Tucked away in South East Cornwall, the Rame Peninsula is often called Cornwall’s “forgotten corner.” Framed by the sea to the south and Plymouth Sound to the east, it is a place where time seems to slow, revealing a landscape rich in history, nature, and coastal charm. Officially designated as part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this special place combines dramatic seascapes with tranquil countryside.
A Landscape of Hidden Beauty
The peninsula is a patchwork of tidal creeks, lush farmland, woodland, and sweeping sandy beaches. Small villages sit quietly at the heads of creeks, waiting to be discovered, while the South West Coast Path traces dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. The long sweep of Whitsand Bay offers breathtaking views, golden sands, and invigorating walks that rival Cornwall’s best.
Rame Head: A Sentinel of the Sound
At the eastern end of Whitsand Bay rises Rame Head, its rugged promontory guarding the entrance to Plymouth Sound. At its crown stand the atmospheric ruins of a 14th-century chapel dedicated to St Michael, a beacon for walkers and a favourite perch for birdwatchers. Just along the coast lies Penlee Battery, once a Napoleonic fort and now reclaimed as a peaceful nature reserve.
Historic Villages and Coastal Charm
Nestled in the shelter of Rame Head are the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. Once notorious for smuggling, today their narrow streets open onto waterfront pubs, cosy cafés, and welcoming restaurants. A seasonal passenger ferry links Cawsand with Plymouth, making these villages an ideal day trip destination for those exploring both sides of the Sound.
Further inland, Millbrook sits tucked in a valley at the head of a tidal creek, just across the water from Plymouth. Known as the largest village on the Rame Peninsula, it combines a strong sense of community with a waterside setting. Its tidal lake and surrounding countryside make it a peaceful spot for walking and wildlife watching, while the village itself offers shops, cafés, and pubs that provide a taste of everyday Cornish life.
Heritage and Exploration
The Rame Peninsula is dotted with ancestral homes, country parks, and ancient woodlands, each telling its own story of Cornwall’s layered past. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine: grand estates overlook tidal inlets, while winding footpaths lead to cliff-top chapels and fortifications reclaimed by wildlife.
Why Visit the Rame Peninsula?
Unlike Cornwall’s busier hotspots, the Rame Peninsula remains blissfully unspoilt—a place to walk, watch, and wonder. Whether you’re exploring its historic villages, picnicking on its beaches, or striding out along cliff paths with the wind in your face, this secluded corner of Cornwall offers space to breathe and time to reconnect with the landscape.
Plan your visit: Visit Rame.
The Rame Peninsula may be Cornwall’s forgotten corner, but for those who venture here, it becomes unforgettable.
