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Mawnan Smith takes its name from the smithy that was situated in the centre of the village where two old trackways met. One led to the ferry at Helford Passage, and the other wove its way up to the St Maunanus church, on the cliff overlooking the Helford River. The village is steeped in history; in June 1944, Mawnan Smith was sectioned off from the outside world, for a few days, as American military passed through to the beach at Trebah Garden, to embark for the Normandy beaches. And if you're fascinated by the paranormal, take a stroll through the woods and watch out for the Owlman of Mawnan, a half-man and half-owl creature, first spotted in 1926. This monstrous red-eyed creature, with sharp pincers, is known to hover over the church tower, watching for prey.

The village itself is set between Falmouth Bay and the Helford Estuary. In the village square, you'll find a Post Office and shop, a hairdresser, doctor’s surgery and a Mediterranean restaurant, Casa Juan. You can visit the sub-tropical gardens of Trebah or Glendurgan – stunning all year round, or dine at the Red Lion Inn, Mawnan Smith’s thatched village pub. Pop into the Cornish Maid for a homemade lunch and then have a wander down to Durgan Beach, or hop onto the Blue Pointer and take to the river for a fishing trip.

Helford Passage is five minutes away, where you can sample locally caught seafood dishes and a pint of Cornish ale in the Ferry Boat Inn. Spend the day on the beach here, or catch the foot ferry across to Helford Village, where you can wander along the coastline to Daphne Du Maurier’s atmospheric Frenchman’s Creek. The Helford River itself has often been described as the jewel in Cornwall’s crown. Much of the surrounding region – lush valleys, sub-tropical gardens and sandy coves – is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a place of unspoilt, natural tranquillity.

If you’re feeling energetic, pack up a picnic and hike the South West Coast Path from Helford Passage to Maenporth, stop off for an ice-cream at the Life’s a Beach café, and stroll along the cliffs into Falmouth, the third largest natural harbour in the world. Holidays in Mawnan Smith make a great base for exploring this beautiful stretch of Cornish coastline.

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Holidays in Mawnan Smith

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Enjoy easy access to the best bits of west Cornwall from a holiday cottage in Mawnan Smith, a pretty village located between the bustling seaside town of Falmouth and the beautiful Helford River.

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About Mawnan Smith

Mawnan Smith takes its name from the smithy that was situated in the centre of the village where two old trackways met. One led to the ferry at Helford Passage, and the other wove its way up to the St Maunanus church, on the cliff overlooking the Helford River. The village is steeped in history; in June 1944, Mawnan Smith was sectioned off from the outside world, for a few days, as American military passed through to the beach at Trebah Garden, to embark for the Normandy beaches. And if you're fascinated by the paranormal, take a stroll through the woods and watch out for the Owlman of Mawnan, a half-man and half-owl creature, first spotted in 1926. This monstrous red-eyed creature, with sharp pincers, is known to hover over the church tower, watching for prey.

The village itself is set between Falmouth Bay and the Helford Estuary. In the village square, you'll find a Post Office and shop, a hairdresser, doctor’s surgery and a Mediterranean restaurant, Casa Juan. You can visit the sub-tropical gardens of Trebah or Glendurgan – stunning all year round, or dine at the Red Lion Inn, Mawnan Smith’s thatched village pub. Pop into the Cornish Maid for a homemade lunch and then have a wander down to Durgan Beach, or hop onto the Blue Pointer and take to the river for a fishing trip.

Helford Passage is five minutes away, where you can sample locally caught seafood dishes and a pint of Cornish ale in the Ferry Boat Inn. Spend the day on the beach here, or catch the foot ferry across to Helford Village, where you can wander along the coastline to Daphne Du Maurier’s atmospheric Frenchman’s Creek. The Helford River itself has often been described as the jewel in Cornwall’s crown. Much of the surrounding region – lush valleys, sub-tropical gardens and sandy coves – is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a place of unspoilt, natural tranquillity.

If you’re feeling energetic, pack up a picnic and hike the South West Coast Path from Helford Passage to Maenporth, stop off for an ice-cream at the Life’s a Beach café, and stroll along the cliffs into Falmouth, the third largest natural harbour in the world. Holidays in Mawnan Smith make a great base for exploring this beautiful stretch of Cornish coastline.


