Where?
The twin coastal villages of Cawsand and
Kingsand are on the Rame peninsula in south-east Cornwall,
across from Plymouth Sound. There is a good car park, but some
narrow lanes are unsuitable for cars.
Why?
The adjoining villages offer a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere
- they are known as Cornwall's forgotten corner - and are ideal for
winding down. Tiny cottages climb steeply along narrow twisting
lanes. The clock tower, dominating Kingsand, was built to
commemorate the coronation of George V. For those who enjoy
walking, there are any number of woodland, coastal, and country
walks of varying length. In the summer months, you can catch the
Cawsand ferry for a 30-minute trip to the Barbican area of
Plymouth.
What to see
The two villages were once centres for smuggling and fishing:
the remains of 16th-century pilchard-cellars can still be seen just
beyond Kingsand. Both villages have small beaches and safe
swimming; why not rent a boat at Cawsand during the summer months,
and reflect on the fact that Cawsand beach (below) once
had room for 50 boats designed specifically for smuggling.
Until 1844, Kingsand was in Devon: the old boundary mark between
the counties is displayed between the villages. Past Kingsand is
the tiny Sandways beach - quiet, and made for chilling
out.
Worth a look
A woodland walk leads you from Cawsand to Penlee Point, from
where you can walk further to Rame Head, or just admire the view of
the Cornish coast as it spreads westward. From Kingsand Head, go on
foot to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park to see beautiful gardens and a
historic house.
In Kingsand, there are a number of tiny shops, some selling work
by local artists and sculptors. For the less active, a short drive
out of Cawsand takes you to the spectacular coast road to Whitsand
Bay, and the villages of Downderry and Portwrinkle.
Where to eat
The Cawsand Bay Hotel is open seven days a week for morning
coffee, lunch, and dinner; for takeaway coffee and sandwiches, try
the Shop in the Square, in Cawsand, or the Old Boatstore Café, in
Kingsand. There are several pubs serving food, including the
Halfway House, the Cross Keys, the Rising Sun, and the
Devonport.
www.cawsandferry.co.uk
www.plymouth.gov.uk/mountedgcumbe
www.thecawsandbayhotel.co.uk