Cornish by birth and growing up on the Peninsula we can offer you inside knowledge and recommendations of the best the area has to offer to make your holiday extra special and (although very difficult as there is so much to chose from!) we have compiled a list of our top 10 things to do……(In no particular order)
#1 The Kitchen Garden Cottages
Your adventures and memory making starts here!
#2 Whitsand Bay
Enjoy a day on the beach with a picnic and swim at Whitsand bay. The stunning 3 mile stretch of gorgeous sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, building sand castles and (if you have enough energy!) Surfing and Coasteering. Over looked by Rame head, a headland hill topped with a 14th century chapel which you can walk up to (see #5). During the winter season the coastline is just as beautiful and you can walk along the beach for miles and have it all to yourself!
Spend a day pottering around the lovely fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. These two quaint villages are nestled on the coastline 5 mins away from the cottages. Famous for being a smugglers cove the pretty little houses are full of character and seem to topple onto each other down to the family friendly pebbly beaches which are great for rock pool adventures. There are great, friendly deli cafes and fine food pubs serving local seafood so to pop off the beach to grab a bite to eat is no problem. Devonport Inn & Westcroft Gallery well worth visiting.
#4 The Canteen
Our favourite place to eat on the Peninsula and just 3 mins from the cottages with stunning views over Plymouth sound. The Canteen is a friendly, relaxed cafe in stylish a old Nissan hut, serving very fine breakfasts and lunches that can not be missed! (open once a month for evening meals, booking for evenings and busy weekends well in advance is advised!).
#5 Rame Head
A walk up to the chapel at Rame Head is one of the locals favourites! There is a carpark at the Coastguard hut and then the footpath takes you right up to the chapel. The views are amazing and you will fall in love with this place, guaranteed!
If you are looking for fun and fine dining then there is plenty to chose from at the Royal William Yard. 5 mins from the cottages and just a short passenger ferry ride across the river is the beautiful old Royal Navy victualling yard with has its buildings renovated in a modern, open plan style creating an exciting atmosphere in which to dine. Many different cafes and restaurants are available (see the link). Also there is a lovely foodie market held here once a month selling fine local artisan foods and drinks.
#7 The Barbican and the National Marine Aquarium.
See some of the history of Plymouth’s Ocean City at The Barbican and brows the independent quirky shops and galleries. The May flower steps where The Pilgrim Father’s left for America. The Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower (which you can climb for fantastic views over towards Mt Edgcumbe) and the Monument to sir Frances Drake are all well worth a visit. If you like to swim then the Plymouth Tinside Lido on the Hoe is an interesting and beautiful 1935 Art Deco pool and is open between May – September. The Plymouth Gin distillery does a great gin tour with tasting at the end! A great day out for little ones or lovers of anything underwater the National Marine Aquarium is a must visit.
Visit Mount Edgcumbe House and Country park which is right on the cottage’s doorstep! Take a walk through the beautiful 865 acres parkland, which is free to roam, very family and dog friendly with lovely open greens and beaches for picnicking and impressive formal gardens. The park has a nice selection of cafes and gift shops, also there is a large family pub. A tour of the manor house is a great way to get some understanding of the history of Mt Edgcumbe and the relationship with the Kitchen Gardens and the cottages.
Every Saturday morning there is a 5k park run which has a very friendly and family fun atmosphere.
#9 Walk the coast path from Mt Edgcumbe – Minnudhu – Kingsand – Cream Tea – Pasty – Pub 🙂
A walk around to Kingsand and Cawsand via the Edgcumbe foot path, this is a brilliant way to see and experience the coastal path. Walk across the open green grass and blue seas at the Minnudhu and reward yourself with either of the following >>> Cornish pasty, Cornish Cream tea, Pint of Cornish ale!
#10 A bike ride somewhere on the Peninsula
Hire a bike in the park for a day or a weeks hire or bring your own. Take a short ride around the trails at Mt Edgcumbe or venture further around the Peninsula. The Cliff road from the top of Downderry back around Whitsand Bay is spectacular if you like to venture further.
##Best of all relax and enjoy a BBQ and a glass of wine in the garden listening to the birds, watching the sunset from the harbour and wait for the stars to come out. Magic!