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). 

You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds. There are plenty of grassed areas and three picnic tables on site which allow access for a single wheelchair or pram (please contact us to make arrangements for this ahead of your visit).

There is shop which is located in the main entrance (directly on the coastal path). The shop sells a selection of English Heritage gifts and themed souvenirs, including children's merchandise, snacks, drinks, books, pewter figures, tankards and rugs.

Male and female toilets are present on site, near the shop. 

Dogs allowed on leads.

The grounds at St Mawes Castle consist of grassed areas and some gardens, which are spread across several levels connected by sloping paths and steps. Wooden bench seating can be found throughout the grounds, and provide a great vantage point for views of the Carrick Roads and St Antony Lighthouse.

Baby Changing Facilities

Baby changing facilities can be found in both male and female toilets.

Children's Audio Tour

The audio tour is suitable for children as well as adults.

Play Areas / Adventure Playground

Although there is no adventure playground, there is plenty of space for children to run around and explore, however ball games and kites are discouraged due to the numerous slopes, drops and steps throughout the grounds.

Push Chairs Allowed

Unfortunately the site is not compatible with push chairs. Families are invited to leave their pushchairs in the inner courtyard.

There are steps, slopes and drops as well as rough surfaces within the grounds of the castle and care must be taken when walking around.

The Fort House sleeps four people – find out more about the Fort House here.

English Heritage welcomes amateur photographers to our sites and we hope you will share your pictures of your visit with us on social media. If you are looking to use one of our sites for commercial, corporate or professional photography or as a filming location, please contact our filming team as soon as possible to check availability and acquire the relevant permissions and paperwork. Due to the delicate nature of our sites, English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.