The Last Weekend of the Summer Holidays: How to Make It Special

There’s something rather special about the last weekend of the summer holidays.

The days are still long, the sea is calling, and there’s just enough time to squeeze in one more family adventure before school bags are packed and alarm clocks are set.

If you’re spending those final days in St Mawes, why not make a day of it? With beautiful beaches, coastal walks, history, gardens and plenty of opportunities for good food, St Mawes is the perfect place to enjoy one last taste of summer.

And, of course, no Cornish day out is complete without something delicious from St Mawes Bakery.

Start with a proper Cornish breakfast

The best days out start with a good breakfast.

Pop into St Mawes Bakery in the morning and pick up something freshly baked to set everyone up for the day. From traditional Cornish favourites to sweet treats and freshly made goodies, there’s something for hungry walkers, little explorers and grown-ups in need of a morning coffee.

St Mawes Bakery has been part of village life for generations. Established in 1912, the family-run bakery is now in its fourth generation, with traditional recipes sitting alongside newer favourites.

If you’re planning a picnic, it’s also the perfect opportunity to pick up a few treats to enjoy later.

Explore St Mawes Castle

After breakfast, head towards St Mawes Castle and step back in time.

Built in the 1540s as part of Henry VIII’s coastal defences, the castle is one of the best-preserved Henrician artillery forts in England. Sitting above the Fal estuary, it combines fascinating history with wonderful views across the water.

There’s plenty for families to discover, including the castle’s historic guns and cannons, Tudor carvings and the distinctive clover-leaf-shaped fort.

And if you’ve packed a picnic from the bakery, there are grassy areas and picnic tables within the castle grounds where you can stop for lunch.

Find your favourite St Mawes beach

After a morning exploring the castle, it’s time to slow things down.

St Mawes is surrounded by beautiful stretches of Cornish coastline, making it easy to find somewhere for a paddle, a stroll along the shore or simply a spot to sit and watch the boats.

Bring a bucket and spade for the children, a towel for anyone brave enough for a dip, and perhaps a few bakery treats for when everyone starts feeling peckish again.

Sometimes the simplest summer afternoons are the ones we remember best.

Take a wander through Lamorran Gardens

For something a little different, make time for a visit to Lamorran Gardens.

Tucked away above St Mawes, the gardens are a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the lush, subtropical side of Cornwall. Wander through the gardens, take in the planting and views, and enjoy a peaceful change of pace from the beach.

It’s a lovely addition to a St Mawes day out; particularly if you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to explore before heading back into the village.

Do check the gardens’ current visiting arrangements before setting off, as opening days can vary.

Finish with an afternoon treat

Eventually, even the most energetic family needs a sit-down.

That’s when it’s time for cake.

Head back towards St Mawes Bakery and choose something special for an afternoon treat. Perhaps a sweet bun, a doughnut or another freshly baked favourite; the sort of treat that feels even better when you’ve spent the day outdoors.

Our chocolate fudge doughnuts and much-loved apple crumble buns are just two examples of the sweet treats that have become part of the bakery’s story, alongside our traditional Cornish pasties.

One last holiday treat

The end of the summer holidays can feel a little bittersweet.

But rather than thinking about the return to school, make the most of those final precious hours. Watch the boats come into the harbour. Take one last walk along the coast. Let the children have an extra paddle. Share a pasty on a bench. Have cake because it’s the last weekend of the holidays.

These are the moments that make a summer.

And when Monday morning arrives and the school shoes come out, you’ll have one more day in St Mawes to remember.

So, before the summer holidays disappear, come and enjoy one last taste of Cornwall with us at St Mawes Bakery. 

We’ll see you in the village.