Welcome to The Rame Peninsula
Nestled between the sparkling waters of the English Channel to the south and the tranquil valleys of the Lynher River to the north, the Rame Peninsula is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. With its rugged coastline, golden beaches, and peaceful fishing villages, it offers a refreshing escape from the crowds — a true hidden gem for those seeking natural beauty and quiet charm.
Much like the wider Tamar Valley, the Rame Peninsula’s stunning landscapes have often graced the screen, most recently featuring in The Salt Path and Beyond Paradise.
Coastal Charm & Historic Villages
From the riverside calm of St Germans to the twin fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, the peninsula is dotted with welcoming communities. At its heart lie peaceful spots like Crafthole, Portwrinkle, and Millbrook — one of Cornwall’s largest and most vibrant villages.
Whitsand Bay & the Coastal Path
Whitsand Bay offers three miles of golden sand at low tide, ideal for walkers, beachcombers and strong sea swimmers (beware of strong rip-currents). As the tide rises, it becomes a string of hidden coves backed by cliffs and coastal chalets. It’s one of the best surfing spots on the south coast — and dog friendly too!,
Easy Access, Even Without a Car
The Rame Peninsula is well-connected by public transport. A scenic double-decker bus links the coast with Plymouth and the Tamar Valley. St Germans is a mainline railway stop with over 20 trains a day, making it perfect for car-free adventures.
Stay in Style at Railholiday
Right next to St Germans station, vintage railway carriages have been transformed into award-winning, eco-friendly accommodation. Surrounded by wildlife gardens, Railholiday also offers a discount to guests arriving by train or from Cornwall and Devon.
Historic St Germans
Once Cornwall’s cathedral town, St Germans boasts the impressive St Germans Priory with Norman arches and Burne-Jones stained glass. It’s now a vibrant arts venue, hosting concerts, craft fairs, and community events throughout the year.
Whilst your in St Germans, why not wander up to Longfield for sweeping views across the Tamar Valley, or head to the quay to spot birds and admire Brunel’s historic viaduct. Don’t miss the quirky May Tree Fair each May bank holiday — a local tradition since Victorian times.
Explore Mount Edgcumbe
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is a year-round favourite. With free entry to gardens, a lively craft hub, accessible paths, and stunning views over Plymouth Sound, it’s perfect for a relaxed day out. Don’t miss the spring camellias or the scenic deer park.
Torpoint & Antony
Torpoint, the peninsula’s largest town, is just a ferry ride from Plymouth and home to HMS Raleigh. Nearby, the National Trust’s Antony House and Woodland Gardens offer peaceful walks, colourful blooms, and spectacular river views.
Kingsand & Cawsand
Once divided by a county line, these picturesque fishing villages are now united by winding lanes, cosy pubs, and sheltered beaches. Hop on the seasonal ferry to Plymouth or follow the coastal path past Penlee Point to Rame Head for unbeatable views.
Maker Heights & Penlee Battery
Above Kingsand, discover Maker Heights — a creative hub with cafés, studios, and a cocktail bar set in old military barracks. The nearby Penlee Battery is a Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve, with stunning clifftop paths and sea views
Colourful Millbrook
With a lake, wetlands, and artistic flair, Millbrook offers a touch of Riviera charm. Enjoy independent shops, café culture, and beautiful birdwatching spots. The May Day Flower Boat Festival is a must-see local tradition steeped in history.
Peaceful Portwrinkle
Portwrinkle’s two grey-sand beaches are a favourite for swimming, paddling, and quiet afternoons. The sheltered harbour is perfect for launching paddleboards or spotting sea creatures in the rockpools. It’s a lovely place for a family day out.
Whitsand Bay Beach Guide
Discover secluded coves, surf-friendly waves, and cliff-top views along Cornwall’s hidden coastline.
🏖️ Tregantle Beach
Because of the nature of the bay, with coves being cut off by the tide, there are a series of steep cliffside paths leading to individual beaches along Whitsand Bay. These require sensible footwear and care. The most enjoyable way to access Whitsand Bay is via the regular double-decker buses that run along the cliff road. If you’re driving, car parks are available at Tregantle and Sharrow Point. On-road parking is strictly prohibited and enforced.
Tregantle Beach is expansive at low tide, making it a favourite for surfers, bodyboarders, families, and dog walkers. The walk down is easier than most other spots. The bus stop is right by the path to the beach.
Tregantle Fort, an active military site, sits above the beach, and access is restricted during live firing exercises — check before you go. There are no permanent facilities, but a coffee van and ice cream truck often serve visitors.
⚠️ The western end of the beach becomes cut off quickly as the tide comes in — plan accordingly.
🏝️ Sharrow Point & Freathy
Just along the coast, Sharrow Point features a fascinating little hermitage carved into the rock over the years. There is a small car park here — unlike most other coves, which usually only offer parking in peak summer thanks to nearby farmers. The beach is charming but relatively small at high tide.
Further along is Freathy, known for its cluster of cliffside wooden houses. This beach, along with Sharrow Point and Tregonhawke, is lifeguarded in the summer.
🏄 Tregonhawke Beach
Tregonhawke is a local favourite — and not just for its waves. The Cliff Top Café, just below the bus stop, is open all year, and a smaller seasonal café operates on the beach below. Tregonhawke is also the only beach at Whitsand with toilet facilities (though they’re seasonal).
A surf school runs here from spring to autumn, making it a great spot for first-timers or seasoned surfers alike.
🌊 Boiler Beach & Polhawn Cove
Just east of Tregonhawke is Boiler Beach, named for the old wrought-iron boiler embedded in the rocks. It’s less visited and not lifeguarded, so caution is advised.
Polhawn Cove, at the far eastern end of Whitsand Bay, offers a sheltered, more secluded feel. It’s peaceful and ideal for those seeking a quieter escape.
🤿 Diving at Whitsand Bay
Whitsand Bay is also a hotspot for diving. From Plymouth Diving Centre, boats head out to two wrecks:
HMS Scylla: Europe’s first artificial reef, sunk in 2004. Now a haven for marine life and a photographer’s dream.
James Eagan Layne: A WWII cargo ship sunk by a torpedo, resting half a mile from the Scylla.
Both sites are rich with sea life and suitable for experienced divers.
🌅 Downderry & Seaton
West of Whitsand Bay and Portwrinkle, the villages of Downderry and Seaton stretch along the coast.
Seaton has easy access to a spacious beach, public toilets, and a countryside park — ideal for families and dog walkers.
Downderry, once a fishing village, is now dotted with contemporary one-off homes. A sea-wall joins the two villages, enabling access along the beach in all but the very highest of high tides; connecting the two villages, which both offer great pubs and eateries.
🏞️ Naturist Beach
To the east of Downderry lies a naturist beach. It can be reached at low tide by walking along the shore or via the coastal footpath and a steep, tree-shaded path when the tide is in.
🧭 Local Tip: This guide is featured as a guest blog by Lizzy at Railholiday for Visit Tamar Valley, your go-to source for exploring the wider Tamar region.
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