THE OLD ADMIRALTY BOATHOUSE ( formally SEA EDGE)

Villages of Cawsand and Kingsand
Now - about our delightful twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand.
They are old Cornish fishing villages, which have their own smuggling tales to tell!

Wrecking, you'll be pleased to know, is now a thing of the past! But the narrow lanes and back streets remain to add to the charm and atmosphere. We boast three 'blue flag' beaches fringed with rocks and rock pools, great for exploring. Boating is safe for those who keep an eye on the high tides that sneaks in twice a day!!

Anglers can enjoy fishing from the rocks or coves that fringe the beaches. Here at Cawsand is the sandiest of the three 'bay beaches' spreading in front of our villages. The Bay stretches right across towards Devon and the Breakwater and is edged with Fort Picklcombe at its north Eastern Corner, and Pier Cellars to the South East. On the beach you will find the local pilot gigs and many sailing dinghies (both activities organized by thriving local clubs - which offer temporary membership for visitors).

A ferry boat lands at Cawsand four times a day in the summer, taking passengers across the bay and beyond, passing Drakes Island and the famous Plymouth Hoe. Docking at the Barbican in Plymouth, near at the 'Mayflower Steps' where the Pilgrim Fathers left for the Americas some four hundred years ago. On this short sea trip, it has also been known to sight dolphins that enjoy playing in the bow waves and enthrall all with their antics. On rare occasions dolphins and seals have been sighted swimming in the sea directly in front of our house! Never a dull moment, when looking out over the bay from our windows.

Cawsand Bay, a favourite anchorage for yachts and other water sport enthusiasts. In the far distance, Navy ships come and go, often anchoring quite close to the shore. The naval and commercial shipping movements of the port ensure the binoculars are ever ready and are well used.

To entertain you ashore, the villages have four pubs, a post office-come nick-knack shop, two small souvenir shops, one grocery/paper shop, two art galleries, a charming tea room and deli, the 'Boathouse' coffee shop, and a snack/beach type 'Shop in the Square' here in Cawsand. Last, but not least, just off the beach - a fish and chip bar. The Gig club situated just behind Sea Edge, with rebuilt premises including a new gymnasium, and will apparently, offer gym memberships in 2011.

If the easterly wind blows, there are miles of sandy beaches, some with lifeguards at Whitsands Bay - the ultimate in un-spoilt Cornwall. and just two miles away - great for swimming and surfing, kite flying and watching the sun set. There is a very good cliff-top café (and one on the beach), plus, 'The View' a restaurant on the coast road at Whitsands for which booking is advisable. Half-way along Whitsands Bay, the Whitsand Bay Holiday Park, have a small, indoor swimming pool open to the public, with a small coffee bar, and another restaurant.

Those who like the quiet life, might be pleased to know we have no bingo halls, night clubs or amusement arcades. The walks around the village and local coasts are wonderful, offering you a variety of scenic scrambling or just light walking in woodland or along the coastal footpaths.

The village has a thriving community offering fetes, social and sports clubs and coffee mornings in which you are most welcome to participate.

We are close to Polhawn Fort, (famous as a wedding venue), Fort Picklecombe, (converted to luxury apartments), Mt Edgcumbe House and Country Park and Penlee Point. All of which offer fantastic walks from our village. The nearest golf course is along the cliffs to Whitsand Bay Hotel and Golf Club some five (Cornish) miles away at Crafthole/Portwrinkle.

Maybe you like to 'dabble' in water-colours or sketching? The inspiration will flow through your fingers in the surroundings of the Rame Peninsula.

For more things to do - places to go, please go to our ' ATTRACTIONS' page.

Please click on one of the images below to view.