We have had a number of guests who have stayed with us recently and have brought along their beautiful dogs. They’ve also been asking us are there any dog friendly beaches near you? Can you recommend any?

Well, yes we can!  We are situated between two quiet fishing villages Kingsand and Cawsand on the peaceful Rame Peninsula.  The area is popular with dog owners because of its many beautiful walks and stunning scenery.  The locals are very welcoming to dogs – many of the pubs and restaurants provide water bowls and most of the beaches are dog friendly.  We have compiled a list of our closest dog friendly beaches.

Kingsand Beach – A Dog friendly beach all year round

Turn left out of the front door of Blue Monkey and walk to the end of the street to find Kingsand Beach. Kingsand and its neighbouring beach at Cawsand are sheltered, east-facing beaches, making them great locations for walks throughout the year.

Top Tip: Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.  Top of the list of Dog Friendly Beaches!

Cawsand Bay – A Dog friendly beach with Great Views

Dogs are allowed off their leads on the beach from 30 September through to Easter Sunday. Lovely views of Plymouth Sound.

Top Tip: The beach is made of sand and shingle so may not be as kind to your dog’s feet as sand.

Whitsand Bay – A Dog friendly beach that is great for surfers too

Whitsand Bay is just around the Rame Peninsula, about ten minutes’ drive from Blue Monkey.  It’s popular with surfers and families and it is a very dog friendly beach.  You can walk along the beach for miles and dogs are allowed all year round.  Good for surfing, walking or running with beautiful scenery and plenty of space.  Access is steep and there are not many facilities apart from a small café at the top of the cliffs so bring your own supplies.

Top Tip: Access from the car park near Tregantle Fort.

Wilcove – A dog friendly beach close to a pub

Close to Whitsand Bay and the National Trust property at St Anthony, up a creek at the foot of the River Tamar, you will find Wilcove Beach.  Wilcove is a very dog friendly beach as dogs are allowed here all year round.

Top Tip:  Look out for the beautiful varied birdlife and relax at the Wilcove Inn.

Freathy Beach

A dog friendly beach ten minutes’ drive from Blue Monkey. Part of Whitsand Bay, this long beach has a wide expanse at low tide, making it the perfect place to stretch all of your legs whilst admiring the stunning views along the coast towards Polhawn Fort.

Sharrow Beach

Ten minutes’ drive from Blue Monkey and part of Whitsand Bay.  This small, sandy, dog friendly beach with rocky outcrops is a great place to play in the surf together.

Top Tip: More beach to wander along at low tide.

Tregantle Beach

Whitsand Bay, 11 minutes’ drive from Blue Monkey.  On the cliffs above you will find Tregantle Fort.  Tregantle is a dog friendly beach that welcomes dogs all year round.

Top Tip: Visit at low tide as this beach can get cut off.

Seaton Beach

25 minutes’ drive from Blue Monkey, located at the foot of the wooded Hessenford valley near Looe.  Sheltered by the high cliffs to the east, the water is safe for swimmers of all ages and dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Top Tip: Family friendly with places to eat, parking and toilets

ABOUT BLUEMONKEY CORNWALL

We are a 5 star luxury holiday home in Cornwall situated between two quiet fishing villages Kingsand and Cawsand. We offer dog-friendly accommodation all year round.  If you’d like to stay with us you can check out our availability or contact the House Manager, Annabel Herbert on 07813 070 269.

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Penlee Point

Penlee Point is one of the most beautiful walks in the country. It lies on the South West Coast Path, and the views all around the headland are incredible. If you’re staying at Blue Monkey Cornwall, you’re just minutes away from this stunning coastal walk.

What Is Penlee Point?

Penn Legh is Cornish for stone-slab headland and the point is a coastal headland southeast of the village of Rame in Southeast Cornwall, UK. The point lies at the entrance to Plymouth Sound, with its imposing lighthouse commanding views across the water.

Penlee Point is part of a small Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the “Rame Head Heritage Coast” that also includes Cawsand Bay and the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.

Penlee Point Walk: Distance, Time & Difficulty

Key Stats:

• Distance: 6-9.7 km (4-6 miles) depending on route
• Time: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Elevation gain: 150-235 meters
• Route type: Circular walk on the South West Coast Path

The walk is easily achievable for families and casual walkers, though some sections involve steady climbing. The terrain is mostly on established paths, with a few steep areas. There are no major obstacles, though the path can be muddy in places, particularly near woodland sections.

How to get to Penlee Point from Blue Monkey

If you’re staying at Blue Monkey in Cawsand, getting to Penlee Point is straightforward: turn right out of Blue Monkey and keep walking – the road will take you all the way to Penlee Point. It’s a scenic walk through the village, taking approximately 20-30 minutes on foot before you reach the coastal path.

