Pendennis Castle and its neighbor, St. Mawes Castle, face each other across the mouth of the River Fal. Pendennis was built in 1540 under the orders of Henry VIII to protect the West coast as part of his coastal defense plan. The original castle was a circular gun tower. The polygonal curtain and gatehouse were added later. It has extensive grounds with buildings erected over a four hundred year period.

Pendennis Castle’s long history began with the French and Spanish invasions in the sixteenth century. It was prepared for battle when Britain was under threat of invasion from Napoleon. The strategic position of Pendennis meant that during both the First and Second World Wars, it was again garrisoned and modern guns replaced the earlier cannons. There are actual displays on the castle grounds of some of the guns used during various periods.

The grounds contain various batteries, a war shelter, WW I trenches, guardhouses, shell stores and underground passageways. It is an extremely interesting and historic site to visit.