Activities in St Mawes

It doesn't have to involve water - there's cycling, golf, bird-watching and walking to consider, obviously - but a lot of what St Mawes has to offer does involve things you can do on, in (and sometimes under) the water …

Sailing 

The hotel's lucky enough to look out directly on waters which don't just look lovely, but are among the best in the country for sailing. There's plenty to keep sailors and non-sailors busy and distracted; St Mawes is a busy, thriving, working port, the waters frequently teem with small boats and yachts. Keep an eye out for the brightly-coloured topsails of local working boats like the Evelyn, Helen Mary and Demelza which compete in regular races. Plenty of moorings are available, and sailors of all kinds - from juniors and holiday-novices to keen, seasoned racers - are well catered for by the wealth of local amenities and expertise. There are sailing schools in St Mawes and Falmouth: why not book in for a course while you're here?

Fishing

Ask us about the best places for boat hire if you fancy chugging out to where the mackerel are biting. We can hook you up with local fisherman, James, who'll take you out and help you. (If you get lucky while you're out, we will - for a charge - cook what you catch and serve it that evening.) You might just like a gentle potter around sheltered waters at sunset, or something a little longer and more taxing. But whether your fancy for fishing is passing or passionate, St Mawes is home to all the expertise and equipment you need, so just ask …

Walking

The Roseland's mild climate, lush surroundings and sheltered setting make walking a more attractive - and easier - prospect than on some of the county's more windswept, north-facing shores. Criss-crossed with footpaths as it is, the landscape rises and falls, introducing you to hidden valleys, thick woodland, small hidden coves and beautiful, secluded waterside stretches. Try the links to the right for more detailed information, and don't forget to ask us, too.

Gig Racing

Cornwall has a long tradition of gig-racing, too. Pilot gigs are wide wooden rowing boats with coxed crews of six. When large ships needed help to navigate safely into harbour, local gigs would race to be first to reach them and pilot them safely to port. Races take place all summer, and there's an evening when you can just turn up and try it in Falmouth: it's a great way of seeing the harbour close up, check the link to the right.