Alternatively, there’s a Penlee Point car park if you prefer to drive (PL101LN).

What To See At Penlee Point

Queen Adelaide’s Grotto

Above the point and little below the stunning Coastal Path is Queen Adelaide’s Grotto, built in 1827/1828 to commemorate the visit of King William IV and Queen Adelaide to Mount Edgcumbe.  Penlee Battery is the former site of a fort, and is now a nature reserve.

Penlee Battery Nature Reserve

A gun battery was constructed on Penlee Point in the late 1880s and used throughout both World Wars. It was initially armed with two 6-inch guns and a massive 13.5-inch gun, which weighed 67 tons and took eighty horses two weeks to haul it up a specially constructed flight of steps. On its first firing, the recoil from the gun split its concrete bed. The battery was decommissioned in the 1950s, and the buildings associated with it were demolished, but there are still enough remains to appreciate the scale of the defences. Wait around until low tide to see a private, hidden beach revealed.  This is also where nature lovers can see the Green Darner Dragonfly, first seen in Britain here.

Rame Head

Penlee Point is part of a small Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the “Rame Head Heritage Coast” that also includes Cawsand Bay and the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. 

Penlee Point Walk Tips

What To Bring

• Good walking boots (the path can be muddy)
• Waterproof jacket (weather changes quickly on the coast)
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Sun cream and hat (exposed headland with no shade)
• Camera for the views

Best Time To Visit

Spring (April-May): Wildflowers in bloom, milder weather, fewer crowds

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, best for swimming at hidden beach, but busiest with visitors

Autumn (September-October): Blackberries, butterflies, and beautiful golden light; generally quieter than summer

Winter (November-March): Dramatic coastal views, fewer visitors, but shorter daylight and potentially muddy paths

Important: Stock Up Before You Go

Make sure you stock up with plenty to eat before you go. There are no facilities at Penlee Point itself, so pack a picnic lunch and snacks. You can grab supplies in Cawsand village beforehand.

Where To Eat In Cawsand

Try some of the great places to eat in Cawsand before or after your walk:

• The Bay Bar and Restaurant – Located on Cawsand Beach with sea views
• The Old Bakery – Traditional village spot

You can check what’s open here.

Where to stay: Blue Monkey Cornwall

Penlee Point is one of the most accessible coastal walks from Blue Monkey Cornwall, our luxury 5-bed self-catering holiday cottage in Cawsand. You can literally turn right out of the cottage and walk straight to Penlee Point – no car needed.

Blue Monkey is perfectly positioned as your base for exploring the Rame Peninsula, with easy access to:

• Penlee Point and Rame Head walks
• Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
• Three sandy beaches (Cawsand, Kingsand, The Cleave)
• Whitsand Bay (just a short drive)
• Village restaurants and shops

Book Your Penlee Point Adventure

Ready to explore one of Cornwall’s most beautiful walks? Blue Monkey Cornwall is your perfect base.

Contact us to book:

Call: 07845 468 487
Email: enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com

The post Penlee Point and the Rame Peninsula first appeared on Blue Monkey Cornwall..

Looking for a Romantic Break?

Have a look at the exclusive Blue Monkey in Cornwall.

Romance is in the air!  Here at Blue Monkey we’re looking forward to Valentines Day but this year we have to stay closed.  To celebrate online, here are my suggestions for a romantic break at Blue Monkey Cornwall.   This ancient clock tower was erected to commemorate the coronation of King George V and is a great place to gaze out to sea from.  Kingsand and Cawsand are steeped in history – particularly of pirates and smuggling (so romantic!).

There is something so romantic about watching the Sunset.  A romantic break should always include a sunset!  There are many beautiful walks along the coast and local countryside that afford you a fantastic view of the sunset.  A couple of my favourites:

Moon Gazing on a Romantic Break

Gaze at the moon over the sea.  There is nothing more romantic than a moonlit night.  Choose a weekend when the moon is full for your romantic break.  If you are a serious star gazer there are many recommended ‘dark sites’ near Blue Monkey.  Try Kit Hill, near Callington, a recommended ‘dark site’ 45 minutes drive from Blue Monkey.

Romantic Beach

Paddle in the sea together at one of the local beaches.  Stay until sunset and roast marshmallows around a fire.  The seaside is the best place for a romantic break!

Romance on the Ferry!

Take the ferry across to Plymouth and spot the dolphins on the way.  The local ferry runs from Easter to the end of October from Cawsand Beach to a landing stage at the Barbican.

