Avoid the tourist-riddled areas of Cornwall and explore this charming UK seaside village that boasts two golden sandy beaches, a vibrant shopping scene and £5 million mansions
Escape the droves of tourists in this idyllic UK seaside resort often touted as the ‘St Tropez of England’.
Situated on the acclaimed Roseland Peninsula in South Cornwall lies the tiny fishing village of St Mawes. It’s by no means a hidden gem – attracting 162,000 ferry passengers annually – but has somehow preserved its regal charm and quaint atmosphere.
Here, you’ll find two golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, a slew of fancy yachts, and the iconic Fraggle Rock lighthouse. St Mawes is also a haven for walkers and wildlife lovers alike – with endless walking trails taking you through the designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“Facing south across the Fal estuary, the village retains a strong sense of community, all centred around the harbour and waterside,” hails Cornish Secrets. “With its cobbled narrow streets and delightful arcade collection of shops, galleries, and restaurants, it is an ideal destination to relax, enjoy the sea air, eat fabulous seafood and explore.”
History buffs will love St Mawes Castle and its sister fortress Pendennis Castle, which were built by Henry VIII to guard the important anchorage of Carrick Roads. You can wander around the clover-leaf shaped castle and marvel at the famous collections of historic guns and cannons which English Heritage has recently ‘spruced up and conserved’.
St Mawes was also recently named one of the most expensive seaside destinations to live in, with average property prices coming in at a whopping £533,198. It’s no wonder the village has become a magnet for A-listers, attracting celebs such as Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason and comedian Lenny Henry – as well as the royal family.
“There’s no avoiding the fact that St Mawes is incredibly wealthy,” argues the Telegraph. “House prices can reach £5m (you’ll be able to identify the prime properties, on the hill overlooking the harbour), and the sorts of yachts anchored in the waters have got bigger and shinier in recent years.
“Depending on your disposition, you might find it all a bit snobbish. But then again, you might find the yacht-y, refined shtick to be an entertaining escape from reality.”
St Mawes is located almost 300 miles from Central London, meaning you’ll need to endure a gruelling five-and-a-half-hour drive to get there. Alternatively, you can get a direct train over to Truro (which takes around four hours and 23-minutes) and then get a 27-minute taxi down to St Mawes.
If you’re flexible with dates, you can get single adult fares for £70. However, if you’re already staying in Falmouth, you can get a 20-minute ferry over St Mawes, which runs 364 days a year. Tickets are priced at £13.50 for an adult day return, or £8.55 for a child’s (aged 4-16) day return.
Accommodation in St Mawes is limited due to its small size and popularity – but you may still be able to find something to suit your budget. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 6-8) at the Ship and Castle Hotel will set you back £251. This is based on two adults sharing a Twin Room.
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, check out The Idle Rocks. Located on the quayside of the village, this boutique accommodation boasts sleek rooms, excellent sea views, and fresh seafood from its restaurant. A Small Double Room on the exact same dates is currently priced at £709.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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