Discover The Rame Peninsula | An Introduction to The Rame Peninsula

Why is the Rame Peninsula Worth a Visit?

The Rame Peninsula offers a quieter, unspoiled side of Cornwall that feels worlds away from the bustling resorts of Newquay or St Ives. Its coastal views, historic landmarks, and tranquil beaches provide a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. The area is rich in smuggling history, military forts, and maritime culture, giving visitors a sense of Cornwall’s rugged past.

Whether you’re wandering through the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, hiking to the Rame Head chapel, or exploring the grand estate of Mount Edgcumbe, the peninsula delivers breathtaking landscapes and coastal charm. It's the ideal destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Rame Peninsula Highlights: Things to See and Do on the Rame Peninsula

1. Kingsand and Cawsand

The twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are the heart of the Rame Peninsula, offering quaint cottages, narrow streets, and picturesque beaches. Once known for smuggling and fishing, these villages now provide a tranquil seaside escape. Colourful houses line the waterfront, while traditional pubs and cafés invite visitors to sit and enjoy the coastal views. The small, sheltered beaches at Kingsand and Cawsand are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the sea.

2. Rame Head and St. Michael’s Chapel

Rame Head is one of the most iconic landmarks on the peninsula, offering spectacular views over the English Channel. A short but rewarding hike leads to the top of the headland, where the remains of St. Michael’s Chapel, a 14th-century stone structure, sit overlooking the ocean. From here, you can see Plymouth Sound, Whitsand Bay, and even as far as Eddystone Lighthouse on clear days. Rame Head is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching and sunset photography.

3. Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is a grand estate and one of the Rame Peninsula’s top attractions. The Tudor mansion dates back to the 16th century and is surrounded by formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and miles of coastal trails. Visitors can explore the house’s historic interiors, wander the ornamental gardens, or take in panoramic views over Plymouth Sound. The park also features an Iron Age hillfort, Napoleonic forts, and hidden coves along the coastline.

4. Whitsand Bay

Stretching along the southern coast of the peninsula, Whitsand Bay offers miles of golden sands and rugged cliffs. The bay is known for its surfing, beachcombing, and coastal walks. At low tide, rock pools and hidden caves are revealed, providing plenty to explore. Tregonhawke Beach is the most popular stretch, offering excellent surf conditions and secluded spots for swimming. The coastal path above Whitsand Bay provides dramatic clifftop views and is a favourite for hikers.

5. Polhawn Fort

Perched above Whitsand Bay, Polhawn Fort is a striking coastal fortress dating back to the Napoleonic era. While the fort is now used primarily for weddings and private events, visitors can enjoy the views from nearby paths. The area around the fort offers some of the most stunning seascapes on the peninsula, with cliffs dropping steeply to the beaches below.

6. Millbrook and the Tidal Lake

Millbrook is the largest village on the Rame Peninsula, located around a tidal lake and creek. The village is a great starting point for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching along the estuary. Millbrook’s calm waters and quiet lanes make it a peaceful place to wander, with local pubs and community-run cafés offering a warm welcome.

7. Cremyll and the Ferry to Plymouth

The small hamlet of Cremyll sits at the tip of the peninsula and is home to the Cremyll Ferry, a historic crossing that connects the Rame Peninsula to Plymouth’s Royal William Yard. The ferry ride provides stunning views of the river and is one of the most scenic ways to reach the city. Cremyll also serves as a gateway to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, with footpaths leading directly into the estate.

8. Maker Heights

Maker Heights is a historic site with Napoleonic fortifications and an arts and crafts centre. The area is home to artist studios, live music events, and local exhibitions throughout the year. The surrounding fields and forts offer panoramic views of Plymouth Sound and the Cornish coast. The site is a fascinating blend of military history and contemporary creativity.

9. Adventure Sports at Whitsand Bay

For thrill-seekers, Whitsand Bay offers a range of adventure activities, including surfing, coasteering, and diving. The bay’s reef is a popular diving spot, known for the HMS Scylla wreck, an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Local operators provide guided dives and surf lessons, ensuring visitors can safely enjoy the bay’s dramatic waters.

10. South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path winds its way around the Rame Peninsula, offering spectacular coastal walks. Popular routes include the stretch from Kingsand to Rame Head, which passes through wildflower meadows and along dramatic clifftops. Walkers can enjoy sweeping sea views and encounter hidden beaches along the way.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

The Rame Peninsula is easily accessible by car via the A374 from Plymouth, crossing the Torpoint Ferry. Alternatively, the Cremyll Ferry provides foot passenger access from Plymouth’s Royal William Yard. Buses run regularly from Plymouth to Kingsand, Cawsand, and Millbrook.

Parking

Parking is available in Kingsand, Cawsand, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, and Whitsand Bay. Popular beaches and landmarks often fill up during summer, so arriving early is recommended.

Dining

The Rame Peninsula offers excellent local dining options, including The Devonport Inn in Kingsand, which serves fresh seafood and Cornish ales. The Canteen at Maker Heights offers creative dishes made from local produce. For a beachside bite, Cliff Top Café at Whitsand Bay provides stunning sea views.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Rame Peninsula is during spring and summer, when the weather is mild, and the coastal paths are in full bloom. Autumn offers dramatic seascapes and quieter villages, while winter is perfect for storm-watching and cosy pub visits.

Exploring Beyond the Rame Peninsula

From the Rame Peninsula, visitors can easily explore Plymouth, Looe, and the Tamar Valley. Coastal towns like Looe and Polperro are just a short drive away, offering a mix of beaches, fishing villages, and maritime history.