St Mawes Castle

St Mawes Castle is located a pleasant 10 - 15 minute walk from the village centre along the sea wall. It is one of the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses, and the most elaborately decorated. It was built between 1539 and 1545 as part of a chain of forts to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain. St Mawes would have guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads.

The castle's highlights include its charming clover-leaf shape, which was originally surrounded by octagonal defences, and the Latin inscriptions in praise of King Henry VIII and his son Edward VI. 

There are stunning sea views from the top of the castle keep and beautiful grounds which stretch down to the Fal Estuary.Read more