Top Tip: £5 per adult and dogs, prams and bicycles are allowed on board.

Romantic Walk

Penlee Point is a wonderfully romantic walk with breath-taking views at the end of the Rame Peninsula.

And of course Cornwall is a wonderful place to get married so if your romantic break at Blue Monkey Cornwall inspires you, we have some wonderful wedding venues within 10 minutes drive and you can read more about them here.

Let us know about your favourite romantic memory on our Facebook page.

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There are many Gourmet Restaurants in Cornwall, and there are some fantastic gourmet restaurants near Blue Monkey, not to mention our own personal chef who can prepare a meal in advance of your arrival or even provide a catered dinner party during your stay.  But many of our guests are gourmet enthusiasts and so here is a list of some of the best local restaurants.

The Barbican Kitchen, Plymouth

One of my favourite gourmet restaurants near Blue Monkey.  Acclaimed chefs and restauranteurs Chris and James Tanner’s own this hugely successful and popular casual dining brasserie in the Plymouth Gin Distillery.  The Tanner brothers have won many an award for their high quality food and ethos of local sourcing and seasonal flavours.  The Barbican Kitchen state that their aim is to ‘deliver fresh local food at a realistic price’ and kids under 5 eat for free!  Have a look at the menu which you can see here.

Salumi Bar and Eatery

Another fabulous gourmet restaurant near Blue Monkey is the newly opened Salumi.  The owner and chef, Dave Jenkins recently won the Sharp’s Brewery Best Chef 2019 award – need I say more!  The Salumi has a beautiful interior and exterior seating for hot summer nights and a BBQ at the end of each month during summer.

Have a look at their menus here.

Top Tip: Vegan options

The Greedy Goose, Plymouth

This gourmet restaurant near Blue Monkey is owned by Ben and Francesca Palmer.  Ben has worked with many award winning chefs and was himself a quarter finalist in MasterChefs: The Professionals, in 2011.  The restaurant is in the beautiful and romantic Prysten House, one of Plymouth’s oldest buildings with its own well.  They have lots on offer to tempt you to visit: Taster Tuesdays, BYOB Wednesdays, family friendly Sunday brunches and a very reasonable price of £15 for 3 courses.

Have a look at the menu here.

Availability and Special Offers

30 March to 4th April reduced from £599 to £549
18 to 24 April reduced from £624 to £549
10 to 15 May reduced from £1,099 to £999

We still have 1 week available in July 18th to 25th
We still have the first week of August free

Book Now to avoid disappointment on our secure online booking page

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The Rame Peninsula Micro Climate

Christmas at Blue Monkey is truly relaxing.  The twin fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand seem undisturbed by the chaos of modern life and even have their own mild micro climate, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind by the sea.  Here is how I would spend a seaside Christmas on the Rame Peninsula…

The Coastal Path to Mount Edgcumbe

A magical walk along the West Coastal Path, with strange shaped trees and fabulous views.  You and your dog will feel very well exercised by the end of this 5 mile walk, so make sure you take a bottle of water with you.  Along the walk you will come across eighteenth century follies, seats and fountains to lead you to the fabulous Mount Edgcumbe House and Gardens where you can collapse in the cafe and have a cup of tea.  You will go back home feeling that you have captured the very essence of Christmas on the Rame Peninsula.

Beautiful Local Beaches

Beaches-Rame-Peninsula

There are many beaches within a stone’s throw from Blue Monkey and you only need to step outside the house to hear the sea, and walk a few yards to the end of Garrett Street to see it.  There are many more secret beaches like this one, along the shoreline of the Plymouth Sound.  Dogs are allowed to run around off their leads on the beaches from the beginning of October – that’s why dogs love to spend Christmas on the Rame Peninsula!

Watching the Boats

Situated just across the water from the naval base at Plymouth, there are always lots of fascinating boats to watch sailing around the peninsula.  If you’re feeling brave and the water is warm enough, we have 2 paddle boards and 2 kayaks FREE for our guests to use.

 

 

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October is the perfect month for a relaxing break in Cornwall.  The weather is still warm enough to enjoy long walks along the beautiful coastal paths near Blue Monkey and dogs are allowed off their leads on the beach.  There is also lots of fun to be had!  Here are four exciting reasons to take an October break in Cornwall.

Oktober Fest, Plymouth

5th October 2019: have some fun at the Oktoberfest Beer festival held at Plymouth City Guildhall, celebrating German beers and sausage meat with varieties of special sausages for the enthusiastic connoisseurs PLUS there are vegan options.  Gamers Ahoy!!  Yes it’s true – there’s a games area where you can take part in traditional German games, arcades where you can muscle up against other enthusiasts… and all this is accompanied by special guest Oompah bands from Germany, Belgium and Holland.

