AttractionEnglish Heritage

St Mawes Castle

Nr Truro, Cornwall

Henry VIII's best preserved artillery fort, clover leaf shaped, with terraced gardens dropping to the water and a dog friendly ferry across to Falmouth.

St Mawes is the best preserved of all Henry VIII's artillery forts, largely because it surrendered without a fight in the Civil War and was never battered. It was built with its sister fortress Pendennis to guard the anchorage of Carrick Roads, and the two look straight at each other across the water. The clover leaf plan of three round bastions around a central tower is distinctive, and the carved Latin inscriptions praising Henry VIII and his son Edward VI are unusually fine and rather sycophantic.

Whilst you work the battlements and watch the shipping traffic, your dog gets terraced gardens dropping towards the water, subtropical planting and sea views, plus the coast path running past towards St Anthony Head.

Dogs are allowed on leads. Parking is charged for non-members and free for members, with 15 spaces plus two disabled spaces in the upper car park. There is a shop, toilets, gardens and picnic seating but no café. St Mawes village is a short walk and the passenger ferry across to Falmouth takes dogs, which makes a good day out of the pair.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs allowed on leads.
Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: £10.20 adult; £5.10 child · £25.50 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets
Telephone: 01326 270526
Parking: Parking charges apply to non-members. Parking free for members. The upper car park contains 15 spaces and two disabled spaces. When more parking is required, visitors can use the castle's lower car park, which has ample space available. A set of concrete steps and a steep road separate the car parks from the site's entrance. Unfortunately the site is not suitable for coaches, however mini buses are allowed. The nearest off-site car park is located in St Mawes village (charges apply).

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is St Mawes Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at St Mawes Castle. They're allowed on leads throughout the site, including the terraced gardens that drop towards the water, where there's subtropical planting and lovely sea views to enjoy together.
Are dogs allowed at St Mawes Castle year round?
The location data doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so it's best to check directly with English Heritage before visiting to confirm current access arrangements.
What should I know before visiting St Mawes Castle with my dog?
Keep your dog on a lead at all times while you're on site. There's no café, but there is picnic seating in the gardens, which makes for a relaxed stop. The upper car park has 15 spaces plus two disabled bays, with parking free for English Heritage members and charged for non-members. It's also worth knowing that the passenger ferry from St Mawes to Falmouth takes dogs — a great way to extend the day.

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Castle Drive

Nr Truro TR2 5DE

50.1561, -5.0235

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What’s Nearby?

Beach0.4 mi away

St Mawes Beach

Cornwall

Dog Friendly Rating:7/10

A pretty, sheltered town beach beside a Tudor castle, with year-round dog access and a town full of dog-welcoming waterfront cafes.

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Dog Friendly Rating:8/10

A peaceful Roseland Peninsula circular linking St Mawes with the famously beautiful churchyard at St Just-in-Roseland, dog friendly with mostly easy paths and a couple of stiles.

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