St Mawes is a stunning village, but it is compact. The waterfront is the main attraction, but parking there is extremely limited and often suspended for events. The smartest strategy is to head straight for the main car park set slightly back from the harbour.
If you are staying in Falmouth, we strongly recommend leaving the car behind and taking the St Mawes Ferry across the water instead, it’s one of the best arrivals in Cornwall.
Our Top Picks
Your choice depends on whether you are visiting the castle, the village, or catching the ferry.
- Best for Everything (The Main Hub): St Mawes Car Park. The large village car park located behind the Rising Sun pub. It is the designated spot for day trippers and ferry users.
- Best for The Castle: St Mawes Castle Car Park. If you are visiting the English Heritage site, they have their own parking at the top of the hill.
- Best for Quick Stops (High Risk): The Quay Car Park. Located right on the harbour front. It has incredible views but very few spaces and strictly enforced time limits.
Village Centre Parking
This is the primary location for almost all visitors to the village.
St Mawes Car Park (Main)
Postcode: TR2 5DL
Capacity: ~200+ spaces
Best For: The Rising Sun, the ferry to Falmouth, and exploring the shops. It is a large surface car park that offers the most stress-free experience.
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The Quay Car Park
Postcode: TR2 5DG
Capacity: Very Small (~30 spaces)
Best For: Short stays and unloading. It is right in the centre of the action, but it fills up instantly. During summer events or high tides, parts of this car park can be closed.
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Castle & Scenic Parking
If you are heading specifically to the fortress, you don’t need to park in the village.
St Mawes Castle (English Heritage)
Postcode: TR2 5DE
Capacity: Moderate (Upper & Lower)
Best For: Visiting the castle. There is a small upper car park (limited spaces) and a larger overflow lower car park. It is free for English Heritage members (check current signage).
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Guides
The best places to park in St Mawes
The best things to do in St Mawes
The best places to stay in St Mawes
