St Mawes Castle

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St Mawes Castle

St Mawes Castle and its sister fortress Pendennis Castle were built by Henry VIII to guard the important anchorage of Carrick Roads.
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St Mawes Castle is among the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses, and the most elaborately decorated of them all. Built to guard the anchorage of Carrick Roads along with Pendennis Castle on the other side of the Fal estuary, it is now a fascinating visitor attraction with great views out over the water.

08/09/2026

We enjoyed the hot summer weather but it's nice to see the grounds starting to get a bit greener again!

04/09/2026

Make your move! There's a new chess puzzle to complete in the upper gun room.

02/09/2026

The rainy weather can’t get our spirits down at St Mawes Castle!

Our volunteers are in the castle today manning the Hands on History table so come and talk to them about our replica Tudor artefacts or make a herb bag!

29/08/2026

Things to do at St Mawes Castle when it’s rainy:
• Play one of the games set up inside the castle
• Design your own fort with our new World Builder trail
• Look out for passing ships like the Tudor soldiers would have

26/08/2026

The summer holidays may be nearly over but we're still ready to arm any small (or not so small) knights visiting the castle shop!

22/08/2026

We are pleased to have swallows back at St Mawes this year!

It’s been lovely to see them flying around the castle again, they're usually too quick for us to get a photo though!

Have you seen the swallows nesting at St Mawes Castle?

19/08/2026

After several enquiries this year we are pleased to announce that we will be offering exclusive tours of the upper battlements at St Mawes Castle to English Heritage members starting on 25th August.

This is an exclusive opportunity to view an area not usually open to the public and numbers will be limited to 15 people so booking ahead for this tour is essential. Please phone 01326 270526 with any enquiries and to book your place on the tour.

Please note; this tour requires a fair amount of walking on uneven ground, so suitable footwear is necessary.

This tour can be available to larger educational and heritage groups if prearranged. Please email [email protected] with enquiries about group tours.

18/08/2026

The weather forecast may be less sunny this week but there’s still lots to do at St Mawes Castle!

With our new children’s trail up in the castle, indoor games set up and five levels of the castle under cover there’s still plenty to do if we get some rain and the overcast weather makes for great dramatic views!

15/08/2026

✨ Did you know... ✨

The Latin inscription above the Tudor royal arms at the castle entrance reads:
"SEMPER HONOS HENRICE TUUS LAUDESQUE MANEBUNT"
Which translates to "Henry, may thy honour and praises remain forever".

This is one of five Latin inscriptions on the exterior walls of the castle praising Henry VIII, who built St Mawes Castle, and his son Edward.

Can you spot the letters written the wrong way round?

12/08/2026

Our volunteers are in today manning the Hands on History table in the castle so come and have a look at our replica Tudor artefacts or make a herb bag! 🪻

🌕 Don't forget, the grounds will be open until 8:30 PM this evening for viewing the solar eclipse and air show! ✈️

We'll be asking for a £1 donation for entry after 5 PM which will go towards funding onsite volunteer activities.

Address

Saint Mawes
TR25DE

Telephone

01326 270526

Website

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-mawes-castle/

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