Beauty of St.Mawes Castle Don’t forget to visit them!!!

St.Mawes, a quaint village is located by the harbor at river Fal. This beautiful region, with its abundant natural charm and historical marvels attract tourists throughout the year. The Cornish coastline that surrounds St Mawes was the setting of the popular television show, Poldark. There are two wonderful beaches on each side of the harbor which are ideal for both sunbathing as well as swimming. The sheltered location of the place is the haven for boats and yachts. There are also many restaurants and pubs that are located there and these are ideal places from where to watch the activities going on in the harbor.

The population at St Mawes is pretty much sea faring and there are yachts and boats that take anchorage there. The sheltered location of the place provides a perfect anchorage and the coast, the Carricks roads and the River Fal is easily accessible. The place not only boasts of wonderful beaches but there are many architectural structures that dot the city as well.

St.Mawes makes for an ideal family holiday destination. There are two beaches on either side of the harbor and both provide excellent opportunities for engaging in sunbathing as well as swimming. There are a number of shops, cafes, a bank, and hotels that are located around the harbor. There is also a sailing club that is located in the region. There are tennis courts that can be hired by the tourists. At St. Mawes there are many ferries that are available at the main harbor. These take the tourists on short trips across the River Fal to Falmouth or across the river Percuil to Anthony Head. There are also coastal footpaths that allow the visitors to go for long, lovely walks along the coast.

One of the attractive spots in the region is the St. Mawes Castle. It was built when Henry VII was in power to defend himself against the French. The attack never happened but the structure with its circular bastions is a wonderful example of the Tudor military architecture. From the castle the visitors can get some great views of the town of Falmouth. The castle is taken care of by the English Heritage and is open for viewing throughout the year. You must definitely visit the castle while you are on a trip to the region.

Pendennis is the sister castle of St. Mawes castle. It is situated on the opposite side of the Fal estuary. Both these castles add to the evocative landscape of the region. The castles were constructed between 1539 and 1545 to defend the region. These are two of the best historical structures of the region and a visit to these places would acquaint you of the rich history of the region.

The central tower of Pendennis comprises four well decorated floors. The tower can be entered by crossing a bridge to the third floor. The interiors of the tower have been elaborately done with carvings of a monk, Tudor roses a cherub, and fleur-de-lis. The gun ports of the castles cover all the possible angles of approach and reveal how careful the architects were in their planning the fort. There were no chances taken as far as the security of the place was concerned. The castle was very strongly fortified and it would not have been easy for the enemy to break through. It is one of the best examples of architecture of the Tudors and till today stands a testimony to their architectural talents.

St. Mawes too has gun platforms that are as well designed as Pendennis. There are gun placements that are located in the upper deck to release the smoke. There are many canons that are on display at the gun room. When you look around you would still be able to see the big sockets in the walls that held the beams that were used to maneuver the canons. The two forts were not used at the time of Henry VII. The defenses were further improved by Queen Elizabeth I after the attack on Mounts and Penzance by Spain in 1595. There was the possibility of a full scale invasion therefore the castles were fortified.

The two castles were used by the Royalists at the time of the English civil war. However the commander realized that St Mawes situated down the side of the hill cannot be defended against a land attack. He therefore surrendered the castle to the Roundheads after he was confronted. Pendennis, controlled by Sir John Arundel and Sir Henry Killigrew could withhold the attack for almost six months. It is located on the top of a hill and was therefore much better placed to ward off attacks.

St. Anthony’s Lighthouse

Previously there was a coal beacon that burned here for many centuries till in 1834 a lighthouse was constructed. It helps ships travel through the dangerous Manacles Socks. The lighthouse is open to public during summers. It was also the site for Fraggle rock, a well known television series.

St. Anthony battery

This place used to hold an important place in defending Falmouth and the Carricks roads. A tour of the place would reveal the remains of innumerable fortifications. At the time of the WWI the place was used for the purpose of training of the army and during WWII there were gun batteries that were stationed there. National trust owns the headland.

Of the many coastal fortresses that were built by Henry VIII, St. Mawes is the most well preserved and well decorated. Some other forts that were constructed by Henry VIII are: Walmer Castles, Portland, and Deal. These fortresses too are equally engaging and you should definitely make it a part of your itinerary while you are on a tour to the place.

This picturesque village has a lot to offer to the tourists. Whether you want to soak in the beauty of nature or want to explore the historical marvels that are located here, you are sure to have a great time while you are on a trip to the region.