Historical weekend breaks

Page 3

Seaside serenity at St Mawes Castle

The seaside option
Fort House, St Mawes Castle, Cornwall
As part of its new drive to open up more of its buildings to the public while simultaneously generating more cash, English Heritage now has at least six holiday properties to rent on its historical sites, with a further 24 opening up over the next couple of years. There will be over 30 venues ready for rental by 2008. The current line-up includes The Custodian’s House in the rampart of Pendennis Castle in Falmouth, Pavilion Cottage in the grounds of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight and The Sergeant Major’s House in Dover Castle in Kent.

The property with the biggest draw for those wishing to escape from the big smoke and lap up equal helpings of culture and outdoor delights is Fort House in Cornwall. Sleeping four, with fine views of its neighbour, stout St Mawes Castle (the most elaborately decorated of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses) Fort House looks out over Pendennis Point in one direction and St Anthony’s Head in the other.

This is an excellent location for keen walkers, who can pick up the south-west coastal path nearby; the striking Lizard and Roseland peninsulas are a stone’s throw away. Also within easy meandering distance is the picturesque St Mawes harbour. A real treat.

Fort House, St Mawes Castle, Cornwall, TR2 3AA (0870 333 1187/ www.english-heritage.org.uk/holidaycottages). From £230 for a three-night stay. Getting there 4 hours 20 minutes by train (from £69 saver return) from London Paddington to Truro, then bus. 5 hours 50 minutes by car, M4, M3, M5 and A3078 to St Mawes.