St Mawes Castle is the smaller, prettier sister of Pendennis on the opposite side of the Carrick Roads — a Henrician artillery fort built in the 1540s in a clover-leaf design (one of the most elegant pieces of military architecture from the period in England). It defended the harbour entrance with Pendennis and is now best reached via the foot-passenger ferry from Falmouth, which makes the trip into a proper river-and-castle outing.
Visitor essentials
- Address: Castle Drive, St Mawes, Truro, TR2 5DE, Cornwall
- Operator: English Heritage — live opening hours and prices
- OS map: OS Explorer 105 — Falmouth & MevagisseyBuy from OS →
What to expect on a family visit
Half a day if you take the ferry; less if you drive. The ferry from Falmouth Prince of Wales Pier runs every 30 minutes in summer and the round trip is part of the experience. The castle itself is small and walks-around in an hour. St Mawes village has good lunch options. EH members free; non-members ticketed.
Planning your visit to St Mawes Castle
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures vary across the year. Check the live page on English’s own website for the day you are planning to visit — this is the only authoritative source.
Stocking up before your visit? The English Heritage Shop has site guides, gifts and books — free UK delivery on orders over £65.
Correct as of 28 April 2026 — please check before you travel, especially on Bank Holidays, Easter and between Christmas and New Year.
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