With the summer season fast approaching, it’s high time to book that much-needed getaway for some sun-soaked relaxation away from London’s hustle and bustle.
You might be tempted to jet off to exotic locales, but there’s a certain charm to embracing the British seaside as the warm days give way to the mellow hues of autumn. And what better place to soak up the coastal magic than a quaint Cornish village that boasts one of the UK’s top pubs?
Nestled on the Rame peninsula, Kingsand and its sister village Cawsand are steeped in a timeless allure, with their history deeply rooted in tales of smugglers and fishing communities.
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The villages still retain their maritime heritage, evident in the old fish cellars and boat stores. They’re also linked to naval history, being the home of Commander John Pollard, the hero who sought justice for Admiral Nelson.
Today, Kingsand feels worlds apart from its turbulent past, offering a tranquil retreat where the gentle sound of waves meets the shore. Gazing out over Plymouth Sound, visitors can explore vibrant rockpools, unwind on the quiet beach, or even take up paddle boarding in the calm bay waters.
Kingsand remains relatively untouched by the tourist throngs that flock to other Cornish spots. A travel website notes: “The fact that the village is only a few miles (as the crow flies) from Plymouth is probably the only reason the village is on the tourist radar at all.”
Marked by its iconic clocktower perched on the seawall, the village exudes a unique charm as you meander through its narrow lanes. The streets are lined with vibrant houses painted in shades of yellow, orange, and sky blue, each boasting an eclectic mix of designs featuring balconies and overhangs that narrate the area’s rich history.
The Devonport Inn stands out as the jewel of the town, having been named one of the top 15 country pubs in the UK by Conde Nast in 2021.
From the outside, the pub’s rustic charm is evident as it commands a stunning position overlooking the seafront, beach, and bay. Inside, the enchantment continues with a menu offering everything from homemade pasties to harissa roast chicken.
A patron enthused: “I’ve had more good times in this salty beachfront local than I can remember: pasties with pints of Cornish Rattler after coastal path walks; family Sunday lunches at long tables tucked into the blond-wood interior; elbowing through the fancy dress-clad throng on New Year’s Eve before the fireworks.”
The food is as splendid as the views over the little bay Looe scallops, River Exe oysters, Devon ruby steak and chips but it still has the intangible soul of a proper local’s bar.”
If you’re planning a trip to Kingsand, there are plenty of accommodation options available in the village and its surrounding areas.
Reaching Kingsand involves a nearly five-hour drive from Bristol, heading down the M4, then onto the M5 and finally the A38, leading you all the way to the Rame peninsula before you make your way to the coast.
Alternatively, you could opt for public transport. Catch a train from Paddington to Plymouth, followed by a ferry ride from Plymouth to Cawsand.
This route takes approximately four and a half hours.
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