The Greenbank’s Insider Guide: 24 hours in St Mawes
A picture-perfect fishing village nestled at the end of the Roseland peninsula, St Mawes is an idyllic place to visit for the day. Surrounded by the sea and gentle hills, and with a strong community spirit, St Mawes is truly spectacular.
Looking for things to do in St Mawes? Keep on reading, as we’ve got just the guide to help you explore one of our favourite Cornish towns in as little as 24 hours…
8am – 10am: The ultimate Cornish breakfast
With our Cornish breakfasts a force to be reckoned with, start the day as you mean to go on and tuck into a hearty Cornish brekkie. Fuel up for a day of exploring the rugged St Mawes coastline with a selection of delicious breakfast favourites using the freshest Cornish ingredients.
10am – 11:30am: Sail to St Mawes
Hop aboard the Fal River Ferry and start your journey to our neighboring village of St Mawes. One of Cornwall’s most popular boat trips, you’ll pass the impressive castles of Pendennis and St Mawes before journeying across the Carrick Roads. Here you may come across dolphins, seals and basking sharks that regularly visit the harbour.
11:30am – 1pm: Travel to Italy
Head towards the beautiful Italianate inspired garden of Lamorran. Placed on the edge of Cornwall’s stunning Roseland peninsula, this garden offers many levels of sub-tropical fauna and flora. Surrounded by the benign influence of the warming seas, you’ll have fantastic view points overlooking St Antony’s headland and St Mawes harbour.
1pm – 2pm: Enjoy a picnic on the beach
Summers beach is a great spot for taking a picnic and fully embracing the Cornish coast. A sheltered, shingle beach, there is a pontoon anchored off during the summer months, which is perfect for swimming out to or for kayakers to take a break.
2pm – 3pm: Visit St Mawes Castle
One of the best-preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses, St Mawes Castle is also the most elaborately decorated. Part of a series of forts built between 1539 and 1545, St Mawes would have guarded the Carrick Roads alongside Pendennis Castle during an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain. Wander around and notice the embellishment of Latin inscriptions in praise of King Henry VIII and his son Edward VI. This castle also has enviable views that will be sure to take your breath away.
3pm – 5pm: Head towards the beach
Head towards Idles Beach, situated in the centre of the village. Convenient for shops, pubs and toilets, you can sit on the sands during a sunny day and watch the boats come in before enjoying an ice cream or a Cornish pasty from one the many local shops. What’s even better, dog’s are welcome on this beach all year round.
5pm – 7pm: Head back to The Greenbank
Hop on board the St Mawes Ferry once more and finish your journey back at The Greenbank. You’ve done a lot of exploring today, so why not join us for a tasty tipple or two? Sip on a unique range of quirky crafted cocktails using the finest spirits and ingredients across the south west.
7pm – 9pm: Dive into dinner
Join us for dinner, as you take in the special views of Falmouth harbour. Our two AA rosette-awarded restaurant includes daily changing chef recommendations, as well as gluten free and vegan options on request. Indulge in signature Cornish dishes with the freshest seafood and local produce created by Head Chef Bobby Southworth.
9pm – 8am: And relax
You’ve had an full day of exploring some of St Mawes’ favourite places, so it’s time to relax. Amongst the many rooms we have at The Greenbank, you can’t beat a little laid-back luxury in The Florence or The Lookout. Soak up the views in your roll top bath and end the perfect Cornish day The Greenbank way…
