St Mawes boasts three boat yards with plenty of moorings and anchorages for visiting yachtsmen. Along the quay side are several shops, cafes and galleries. With a year-round ferry service to Falmouth.
St Mawes itself has two small but good sandy beaches on either side of the harbour. Close by is Portscatho, mainly pebbles and rocks but with a small patch of sand or St Anthony’s Head, a rocky headland, not really suitable for swimming however there are sandy bays nearby.
Guided walks of St Mawes are popular. A scenic walk from the castle to St Just in Roseland church, which Betjeman described as the ‘most beautiful churchyard on earth’ is a must.
The dramatic coastline around St Mawes was used as the setting for the popular TV series Poldark. The impressive St Mawes Castle is a well preserved coastal fortress built to counter the invasion threat from Europe. From the castle there are superb views across the estuary towards Falmouth and Pendennis Castle.
The sub tropical garden of Lamorran is a must for visitors to St Mawes. This is a large collection of rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas situated in a stunning location, with extensive views of St Anthony’s Head and lighthouse.
The local sailing club is extremely active arranging racing events and functions for locals and visitors alike. Tennis courts can be hired from the recreational centre.