Things to do
Food & drink
Beaches

Things To Do In Mawnan Smith

Mawnan Craft Centre
(Less than a mile)

An authentic, centuries old smithy which has been restored as a working forge, offering you the chance to watch a skilled blacksmith, sign-writer, silversmith and furniture maker as they work and browse their unique, hand-crafted products. There’s also an exhibition where you can learn all about the history of Mawnan Smith and the restoration of its smithy.

Mawnan Craft Centre, Carwinion Road, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth TR11 5JF

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Glendurgan Garden
(Less than a mile)

Run by the National Trust, Glendurgan Gardens span over three valleys, filled with sub-tropical plants, exotic flowers and bright blooms. The peaceful gardens lead down to the unspoilt beachside hamlet of Durgan. Here you can take a rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Helford River, treat yourself to an ice cream, build sandcastles and watch the wildlife on the water. Glendurgan Garden offer a great day out for the entire family thanks to its impressive maze and Giant’s Stride rope swing, shop and teahouse, which serves traditional Cornish cream teas, light lunches and Children’s meals.

Glendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth TR115JZ (T: 01326 252020)

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Gardens have been kept lovely but unfortunately there were staff shortages so long queues for food or ice cream. There were no plants to buy this year but that is hardly surprising. The staff all worked very hard to make the visit pleasant. They deserve a medal!

September 2021


Beautiful gardens with lovely cafe and second hand bookshop.

October 2021


Beautiful gardens. Enjoyable walk down the gully to the village and beach. Then the steep walk back! Lovely sub tropical plants, nice cafe at the top

May 2022


Brilliant place run by the National Trust - rhodos,etc were finished so do book your holiday for end of April, spring Bank holiday if its spring flowering stuff you want to see -

May 2022


We would love to visit Glendurgan, but cannot do so until they become dog-friendly. In contrast, Trebah gardens nearby allow dogs and they do not appear to cause any problems.

May 2023


No dogs allowed

September 2023


Trebah Garden
(Less than a mile)

The subtropical valleys of Trebah Gardens offer a fantastic day out for the whole family. Four miles of footpath lead through canopies of exotic trees, plants and flowers which cascade down to a private, secluded beach on the Helford River. Here, you can take in the views, relax on the beach and enjoy a famous Roskilly’s Cornish ice cream from the Boathouse Cafe. There are adventure playgrounds and children’s trails to keep the youngest members of the family entertained, and dogs (on leads) are welcome in the gardens and on the beach all year round. As well as a visitor centre and shop, there’s a fantastic café, Trebah Kitchen, which serves locally sourced, seasonal food. Trebah is also home to an amphitheatre where you can catch music, dance, theatre and comedy performances.

Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth TR11 5JZ (T: 01326 252200)

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A must to see, great for gardeners and photographers alike. Do check café times when you first go in.

July 2019


something for everyone even on a damp day

November 2019


Stunning gardens with a beach at the end. Great shade on those days when it is blisteringly hot. Also contains two small playgrounds for little ones.

July 2021


Disappointed that we were not able to visit as they were only open on select days and you had to book your visit beforehand. We hope this will get better in the future as we missed being able to to fit a visit in this time.

September 2021


Honestly the most amazing garden I've ever seen. Stunning.

April 2022


Excellent garden and the beach the icing on the caje

May 2022


Beautiful garden!

July 2022


We walked to these gardens - so beautiful! Had a lovely coffee on arrival in the garden cafe and also visited the beach for an ice cream

June 2023


Beautiful garden, exotic planting with a Gigantic Gunnera passage which was a surprise. Gorgeous private beach and interesting plant shop.

July 2023


Falmouth Surf School & Watersports
(Less than a mile)

Falmouth Surf School offer adult surf lessons and hire along with transport on the ‘Surf Bus’ to Cornwall’s best surfing beaches.  From their base at Maenporth Beach they also offer  SUP boarding, SUP Yoga and Kayaking hire and tuition, and can deliver equipment direct to your holiday cottage. 

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Enjoy a 10% discount with your Toad Hall Cottages discount card

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Excellent hire from the guys. Paddle boards and kayaks hired with buoyancy aids at very good prices. Great fun by all.

July 2021


Brilliant experience

July 2021


Fantastic surfing experience. They were extremely helpful and wanted you to get the most out of the time.

June 2022


Really helpful chaps and reasonably priced hire

August 2023


Nays Yoga
(Less than a mile)

Friendly SUP yoga classes at Maenporth Beach with experienced teacher Nay.  Run from 1st August.

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