St Mawes Castle Castles

This, the most perfectly preserved of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, was built to counter the invasion threat from Europe in partnership with its twin, Pendennis, on the other side of the Fal Estuary. It fell to landward attack from Parliamentarian forces in 1646 and was not properly refortified until the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Access to castle: Level access for wheelchair users through shop and across drawbridge into main entrance floor. Battlements and bastions not accessible, and spiral staircase to other floors is narrow. Gardens: Reached through side door via large, wide steps. All parts including defences are accessible on impacted gravel paths and smooth grass slopes. Benches. Excellent viewpoints. .