St Mawes

St Mawes Beach is a memorable stretch of Cornwall coast near St Mawes, known for its sand, Atlantic light and easy access to the sea. Depending on the tide and weather, it can feel either wild and dramatic or calm enough for a slower beach day, with coastal paths and cliff views adding to the appeal.

Across the water from Pendennis, St Mawes Castle is Henry VIII's most decorative coastal fortress — a clover-leaf design of three overlapping circular bastions that is both visually distinctive and militarily sophisticated. The castle never fired in anger (it surrendered to Parliamentarians without a shot in 1646) and survives in remarkable condition, its interiors largely intact.

St Mawes Harbour is one of those Cornish places that works both as a base and as an attraction in its own right, with enough character to justify a detour near St Mawes. Harbour life, local food, sea air and the surrounding walks usually matter as much as any single sight.