About
St Mawes Castle guards the entrance to Carrick Roads opposite its sister fortress, Pendennis, forming part of Henry VIII's coastal defences. Its cloverleaf plan, rounded bastions and carved inscriptions make this a particularly distinctive artillery castle, with sea views and passing ships providing a backdrop to the stonework. Look for inscriptions praising Henry and Edward VI, then explore the collection of 15 historic guns and cannons. A model and hands-on activities help children make sense of the decoration and defences. The gardens occupy several levels, with benches overlooking the water and space for a picnic. Dogs on leads are welcome. Reviewers repeatedly single out the estuary views and the setting, while warning that the steps and steep paths can be demanding. Wear shoes suitable for uneven surfaces and allow for the descent from the car parks. The shop sells snacks and drinks, and the passenger ferry from Falmouth offers another way to reach St Mawes village.
OpenSee all times
- St Mawes Castle10:00 – 17:00
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open daily 10am-5pm until 24 October 2026; daily 10am-4pm from 25 October to 1 November. Closed from 2 November to 20 December in the current calendar. Check the official calendar for later dates and event exceptions.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card; National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary visits; special events may have separate arrangements.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is extremely restricted, although the shop and courtyard can be reached. There are no ramps or lifts; paths include loose gravel, grass, slopes and steps. Pushchairs should be left in the inner courtyard.
PricingFree with English Heritage membershipEH memberFree entryNon-member£10.90
Free entry with English Heritage membership
Entry
Non-member prices
Adult£10.90
Child (5-17)£5.40
Concession£10.00
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£27.20
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)£16.30
Pricing details
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation; varies by date. Book by midnight the day before to save 15%. Children under 5 enter free. Adult walk-up range: £10.00 off-peak to £12.70 peak. EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card; National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary visits; special events may have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation; varies by date. Book by midnight the day before to save 15%. Children under 5 enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card; National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary visits; special events may have separate arrangements.
ParkingParking not known
The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.
Parking details
On-site upper and lower car parks: charged for non-members and free for EH members. The current charge is not confirmed. The upper car park has 15 spaces and two accessible bays; steps and a steep road lead to the entrance.
EH supplies these sat-nav coordinates for visitor arrival. Use the signed visitor parking or lawful nearby spaces described by EH, then continue on foot; the attraction Google listing is stored separately.
Reviews & TipsNo reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
