St Mawes to Penndenis Castle

Take a historic journey to see the famous castles of Pendennis and St Mawes. 

These two fortresses, built by Henry VII to defend the Carrick Roads, face each other across the mouth of the River Fal. Constructed circa 1540, they are the Cornish end of a chain of castles built by Henry V11 along the south coast.

St Mawes Castle is a short and very pleasant stroll through the village of St Mawes.  To reach Pendennis Castle, catch the foot ferry to Falmouth and then head through the town (another pleasant stroll) past the National Maritime Museum, under the railway bridge and then head to your left along the headland.  Alternatively, catch bus 400 or 41.

If you don't fancy the ferry ride over to Falmouth then hop in the car and take a quick ride through the pretty Roseland countryside and head for Caerhays Castle and Gardens.  Beautifully situated in a tiny hamlet with its own beach, the Castle is famous for its gardens in particular, making a nice change from the more military overtones of the other two castles.