Mawnan Parish: History & Community

Mawnan Smith, at the centre of the parish, was for years a staging post for shipping goods and produce across the Helford River to the Lizard peninsula. The name of the village came from the four blacksmiths’ “smithies” which were there for years.

Mawnan is at the centre of the three sub tropical gardens:
Glendurgan, Trebah and Penjerrick, gardens which attract thousands of tourists and local visitors every year. There is an extensive network of public footpaths around the picturesque coastal areas of the Helford River.

The centre of Mawnan Smith village has a thatched roof pub, the Red Lion, a well used cafe, and general stores together with an estate agent, holiday home agents, hairdresser, charity shop, doctor’s surgery, a childrens design & create studio, electricians and the Parish Council Offices. The Mawnan Craft Centre (formerly The Anvil Trust) is home to a bespoke sign-writer, Artisan Jewellery designer, Furniture Maker and our blacksmith in residence. There are also a number of smaller business that are run from homes across the parish – including a florist, Hog Roast caterers, fish cookery school, dispensing opticians, plant hire firm (equipment, not yucca!) and bespoke cake maker.

The Memorial Hall is the hub of village activities promoting over four hundred and fifty separate events including the summer craft market and the village show, both held annually.

Mawnan Parish enjoys many community activities: The Mawnan Community Association; Drama and Panto Group; Friendship and Luncheon Clubs;  Mawnan Wives; Women’s Institute; Brownies and Guides; Local History Group; Playgroup; Mums and Toddlers and Youth Clubs and The Rendlesham Trust.  Take a look at the Community Website or Mawnan Smith FaceBook page ( @mawnansmithcornwall ) for so much more on our wider community and activities.

There is also a wide range of sporting clubs: Bowling; Cricket; Football; Golf; Tennis; Swimming; Snooker; Table Tennis; Gig Rowing; and Sailing.  We have yoga, pilates, boxercise, zumba and veraflow classes taking place round the village whilst other recreational and sports events make use of the Carwinion Trust’s sports amenities and the Junior Playing Field. And don’t forget the activities on the water including SUP, coasteering, fishing, kayaking, guided river cruises, boat hire or just being lazy and taking the ferry across from Helford Passage.

The Parish Council provides services for, and manages and maintains the assets of Mawnan Parish, and sets itself high standards of governance.

Total Page Visits: 4875 - Today Page Visits: 1