Beaches in St Mawes

With the whole of the Roseland peninsula at your fingertips, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beach days in and around St Mawes. Throw in all of the beaches around Falmouth and you’ve got the pick of the litter for days amidst sun, sand, and sea in South Cornwall.

Summers beach – If you’re not wanting to wander too far from your beautiful St Mawes holiday home, then a short stroll down to Summers beach is the way to go. This small but sheltered beach is perfect for some peaceful sunbathing in between copious amounts of ice cream thanks to the nearby shops.

Idles beach – Dog-friendly all year round and as close to the shops and cafés of St Mawes as you can get, Idles beach really is the perfect place for dozing on the sand as you watch pretty boats dip in and out of the harbour. In other words, it’s the perfect place for being idle.

Tavern beach – Located to the right of St Mawes near the castle, this little beach is great for a spot of leisurely swimming thanks to the turquoise waters and swimming pontoon. Pack up a lunch filled with goodies from the local shops and head off for a balmy day by the sea.

Things to do in St Mawes

It might be small, but there’s no shortage of holiday defining things to do in St Mawes, whether it’s shopping for holiday mementoes or soaking up that vitamin sea anyway you can.

Shops – With most shops on the waterside, shopping in St Mawes is fantastically linear meaning you can browse along at your own pace while enjoying the sea views. From eclectic boutiques like Grace & Favour that sell lovely little trinkets for your home and wardrobe, to Fudge&More where you can fill your suitcase with as much fudge as you can carry!

Boat trips – Forget the car when visiting St Mawes, from this seafaring spot you can catch a ferry to Falmouth, Truro, and Place so you don’t have to start the engine once! Fancy a bit of fishing? Head out to sea with Fish & Trips and see how many mackerel you can bring home for dinner.

Watersports – When you spend your days looking out at the clear blue waters around St Mawes, it’s only a matter of time before you swap the land for the sea. Kayaks and SUP boards are there for those who want to earn their oceanic adventures while motorboats give you the chance to sail the open seas with ease. Head along the coast or up the Carrick Roads estuary for a tranquil river voyage.

St Mawes Castle – Steeped in beauty and history, St Mawes Castle is a must-visit whether you’re a history buff or you just enjoy a good view. Walk around Henry VIII’s impressive coastal artillery fortress while keeping an eye out for the elaborate decorations and stunning grounds that lead you all the way down to the Fal estuary.

Walks – When visiting St Mawes, walking boots have to be on the top of the packing list as there are some truly incredible routes with unparalleled views. Head along the South West Coast Path for that hit of blue therapy or wind your way inland to discover the green pastures and rolling hills of the area. St Mawes to St Just is a particularly stunning walk that combines a little bit of everything.

Dining out – Whether you’re in the mood for fresh bread or a piping hot pasty from St Mawes Bakery, tasty essentials like seasonal produce and wines from Mr Scorse Gourmet Deli & Wines or a slap-up meal with a sea view at The Idle Rocks Restaurant, St Mawes has something for every taste, occasion and time of day.

What's on in St Mawes

St Mawes is at the epicentre of some terrific annual events, whether it's carnivals right on your doorstep or huge celebrations that are a mere hop, skip and ferry ride away.

St Mawes Town Regatta – Kicking off August with some marine-inspired fun, St Mawes Town Regatta is a long-standing tradition for locals and holidaymakers alike. Watch the races (some more serious than others) or take part in some of the shore-based games as you soak up the atmosphere of this much-loved annual celebration.

St Mawes Carnival Week – As the regatta comes to a close, the festivities in St Mawes continue with a week-long and village-wide celebration. From fun runs to sea swims and quizzes to SUP races, there’s no limit to the fun-filled week, which draws visitors from all over the place. Take part or enjoy life as a spectator, it’s up to you!

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival – Flowing drinks, great music, and an electric atmosphere have cemented Falmouth’s Sea Shanty Festival in the hearts of many as the harbourside comes alive with music from the sea. Bands from all over the place assemble in June to join the toe-tapping fun while locals and visitors get swept up in the musical frivolities.  

Falmouth Week – Another week of festivities, Falmouth Week has fast become one of the top events in Cornwall. Starting things off in style, a pink wig parade raises money and awareness for breast cancer while the rest of the merry week includes markets, incredible live music and an almost constantly decorated sky thanks to the Red Arrows and firework displays.

Getting around

Although the roads to St Mawes and along the Roseland peninsula are some of the most scenic drives in Cornwall, this sea-edged village can easily become a car-free holiday in Cornwall thanks to the many ferries that operate in and around the area. Park the car up upon arrival and don’t touch it again until it’s time to go home! If you’re visiting for the day, there is a big car park at the centre of the village by the harbour that offers short stay tickets while the car park behind The Rising Sun is great for those wanting a longer visit.