Local Area

THE RAME PENINSULA

The Rame Peninsula is known as ‘the forgotten corner’ and is a haven of tranquility bordered on three sides by water. The peninsula is home to quiet secluded beaches, stunning scenery and spectactular coastal walks. The coastal path winds its way around the coastline and through 800 acres of Mount Edgcume Park.

Rame Head is a delightful half hour walk from the Old Signal House and is part of the SSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) due to its biological and geographical interest. The historic church of St Germanus stands on Rame Head – it is a building that has never had electric and services are still done by candlelight.

Further along the coast the three mile long sands of Whitsand Bay beckon – a favourite for surfers and familes being safely manned by the RNLI and with facilities in the form of a small cafe at the top and immediately below.

Visitors to the Old Signal House can take the passenger ferry from Cremyll to Stonehouse and also during the summer season there is a boat trip service from Cawsand Beach.

THE VILLAGES OF CAWSAND AND KINGSAND, CORNWALL

Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in South East Cornwall offering a very picturesque setting for your holiday. The two villages sit side by side and it is an easy and quick walk between the two.

There are three main beaches in Kingsand and Cawsand, which are separated by sections of rocks. Girt Beach at Kingsand is more shingly and Cawsand Beach is mostly sandy. As well as exploring the beaches at both villages, the area is becoming known for its art with the landscape and villages having inspired many artists over the years.

This area of Cornwall is renowned for its birds so for the birdwatcher in you, definitely bring along your binoculars so you can spot the peregrines and buzzards. Other wildlife to look out for include seals, dolphins and porpoise.

There are lots of options for food and drink to with traditional pubs and cafés in both villages – The Old Bakery offers particularly delicious cakes!

The Mayday bank holiday is a special tradition in Kingsand and Cawsand with the Black Prince festival – a traditional event that hopes to banish winter and welcome in the warmth of spring and summer. Streets, homes and businesses are decorated with colour and the Black Prince flower boat is carried through the villages helped by a procession of dancers, before being launched from Cawsand. A happy festival full of music and dancing and fun for all the family.

MOUNT EDGCUMBE HOUSE, GARDENS AND COUNTRY PARK

The former seat of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe, Mount Edgcumbe House is surrounded by formal gardens and set in a Grade 1 listed landscape. The country park covers 865 acres of the Rame Peninsula. The woodland and coastal walks and marvellous view combine to make Mount Edgcumbe one of the most spectacular attractions in the West Country at any time of year. The Old Signal House sits in the wider Mount Edgcumbe Estate and the beautiful woodland Earls Drive leading to the property is jointly maintained by the Estate.

The gardens at Mount Edgcume are a step through history themselves as each generation has expanded the gardens to create a landscaped park. In the 7 acres of lower gardens (stretching from the lower park at Cremyll), you will find:– The Italian Garden, The French Garden, The English Garden, The Fern Dell, The Jubilee Garden The New Zealand Garden, The American Garden, The Rose Garden, The Relic Garden, The Bee Garden. The Earls Garden surrounds the House.

April – September – the House and Earl’s Garden are open Sunday – Thursday from 11 am to 4.30 pm (last admissions at 4 pm).

October – March (Winter House Opening): the House will be open every Sunday offering tours for visitors. The tours operate at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

For further information about Mount Edgcumbe Park, visit their website.