The Cornish Riviera

The coast between St. Mawes and St. Austell is often referred to as the Cornish Riviera, and with good reason. The south coast of Cornwall has an exceptionally mild climate, where sub-tropical trees and flowers flourish. The coastline boasts a lovely mix of unspoilt fishing villages and yachting resorts that compare favourably to any of their continental counterparts.

St. Mawes, a sea faring community overlooking the River Fal from the right bank, is now a smart yachting resort. Henry VII built a castle here to fortify the south coast against a French invasion that never came and like its sister Pendennis Castle, St Mawes Castle is built in the clover leaf design. Further up the coast of the Roseland Peninsula are the lovely parishes of St. Anthony-in-Roseland and St. Just.

Further north is one of Cornwall's most celebrated fishing villages Mevagissey. Its streets are too narrow to accommodate heavy vehicles and on busy days in high summer the police close the village to all traffic.