The Cornish coast just got a whole lot more tail-wagging. We recently packed our overnight bags and headed to the Ship and Castle Hotel St Mawes, a charming spot on the harbour in this picture-perfect village. The anticipation of the postcard views and a warm Cornish welcome was enough to set our tails wagging.
Ship & Castle St Mawes in Cornwall
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Table of Contents
The Village of St Mawes
St Mawes is what Cornish dreams are made of – whitewashed cottages, bobbing fishing boats, and narrow lanes with surprises around every corner. It’s small but perfectly formed, with a couple of pubs, cafes, an excellent bakery for pasties and pastries, or an incredible crab sandwich from the St Mawes Seafood Bar. Even a little passenger ferry can take you over to Falmouth for the day.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in St Mawes
- Wander up to St Mawes Castle for stunning views and some history.
- Hop on the St Mawes Ferry to Falmouth and visit Pendennis Castle.
- Head inland to the Eden Project for a dog-friendly day out (on lead in outdoor gardens).
- Explore coastal paths with plenty of picnic spots.
- Sniff out local beaches (some with seasonal dog restrictions).
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Book a Tour
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Room With a View!
There’s a choice of Castle hotel rooms, including doubles and twins. We booked a Standard Double but were delightfully upgraded to a Sea View Double, and let’s just say… wow. Our room at the Ship and Castle St Mawes had a balcony overlooking the harbour, and Ivan claimed it as his spot. He loved watching the world go by – watching boats bob in the harbour, other dogs playing on the beach, and passers-by saying hello to him.
The room was surprisingly modern (after reading a few older reviews, we weren’t expecting much). But it was bright, clean, and kitted out with a smart coffee pod machine – essential fuel for any good coastal walk. The Free WiFi worked well, and there was enough space for our dog’s bed and bowls.
There wasn’t any daily housekeeping during our 3-night trip, but we didn’t mind. It was something we could have requested. Everything was spotless when we arrived, and we had all the essentials we needed.
If you can splash out a bit, we’d say the upgrade to a sea view is well worth the extra cash – not just for the view but for those peaceful balcony mornings with a cuppa in hand.
Ship and Castle Parking
Just around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find a pay-and-display car park for £6 for 24 hours. It’s only a minute’s walk, so it wasn’t a big deal – though we recommend packing light, so you don’t need to make several trips.
Ship and Castle St Mawes Restaurant
Breakfast is served downstairs in the hotel’s restaurant, with a hearty mix of hot and cold options. Think sausages, eggs, cereals, yoghurts, and toast galore. They were happy to seat us with our dog on the hardwood floor. It wasn’t the most exciting spread. However, it did the job.
Ship and Castle St Mawes Menu
An all-day menu is available, with a selection of starters, sandwiches and wraps, pub classics, burgers and hot dogs, salad bowls, curries, pasta and pizzas.
We didn’t eat here, so I can’t comment on the quality, but the bar is the cheapest in the area – and it’s open to non-residents.
Ship and Castle St Mawes Reviews
Other reviews had mentioned dated décor, but honestly, we found the place much fresher than expected. Friendly staff, modern finishes, and a vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously – just how we like our hotels.
Everyone we met, from reception to the bar team, was genuinely lovely and keen to stop for a chat (and offer a biscuit or two to our pooch), making us feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated.
Who owns the Ship and Castle Hotel St Mawes?
It’s part of the renowned Bespoke Hotels group, known for their unique and stylish stays across the UK. This particular gem sits proudly on the waterfront, offering unparalleled views of the harbour, the sound of seagulls in the air, and the most spectacular sunrise you’ll ever witness. If location is your priority, this hotel ticks all the boxes.
Thoughts on Our Stay
The Ship Castle makes an excellent base for a dog-friendly trip to the Cornish coast. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a five-star spot, it offers good value, incredible views, and a genuinely warm atmosphere, giving you the confidence that you’re getting the best for your money.
Booking the Ship and Castle St Mawes
You’ll love the Ship and Castle St Mawes, especially if you’ve enjoyed our other reviews like:
- Looe Bay Holiday Park
- The 18 Bucklands in Bideford
- Cliffden Hotel in Teignmouth
- Bell Inn Broadway in Ilminster
- Stannylands in Wilmslow
Would we go again? Absolutely. I’ve already recommended a booking for others visiting this part of Cornwall. Prices vary per night, but for your information, we paid £243 for a bed and breakfast for a three-night break in May 2025, plus a £30 dog fee. Check costs and availability here:
📍 The Ship and Castle Hotel, The Waterfront, St Mawes, Truro, England TR2 5DG
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