NAMASTE, AND WELCOME TO
Playing In Nature
Foster a Love for Nature & Travel Blog
Playing In Nature is a passion project blog of mine. That is focused on inspiring other families to disconnect from their daily lives and foster a love for nature. My blog shares a variety of blog posts and guides to help your family get outdoors and plan your trips safely as well as some travel destinations in and around the UK.
I hope that through my tips and resources we all can inspire other families to foster a love for nature in themselves and their children too. Let’s start a generation trend of loving, caring for and respecting Mother Nature.
Where would you like to go?
Namaste, I'm Charmaine Howard
I'm the storyteller behind Playing In Nature. I am a wife, business owner, fur baby mother and an absolute fanatic about Nature and treating her respectfully. Through my blog, I hope to help families of all ages foster a deep love and respect for Mother Nature, and inspire families to spend more time outdoors or just connect to it as best as they can.
I absolutely love permaculture and holistic land management and what they stand for and do when implemented correctly and fully. My goal is to share my love of nature with you, give you tips, and guides and increase your nature knowledge.
I am currently based in the UK, living in a caravan with my husband and fur baby. We are traversing the whole of the UK, with Scotland, Ireland and hopefully the Isle of man as well. Such Fun!
St Mawes Castle – Tudor History with Ocean Views
A Castle by the Sea
Perched above the waters of the Fal Estuary, St Mawes Castle is one of the best-preserved Tudor coastal fortresses in England. Built by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1545, it was designed to protect Cornwall from invasion — but today it offers something far more inviting: panoramic sea views and a peaceful atmosphere steeped in history.
Exploring the Castle
Unlike its sister fortress Pendennis Castle, St Mawes was built in a more decorative style, reflecting its secondary defensive role and showcasing fine Tudor architecture. Visitors can wander through spiral staircases, battlements, and gun platforms, and learn about life in the 16th century through interactive exhibits.
From the top, the views across to Falmouth and out to the open sea are spectacular, especially on a clear day. The surrounding gardens, dotted with wildflowers, make a perfect picnic spot.
Nearby Attractions
The charming village of St Mawes itself is worth exploring — with pretty cottages, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. The ferry from Falmouth offers one of Cornwall’s most scenic crossings, giving a whole new perspective of the estuary.
Address: St Mawes Castle, Castle Drive, St Mawes, Cornwall, TR2 5DE
Top Tips for Visiting St Mawes Castle
Check ferry times if travelling from Falmouth.
Bring a camera – the views are stunning.
Allow an hour to explore fully.
Combine with lunch in St Mawes village.
Visit mid-morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
Conclusion
With its elegant turrets, ocean views, and echoes of Tudor history, St Mawes Castle captures Cornwall’s timeless coastal charm. It’s a peaceful reminder of the past — and one of the most beautiful spots to pause and take in the Cornish sea breeze.
I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MY PODCAST
Chats with Charmaine
This podcast is a way for me to express myself, as my husband will tell you, I have many thoughts, ideas and I suppose beliefs about how life could be better for us all, now and in the long run. How we as a species need to become more conscious so that all life on Earth can live in harmony, supporting and nourishing each other in turn.
I am open to podcast, topics of discussion and thoughts or questions that have been hounding you.
I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MY CHANNEL
Playing In Nature
This channel is a way for me to visually express myself, as my husband will tell you, I have many thoughts, ideas and I suppose beliefs about how life could be better for us all, now and in the long run. How we as a species need to become more conscious so that all life on Earth can live in harmony, supporting and nourishing each other in turn.
I am open to video ideas, topics of discussion and thoughts or questions that have been hounding you.
If you’re like us, there’s a yearning inside of you to connect with nature. You’re tired of life in the hamster wheel and you want to reclaim a little freedom.
To explore either by yourself or with the whole family. No matter where or how far away from home you may go; it does not matter.
Opening your heart up to nature is all that matter