St Mawes & The Roseland
A little guide to our corner of Cornwall
Tucked away on Cornwall's beautiful Roseland Peninsula, this little harbour village has everything you could want from a seaside escape: sheltered beaches, sailing boats bobbing in the harbour, wonderful places to eat and some of the loveliest coastal walks in the county.
The Gingerbread House sits just a short stroll from the waterfront, making it easy to spend your days swimming, exploring, eating very well or simply watching the world go by.
Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or settling in for a proper Cornish holiday, here are a few of the places and experiences that make this corner of Cornwall so special.
Beaches & Swimming
St Mawes is blessed with some beautiful beaches, many just a short stroll from The Gingerbread House. Summers Beach and Tavern Beach are two lovely sheltered spots for swimming, rock pooling and lazy afternoons by the water, with sandy stretches at low tide.
For something a little more secluded, head towards St Anthony's Lighthouse, where the hidden coves of Great and Little Molunan offer golden sand, clear water and wonderful views across to Falmouth. They're particularly lovely at low tide, although reaching them involves a walk and a steep descent.
A little further along the Roseland Peninsula, you'll find the sweeping sands of Towan, Porthcurnick and Pendower — perfect for long beach days, picnics and exploring the coastline.
Eating & Drinking
For a small corner of Cornwall, St Mawes and the surrounding Roseland Peninsula have a rather wonderful food scene. From long lunches overlooking the water to cosy village pubs and freshly cooked seafood after a morning on the beach, there's no shortage of good places to eat.
In St Mawes itself, The Idle Rocks and Hotel Tresanton are two favourites for something a little special, both with beautiful terraces overlooking the sea. The St Mawes Hotel is perfect for a relaxed lunch or evening drink, while The Victory Inn and The Rising Sun offer a more traditional Cornish pub atmosphere, right in the heart of the village.
A short drive along the coast brings you to Portscatho, where The Plume of Feathers is a lovely spot for a pub lunch. Just up the hill in Gerrans, The Standard Inn serves excellent seasonal food cooked over fire, with a beautiful garden for warmer days. And no visit to the Roseland would be complete without lunch at The Hidden Hut, tucked above Porthcurnick Beach, where simple, delicious food is served overlooking the sea.
Across the water in Falmouth, you'll find an equally brilliant selection of independent restaurants, cafés and waterside spots, making it well worth hopping on the passenger ferry for a leisurely lunch or an evening out.
Whether it's fish and chips by the harbour, a pint after a coastal walk or a long, lazy lunch with a sea view, eating well is very much part of life down here.
Walks & Exploring
St Mawes is perfectly placed for exploring the beautiful Roseland Peninsula, with miles of coastal paths, hidden coves and picturesque villages right on the doorstep. Take a leisurely walk around the headland to St Mawes Castle, explore the stunning coastline around St Anthony's Lighthouse, or visit the magical waterside church at St Just in Roseland. A little further afield, the coastal paths around Portscatho and Porthcurnick offer spectacular sea views and plenty of opportunities for a swim along the way. For a change of scenery, hop on the passenger ferry across the harbour to Falmouth, with its independent shops, galleries and bustling waterfront. Whether you're after a gentle afternoon wander or a proper coastal hike, there's so much to discover.