Secret Season: Cawsand
Welcome back to Secret Season, where we explore and uncover the secret happenings around Cornwall’s shorelines during the cooler, quieter months. This time we’re visiting Cawsand (and its neighbour Kingsand next door) – a tiny beach destination in an area commonly known as the ‘forgotten corner of Cornwall’: the Rame Peninsula in the far south east of the country.
In summer, this seaside village comes to life with all the simple pleasures of classic beach days: the sand dotted with colourful towels and parasols, children enjoying ice cream from the van on the sand, paddleboarders making the most of the calm conditions and the ferry to Plymouth running to and fro across the water and docking right on the sand. However, Cawsand definitely shouldn’t be overlooked in the cooler months, especially if you’re the type of winter beach-goer who seeks a calmer, peaceful coastal experience. Here’s a glimpse into the seasonal secrets of this little corner of Cornwall.
Cawsand Beach
Drive through the colourful houses of Millbrook and you’ll arrive at Cawsand village, with its picturebook pastel streets leading to the shore.
The little beach in Cawsand will win the hearts of any traveller who stumble upon its seashell-dotted shorelines. A curve of shingly sand and calm water which welcomes daily cold water dippers, who make the most of the hand-painted tiled changing area to wrap up in dry robes after their dip.
Afterwards, Cawsand’s tight-knit community can be found catching up in The Bay restaurant over a lunch of prawn ciabatta sandwiches and hot coffee. Situated underneath The Bay developments, a selection of boutique apartments which sit almost directly on the sand, The Bay is full of friendly faces and is the go-to spot for lunch, dinner or a glass of wine whilst watching the interesting boats that pass by Cawsand’s shores.
Kingsand
Just around the corner, through streets lined with traditional cottages, you’ll find Kingsand, Cawsand’s sister beach. Here, it’s essential to stop off at The Stores, the local corner shop and deli which offers much more than its tiny exterior suggests. Find a counter of fresh cheeses, local wines, pastries (we went for the chocolate cruffin) and pasties, alongside the option to purchase a returnable glass bottle of Green Cow dairy milk to see you through your stay. They also stock a lovely selection of gifts and homeware.
Take your coffee and treats to enjoy on Kingsand Beach, where you can look for cowrie shells and enjoy any winter sun.
Back in Cawsand, stop off for a drink at Cross Keys pub, with its stylishly nautical interiors and good selection of beer.
History and heritage
Cawsand has a fascinating military history dating back to the 16th century and is overlooked by a fascinating fort with cannons, now converted into residential apartments.
Around the coastline on Rame Head you’ll discover many more nods to the past through incredible ancient nautical lookouts and places of worship. St Michael’s Chapel is an underrated spot, surrounded by rolling auburn hills and dramatic cliffscapes looking down onto tiny secluded coves which make a perfect resting place for nearby seals.
This tiny 14th century chapel stands overlooking incredible views, with the potential for panoramic sunsets. It’s just £1 to park up in the car park for the whole day and there’s plenty of coastal walks nearby, as well as the chance of spotting some of the wild ponies which live up on the cliffs.
Nearby at Penlee Point you can discover Queen Adelaide’s Grotto, a cave-like Gothic style structure built for Queen Adelaide with ocean views from the lookouts.
Stay in Cawsand this Secret Season and discover a tiny corner of Cornwall with a lot of coastal wonder.
Book one of our retreats in The Bay, stylish boutique apartments directly on the beach.