Top Tip: Tickets from £10.45 and you can book a table for 8 for £95.40 for the evening here

Plymouth 5K and 10K Marathon

Sunday 6 October: Ever run a marathon?  It’s been said that you gain just as many health benefits from watching a sport as you do from taking part so here is your chance!  The Plymouth 10K and 5K marathons begin from the centre of Plymouth on Princess Street and run out of the city towards the embankment over the river Plym.  Getting fit for winter is a great reason to take an October break in Cornwall!

Top Tip: Get a feel for it via this video.

Queen Adelaide’s Grotto

Dog owners often choose to take an October break in Cornwall because from the end of September, dogs are allowed off the lead on the beaches around Kingsand and Cawsand.  One walk that I highly recommend is up the south West Coastal Path to Penlee Point.  The area is steeped in history, and one of the attractions that I feel doesn’t get the attention it deserves is Penlee grotto, dedicated to Princess Adelaide after she visited in 1827, four years before she was crowned Queen consort.  Housed in a cave below Penlee Point, the fabulous views from the grotto made it an excellent look out post and it also bears some interesting historic wall art.

Whacker Quay

Another fabulous walk for you and your dog to enjoy is along the Lynher Estuary to Whacker Quay.  Railway enthusiasts! You will pass the remains of an old railway, with turntables, an engine house and old sidings.  The quay is also a popular bird watching site where you can see waders and duck, egrets and spoonbills, especially in migration season as they stop to refuel along the river.  If you’re feeling energetic, grab the kayaks and paddle boards from Blue Monkey and explore the many secret side creeks around the river.

Top Tip: if kayaking, make sure to plan around the small tidal window.  We also have two paddle boards for our guests to use at Blue Monkey – here is one of our guests in action!!

Availability

4 to 11 October 2019: £499 for 7 nights
We are offering 10% off Available Dates in November and December 2019
Christmas is still FREE!  Book NOW to avoid disappointment
21st to 28th December £2,250

Book Securely Online Here and NOW to avoid disappointment!
If you are taking advantage of 4 to 11 October discount, please enter code OCT at checkout.

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Three miles of sand stretch from Rame Head in the East to Portwrinkle in the West.  These are the beautiful beaches of Whitsand Bay with glistening white sand, rock pools and waves.  Great for paddle boarding, surfing, ideal for an early morning jog, peaceful to picnic on and exciting to explore.

Rame Peninsula’s beaches are bordered by high cliffs steeped in history and drama.  Whitsand Bay is overlooked by the ruins of a 14^th century chapel dedicated to St Michael at the pinnacle of the peninsula.

In 1874 a hermit called Lugger dug himself out a cave at Sharrow Point and inscribed secret verses on the ceiling to keep himself entertained.  It is also popular with divers: in 1914 a submarine sank it Whitsand Bay and in 2004 it was joined by HMS Scylla to provide an artificial underwater reef.

Defenders of the Realm!  Rame Peninsula’s beaches have played their part.  In 1859 the Polhawn Battery was built to shore up our shores as Plymouth was considered to be a weak point in our defences.  Polhawn Battery and Polhawn Fort now play a different role in our culture as their beautiful views have transformed the fort into a popular wedding venue.

Whitsand Bay is one of the many beautiful beaches close to Blue Monkey Cornwall.  Follow my blog to learn more.

Top Tips: Whitsand Bay is dog friendly and has 3 coastguards on duty between May and September.  Beware the strong currents and steep descent down rocky paths to the beach.

Useful Links:

Where to Eat

Surfing and Coasteering

Weddings

The post Rame Peninsula’s Hidden Beaches first appeared on Blue Monkey Cornwall..

Easter Fun!

The Rame Peninsula is the perfect place to spend an Easter Break in Cornwall.  There are beaches, coastal walks with breath-taking views and lots of family entertainments planned.  Here are three of our favourites right on Blue Monkey’s doorstep:

Easter at Eden

From the 6^th to 25^th of April the Eden Project is running a very special Easter event.  There are indoor and outdoor games and activities for families to try (phew no need to worry about the rain!).  Have fun herding farmyard animals into their pens, win some golden eggs and learn about growing crops with the Eden farmers.

Top Tip: Free with Eden Admission

Plymouth Easter Egg Hunt

Plymouth is full of exciting things to see and do and there’s always something happening to entertain all ages.  If you are planning an Easter break in Cornwall, your children will be delighted to hear that they can join the free chocolate mini egg hunt in Plymouth City Centre.  Follow a map to find the giant eggs and claim your eggs!

