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St Mawes Castle

Exterior view in Summer
Exterior view in Summer (c) English Heritage photo library
Exterior view - Exterior view (c) Exterior view in Summer - Exterior view in Summer (c) exterior view with gun in foreground - exterior view with gun in foreground (c) General View from north - General View from north (c) St Mawes Castle - View of the castle overlooking the sea (c) St Mawes Castle (c) English Heritage - The gardens with the castle in the background (c) The castle with the gardens in the foreground - The castle with the gardens in the foreground (c) View from the Beach - View from the Beach (c)

The best preserved and most elaborately decorated of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, St Mawes was built to counter invasion threats from France and Spain. Its counterpart is Pendennis, on the other side of the Fal estuary.

The clover-leaf shaped fort fell easily to landward attack by Parliamentarian forces in 1646, and was not properly refortified until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other coastal forts built by Henry VIII include Portland, Deal and Walmer Castles.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar-30 Jun10am-5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug10am-6pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sun.
1-30 Sep10am-5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sun.
1-31 Oct10am-4pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov-31 Mar10am-4pmMon, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Property may close at 4pm on Fridays and Sundays for private events.  
Closed on Saturdays, April to September inclusive  
Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan  
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.00
Children:
£2.00
Concession:
£3.20
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Cornwall - TR2 5DE
Road Access:
In St Mawes on A3078
Train Access:
Penmere (Falmouth), 4 miles via Prince of Wales Pier and ferry
Bus Access:
Truronian T50 - St Mawes to within 1⁄2 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
01326 270526

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
ParkingBaby changing facilitiesGuidebooksDogs allowed on leadsAudio tours (included in admission price)ShopPicnic areaHoliday CottagesCivil WeddingsHazardousFamily LearningAvailable to hire for corporate and private eventsAdmission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holdersMale ToiletsFemale Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: One adapted WC.
Shop: Level access via a shallow step.
Refreshments: Drinks and ice creams available from shop. Picnics welcome in gardens.
Access:
Access to castle: Level access for wheelchair users through shop and across drawbridge into main entrance floor. Battlements and bastions not accessible, and spiral staircase to other floors is narrow.
Gardens: Reached through side door via large, wide steps. All parts including defences are accessible on impacted gravel paths and smooth grass slopes. Benches. Excellent viewpoints.
Parking:
Near entrance; there are steps with handrail down to the entrance and slopes for wheelchairs. Help available.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Sounds of seabirds; a few scented plants in gardens.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1326 270526.
Group Booking:
Free parking for 2 coaches, 600 metres from the site entrance
Average Length of Visit:
1 1/2 hours

Further Info

Dogs on leads only in the grounds

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