St Mawes situated on the Fal estuary  has a long and varied history. The Fal Estuarys deep water and sheltered anchorage, have been of strategic importance to the defense of Britain, since Tudor times. Any enemy securing the Estuary could easily land an army on the mainland. Henry VIII recognized this threat, and built the Pendennis and St Mawes Castles on opposite sides of the Estuary to protect the anchorage. Thus began one of the most fascinating stories of British Coastal defense spanning 450 years. St Mawes Castle, like Pendennis Castle was principally built as a sea defense fortification. However St Mawles was built on the down slope of a hill, unlike Pendennis which was built on the crest of a hill. And although the position of St Mawes castle was ideal to repel a seaborne landing, it was not so good to repel a land assault. This error was exposed unfortunately  in the English Civil War, which the Royalist defenders found out to their cost. For parliamentarian forces led by Sir Thomas Fairfax forced the castle to surrender without a shot being fired. Both Pendeniss and St Mawes castles are remarkably well preserved and are a showpiece of British history. And one of Cornwalls principal attractions.

Much of the dramatic Cornish coastline around here was used as the setting for many dramatic films and it was the location for popular television series Poldark. St Mawes with it's two silent, and imposing guardians is still very much a sea-faring community, with boats and yacht's continually at anchor in the harbour and beyond. The sheltered location provides a safe anchorage with easy access to the coast, the river and to Carrick Roads, a waterway created after the Ice Age when the melting ice caused an ancient valley to be flooded, and the sea level to rise dramatically. This act created the world’s third largest natural harbour, and a navigable route from Falmouth to Truro. Because St Mawles is set in such a stunning location, plus it's safe anchorage it is a highly popular port of call for yacht's sailing the Cornish coast. St Mawes has an interesting history. Becoming a Borough in 1562 it was able to send two members to Parliament quite an extraordinary feat for such a small village especially when one considers the whole of Cornwall was represented by only 44 MP's. The name St Mawles is derived after the Celtic Saint,Maudez, Saint Maudez, like Saint Petroc, and other Cornish saints is believed to have originated from Ireland.

With it's year round mild climate, and stunning coastal location. St Mawles is a place to relax and recharge one's batteries, or if one is feeling energetic explore the beauty and history of one of England's most unspoilt coastlines, St Mawles has two nice beaches named Summers, and Tavern, respectively. Tavern Rocks is the perfect choice to start your exploring, for Tavern Rocks is well placed for a gentle stroll to either, St Mawes Castle, or a more energetic walk along the coast. Visitors can explore further afield by water, by way of using the St. Mawes passenger ferry to Falmouth, or by taking a private water cab to enjoy the beauty of the Fal Estuary.

Amenities in St Mawles are governed more to a quiet relaxing holiday. The Victoria public house is the only traditional pub, here both visitors and locals relax and enjoy the congenial atmosphere. The Rising Sun, in The Square offers traditional fine old English classical fare. And clustered around the harbour are shops, cafés and hotels. Here you will find  the Sailing Club. And nearby is the Villages recreation ground, were tennis courts can be hired

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