of the Fal from the top of the castle are great. Which gives you the clear picture of why it was such a great defensive portion and twinned with Pendennis covered the entrance to Falmouth.”
Those wanting to build excitement before reaching the castle can enjoy a scenic, circular ramble on the Roseland peninsula to St Mawes castle from the Celtic Holy Well and the gardens of St Just’s Church.
These verdant sub-tropical gardens burst with palm trees and granite walkways, with the exotic flora thriving thanks to the gentle local weather.
You’ll then stroll alongside Carrick Roads past Europe’s final fishery catching oysters using only sailing vessels.
The six-mile trek concludes at the fortress. For those preferring aquatic routes, ferries to St Mawes offer spectacular coastal vistas.
Regular boat services run to Falmouth year-round, whilst summer brings a smaller ferry crossing to Place on the Percuil River’s southern bank.
From Falmouth, river boats also travel upstream to the National Trust’s Trelissick estate, according to Visit Cornwall.
Maritime enthusiasts will find St Mawes sailing club central to community life. Organising competitive races and evening gatherings that welcome neighbouring clubs along the Fal and across the Roseland Peninsula, there’s frequently an occasion to witness.
The town’s traditional regatta occurs in late July or early August and boasts more than 120 years of history.