Holiday rentals and lettings in St Mawes

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in St Mawes?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in St Mawes: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring St Mawes: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in St Mawes?

• Choice of accommodation: From waterside cottages to spacious holiday homes, St Mawes suits couples, families and sailing groups.
• Where to stay: By the harbour for the village buzz, or up the hillside for sweeping views over the water.
• What guests love: A pretty sailing harbour, a Tudor castle, sheltered beaches and the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula.
• Best time to visit: Summer for sailing and beaches, spring and autumn for coastal walks, and mild, quiet winters.
• Things to do: Explore St Mawes Castle, relax on the beaches, take the ferry to Falmouth and walk the Roseland coast.

St Mawes' holiday lettings enjoy one of Cornwall's prettiest waterside settings, from characterful cottages in the village to spacious holiday homes on the hillside with sweeping harbour views. Many enjoy sea views or a short stroll to the water and space for the family, and there is something to suit couples, groups and sailors alike. Whether you want a snug bolthole or a base with room for a gathering, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a relaxed break. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and a cosy lounge for evenings in
• A garden or terrace with harbour or sea views
• A short walk to the beach and the village
• Parking, handy for exploring the Roseland
• Options ideal for couples or larger family groups

Wherever you base yourself, the harbour, a beach or the coast path is rarely far away. Fancy exploring more of Cornwall? You can also compare cottages in St Ives, cottages across Cornwall and camping in Cornwall.

What are the best areas to stay in St Mawes?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the harbourside is best for the village buzz, while the hillside suits views and quiet. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in St Mawes through Holidu often highlight the beauty of the sheltered harbour, the sailing and the unspoilt feel of the Roseland Peninsula. Many mention the Tudor castle, the sheltered beaches and the relaxing ferry trips across the water, and return for the mix of pretty village charm, gentle Cornish scenery and a peaceful, away-from-it-all atmosphere.

On the tip of the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula in south Cornwall, St Mawes is a picture-perfect sailing village of narrow lanes, subtropical gardens and a sheltered harbour looking out over the Carrick Roads. Guarded by a beautifully preserved Tudor castle and set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is famed for its mild climate, its beaches and its away-from-it-all charm. Quietly stylish and deeply scenic, it makes an idyllic base for a Cornish holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to St Mawes?

Most visitors arrive by car, or by the scenic ferry from Falmouth. Here are the most common ways to get to the village:

• By car: St Mawes is reached via the A390 and B3289, crossing the Roseland by the King Harry Ferry or the country lanes. A car is handy for exploring the wider peninsula and its coves, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By ferry: A lovely passenger ferry links St Mawes with Falmouth across the Carrick Roads, one of the world's largest natural harbours. It is a relaxed, scenic way to arrive and a delightful day trip in its own right, with no need for a car.

🥗Where to eat in St Mawes?

According to local reviews, The Watch House is one of the best rated restaurants in St Mawes. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte recommends a waterfront terrace right on the harbour: a lovely spot for fresh Cornish crab and a glass of wine while watching the sailing boats come and go.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the best sailing and beach weather, while spring and autumn are ideal for gardens and coastal walks. Thanks to the mild Roseland climate, winter is gentle and peaceful.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Sailing, beaches and ferry trips
• Weather: Warm and often sunny, with sea breezes
• Atmosphere: Lively but relaxed around the harbour

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Subtropical gardens, coast walks and fewer crowds
• Weather: Mild and often bright
• Atmosphere: Peaceful, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Bracing walks, cosy pubs and quiet escapes
• Weather: Gentle for the season, rarely very cold
• Atmosphere: Quiet and restful, with a mild sea air

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our St Mawes hosts recommend a morning at the castle before the ferry crowds, then a walk along the coast path to the hidden creekside church at St Just in Roseland. Ask your host about the best sheltered beach for swimming and when the passenger ferry to Place runs.

1. Explore St Mawes Castle
2. Relax on the beaches
3. Take the ferry to Falmouth
4. Walk the Roseland coast
5. Visit St Just in Roseland church

1. Explore St Mawes Castle

   Guarding the harbour entrance, St Mawes Castle is one of the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery forts, built in the 1540s in a striking clover-leaf design. Explore its cannon-lined gun rooms, climb to the roof for sweeping views over the Carrick Roads, and enjoy the subtropical gardens on the slopes below. Cared for by English Heritage, it is a fascinating and beautifully sited half-day out.

2. Relax on the beaches

   St Mawes has a string of pretty, sheltered beaches within easy reach of the village. Tavern Beach and Summers Beach sit right by the harbour, perfect for a swim or a paddle, while a short walk or drive leads to quieter coves around the Roseland. Calm and family-friendly, with clear water and gentle sand, they are ideal for lazy days by the sea and rock-pooling with children.

3. Take the ferry to Falmouth

   One of the highlights of a St Mawes stay is the passenger ferry to Falmouth, gliding across the wide Carrick Roads with views of yachts, castles and creeks. In lively Falmouth you can explore the National Maritime Museum, browse the shops and enjoy the waterfront restaurants before sailing home. Car-free and scenic, it is a wonderful day out and a classic Roseland experience.

4. Walk the Roseland coast

   The unspoilt Roseland Peninsula offers some of Cornwall's loveliest and least crowded walking. From St Mawes, the South West Coast Path leads past hidden coves, wildflower headlands and traditional fishing villages such as Portscatho. With sweeping sea views and a gentle, pastoral landscape, it is a walker's delight in every season, and there is always a welcoming pub or tearoom along the way.

5. Visit St Just in Roseland church

   A short way from St Mawes, the church of St Just in Roseland is one of the most beautiful in Britain, set beside a tidal creek amid lush subtropical gardens. Wander the winding paths down to the water, admire the palms, magnolias and tumbling planting, and soak up the extraordinary tranquillity. Peaceful and photogenic, it is a magical spot that captures the gentle charm of the Roseland.