Explore Cornwall’s beautiful ‘forgotten corner’ – The Rame Peninsula

Cornwall gets famously (or should that be infamously) busy during tourist season. Places like Newquay, Padstow and St Ives especially see their visitor numbers, and their prices, shoot up as soon as the weather gets warm. For locals, and those wanting a bit more peace and quiet on their holidays, it can sometimes feel like there’s no escaping the masses. So let me introduce you to Cornwall’s forgotten corner – Torpoint and the Rame Peninsula.

This little area in the far South East of the county – just before you cross the Tamar over to Plymouth – is often overlooked by holiday makers as they wizz straight past to more popular spots.

But this corner of Cornwall is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, charming pubs and stunning coastal walks.

Below are some of my favourite spots – add them to your list to ensure you don’t miss out on this rarely seen part of Cornwall!

THINGS TO DO

Antony House

This National Trust property, built in the early 1700s, is probably most famous for being a filming location in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. You can see why he chose it as the gardens, filled with rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias amongst other plants, have an air of the fantastical about them. The house is still home to the Carew Pole family but you can have a look around the interiors and imagine yourself living somewhere as grand as this.

Mount Edgecumbe

Another stately home, this one 2 centuries older, and once visited by Queen Victoria herself. It’s not owned by the National Trust and although you have to pay to visit the house and formal gardens, the country park is free to wander around. There are woodland and coastal walks, where you can spot sheep and sometimes deer, and for the more adventurous why not try your hand at archery or segway tours? There’s also a handy ferry across to Plymouth, where you can grab a bite to eat at Royal Williams Yard before returning to Cornwall.

Tregantle Bay

A truly expansive beach at low tide, Tregantle Bay is a dog walker’s paradise. You can walk for miles here (just be careful of the tide!) on soft golden sand. It’s in a military training zone, so make sure you check firing times online here or contact the MOD by phone to check if there is access before you visit! It’s also quite steep to get to, but these little hurdles mean the beach stays relatively quiet, even on a beautiful day.

Rame Head walk

One of my favourite walks in Cornwall starts at the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand and heads out over Rame Head, where wild ponies graze. At the tip of the peninsula lies St Michael’s chapel, a 14th monastic lookout. Although it is now a ruin you can still feel the history of this place and the views across the sea are wonderful. Spend a moment checking for dolphins and then cut inland back to the villages for a well deserved pint.

PLACES TO EAT/DRINK

Devonport Inn, Kingsand

When the Devonport Inn was built in 1740, Kingsand was actually part of Devon. There’s even a boundary stone in town to show where Cornwall and Devon met. Now the twin villages are both part of Cornwall, which I’m sure makes it easier for neighbours to get along (there is a friendly rivalry between the two countys). The Devonport has that great mix of historical and seaside charm, and there’s nothing better than sitting outside with a pint overlooking Cawsand Bay.

Brightside Diner, Saltash

Ok technically this isn’t on the peninsula, but regardless of which direction you are coming from, you are likely to pass this diner on your way in or out. Right on the A38, it’s the perfect place to stop for a delicious brekkie or filling lunch. There are plenty of vegan and veggie options and the staff are lovely. It’s also dog friendly, and child friendly, with toys and games to keep little ones occupied while you enjoy a well earned cuppa.

St John’s Inn, St John

With the rise of gastro pubs across the UK, it’s always nice to see a place that refuses to ‘get with the times’ and remains exactly what it once was – a proper pub. Stepping inside St John’s Inn feels a little like going back in time – the place is adorned with historical memorabilia and the landlady is happy to relay stories about the various photographs and artefacts on display. They don’t serve food here – just a great selection of local beers, ales and ciders. Grab a drink, settle in front of the fire, and relaaax.

Wilcove Inn, Wilcove

If you are looking for a pub that also has a room with a view, you can’t go far wrong with The Wilcove Inn. The pub serves all the classic dishes you could want, with a few vegan options too, but what you really visit for are the stunning views of Plymouth Sound from the garden. After a few drinks you may decide to stay upstairs in one of the clean and reasonably priced rooms, and wake up to a sunrise over the Tamar’s still water. Bliss.

Book your stay at The Wilcove Inn and explore Cornwall’s forgotten corner or get more inspiration for your trip to Cornwall.