St Mawes is a small village opposite Falmouth, on the Roseland Peninsula.
St Mawes lies on the east bank of the Carrick Roads. It was once a busy fishing port, but the trade declined during the 20th century and it now serves mainly as a popular tourist location, with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Many properties in the village function as holiday accommodation.
St Mawes is perfectly suited for travel to and from by boat. It’s well connected to Falmouth with frequently running passenger ferries. Ferries also run across the river to Place, in St Anthony in Roseland, allowing visitors to explore the coast towards St Anthony’s Lighthouse and beyond.
If driving to St Mawes from the Falmouth side of the river it’s best to use the King Harry Ferry, as the drive around through Truro is quite a long route in comparison.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Lifeguards not available
- Dogs allowed (All year)
- 5 minute walk from carpark
History of St Mawes
St Mawes is a small town located on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall. The town has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Bronze Age when it was used as a trading port for tin and copper mining.
In the medieval period, St Mawes was a strategic location for military purposes, and a castle was built to protect the harbour. The castle was later expanded and strengthened during the reign of Henry VIII and played a significant role in defending the coast during the English Civil War.
During the 19th century, St Mawes became a popular destination for tourists, who were drawn to the town’s scenic beauty and mild climate. Many wealthy families built holiday homes in the area, which helped to boost the local economy and establish St Mawes as a popular holiday destination.
Today, St Mawes is a charming coastal town that still retains much of its historic character. The castle and other historic buildings attract visitors from all over the world, while the town’s stunning harbour and beautiful beaches continue to make it a popular tourist destination.
Travel / Parking information for St Mawes
Directions to St Mawes
To reach St Mawes via the King Harry Ferry, head towards Truro on the A39, then follow signs to Trelissick and the ferry. Alternatively, drive directly to St Mawes via Truro by taking the A390 to Tregony, and then the B3289 down to St Mawes, winding through the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. The village is also accessible via a regular ferry service from Falmouth, offering a scenic route across the water.
Parking for St Mawes
Parking in St Mawes is available at the main car park located near the harbor, which offers both short and long-term parking options. This central car park is convenient for accessing local shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. Due to the village’s popularity, especially in the summer months, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Watch an aerial video of St Mawes, Cornwall
St Mawes is a small village opposite Falmouth, on the Roseland Peninsula. The village itself and the surrounding area is a Mecca for boating and yachting. St Mawes boasts three boatyards with numerous moorings and anchorages for visiting yachtsman in and around the Roseland Peninsula.