Cross the harbour for a village lunch / FALMOUTH

St Mawes Ferry from Falmouth

Take the passenger ferry from Falmouth across the harbour to St Mawes, with time ashore for a waterside stroll and lunch before returning. The crossing makes the water part of the visit rather than just the view. St Mawes is a separate village across the harbour, not another Falmouth street to reach on foot.

Blue and cream St Mawes passenger ferry on the water beside the village shore — Photo: Nilfanion

Before you go

Choose the return sailing before boarding outward. Check whether it lands at Prince of Wales Pier or Custom House Quay, especially if you have a train or parked car to reach.

The practical details

Where to find it: Prince of Wales Pier TR11 3DF or seasonal Custom House Quay TR11 3JT, Falmouth
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: The crossing takes about 20 minutes, with seasonal timetables and all sailings subject to weather, tide and circumstances. The service normally runs year-round except Christmas Day. From November–March Falmouth departures use Prince of Wales Pier, not Custom House Quay. Check live status, the actual pier and return times before buying tickets.
Access and getting around: All landing points involve steps whose number changes with the tide; they can be slippery and the St Mawes steps are uneven. Call the operator before travelling with limited mobility. This is not a step-free ferry route. Boat layouts and covered seating vary.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Children must leave pushchairs before boarding and the chairs must be folded. Keep the group together on landing steps and leave a generous return buffer. Bring refreshments if needed; the operator does not offer an onboard refreshment service.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 3–4 hours with a stop ashore for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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