Top Tip: The best way to get to Plymouth is to take the ferry from Cawsand Beach to Barbican Landing Stage and spot dolphins on the way.

Mount Edgcumbe House

Five minutes from Blue Monkey is the ancestral home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.  Full of history, art and three 16^th century tapestries, the house is well worth a visit and opens for the season from 1^st April to the end of September, Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 4.30pm.

If you don’t want to visit the house, the country park is free of charge and open every day from 8am to 8pm. This is a fun day out for the family, with Adventure Segway, Golf, cycles, archery and many more things to do and explore.

Top Tip: Dogs on leads are welcome.  Family Ticket price: £12.50

April Offer

6th to 13th April is still available and we are offering 15% off listed Price
Please enter code APR at checkout on our secure online payment page here.

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Here at Blue Monkey…

…we’re excited to see that the sun is beginning to shine and the daffodils are already carpeting the forests!  So if you’re feeling the need for a fortifying breath of sea air, why not take a March mini break in Cornwall?  Life is beginning again down here as castles dust off their cobwebs, pigs are racing and even the birds are up to something…

The Devon Bird of Prey Centre

Just over an hour’s drive from Blue Monkey you can book in for an experience day and learn to fly a falcon!  You can try a 1-hour taster session, book a day with a falconer and learn how to fly the birds yourself, or you can just spectate.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

Just over the border in Devon, this castle was built in the 1560s and was intended to be a huge and wonderful place – Devon’s answer to Longleat.  But the project was never completed, and it is now a famously haunted romantic old ruin.  Definitely worth adding to your mini break in Cornwall schedule!

Pig Racing at Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm has opened up its gates for the Spring, and as horse racing doesn’t start until Easter, the pigs have decided to take the limelight with their own special Races.  This is a day out for families and the farm runs activities, free rides and different displays every half hour.  The farm is a very healthy way to entertain your children on a mini break in Cornwall.

Staring out to Sea

They say the best things in life are free… and maybe the best thing to do on a mini break in Cornwall is just to sit and enjoy the wonderful views of the Rame Peninsula.

Availability

Please check out our availability page here or email us at enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com

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Autumn

…is an exciting time of year in Cornwall.  The windy weather creates opportunities for all kinds of exhilarating fun!  The crowds are gone, the sea is still warm, the summer is Indian and we have some great Autumn surf break offers to add a little spice to your life.

Whitsand Bay

Ten Minutes from Blue Monkey are the beautiful sands of Whistand Bay.  This is a great place to learn to surf with lessons from Adventure Bay surf schoolwho offer private lessons, group lessons, beginners, improvers, family, kids parties and 3 session courses.  You can also have your efforts captured on video to broadcast to the world and help you improve your technique.  An Autumn surf break is about the sea and if the board is not for you, Adventure Bay will take you coasteering in a kayak around the coves and beaches of the Rame Peninsula.  Once you’ve learned where to go, you can take advantage of Blue Monkey’s free kayaks and explore to your heart’s content.

Top Tip: Check the surfer’s Bible, Magic Seaweed, for surfing conditions.  Search for Whitsand Bay.

Cawsand Beach

Five minute’s walk from Blue Monkey is Cawsand Beach – an ideal place to start your own coasteering adventure in our free kayaks.  If you’re not ready to strike out on your own, then Cawsand Kayak and SUP Hire will take you around the beautiful sheltered local waters.  Lately we’ve been hearing that Paddle Boards are all the rage and Cawsand Beach is the perfect spot to get your balance as the bay is sheltered by the peninsula and the surf won’t knock you over.  You can hire a paddle board from SUP Rental.
 
Top Tip: This area is ideal for an Autumn surf break as you can hire everything you need including wet suits for just £3 from Cawsand Beach.  Email Annabel to organise for you at enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com.

Kitesurfing

Pasty Adventures Kitesurf Coaching Holidays

1h 28m from Blue Monkey you’ll find Gwithian Beach where you can spend a breath-taking day with the Pasty Adventures Kitesurf School.  Run by a former British champion, you will be in good hands here with all the latest equipment which Pasty replace every 6 months.  A mixture of surfing, flying and sailing, Kitesurfing will make you so excited and happy that you won’t even realise you’re doing a honing and toning full body workout – a good reason to feel great about taking an Autumn surf break!

Top tip: You can also kite surf at Whitsand Bay, only 10 minutes from Blue Monkey.

Watch Kite Surfing at Gwithian bay here.

Available Dates and Offers

8th November 2018 to 19th December 2018: 25% off online listed prices.  Please email Annabel for this special offer on enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com

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