St Mawes is a rare thing in Cornwall — a charming village which has not yet been spoilt by the huge influx of tourists that arrive every summer. Yes, it, and the surrounding countryside, have appeared in several series of Poldark; yes, it’s got a number of excellent restaurants, but it’s still home to a living seafaring community, with plenty of local sailing vessels in the harbour. So if you’re looking for a ‘proper’ Cornish experience you could do a lot worse than opting for one of the best places to stay in St Mawes! Some of our recommendations are still owned and operated by local folk, from the warm and welcoming B&Bs to an impressive restaurant-with-rooms.
St Mawes is blessed with a picturesque view: across the mouth of the River Fal to Falmouth on one side, and out to sea in the other directions. 16th century built St Mawes Castle overlooks the coast on the opposite side of the river to Falmouth. It’s one of the village's main attractions, a fine example of Tudor military architecture in three huge, circular bastions with gun ports and impressive defensive walls.
St Mawes' two very good beaches are family friendly, and the local tennis courts and sailing club can easily be accessed by non-members. The ferry across to Falmouth, and the National Maritime Museum, makes for a fun day out: Falmouth is a chirpy Cornish centre, with a lively set of shops, cafes and bars, including plenty of places worth poking your nose into on a damp day. St Mawes is also a ferry trip from the famous St. Anthony’s lighthouse, on the eastern entrance of Falmouth Harbour, and an excellent base out of which to explore the pretty villages and hamlets of the Roseland Peninsula.
As with the majority of Cornwall's coastal towns and villages, the best places to stay in St Mawes are extremely busy during the peak summer months. If you're planning a visit in either July or August, get organised and book well ahead!
