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

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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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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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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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Summer’s over – hooray!  That means it’s time to take an Autumn break in Cornwall.  No crowds, lower prices, and still plenty to do and see.  Dogs are delighted – they’re allowed off lead from the 1^st October on the beaches around Blue Monkey, so you can all go for a bracing coastal walk, followed by supper in one of the many fabulous dog friendly pubs or restaurants.  As Halloween and Bonfire night approach the events calendar hots up with a fortnight of magical activities at The Eden Project.  Here are three recommendations for an unmissable Autumn Break in Cornwall:

POLPERRO

A day trip to Polperro, 30 minutes down the coast from Blue Monkey, is a must for the creative soul.  Situated in an area of ‘outstanding natural beauty’, the unspoilt harbour, is brimming with artists and you can admire their work in the many local galleries and browse through quirky independent shops.  Polperro is famous for its seafood restaurants serving fresh fish caught by the local fishermen.

This is the perfect place for a romantic walk as the coast either side of the harbour will blow both your mind and the cobwebs away.   If you’re feeling energetic, take the 5-mile path from Polperro to Looe – the spectacular views along this coast will be a highlight of your Autumn break in Cornwall.

THE LOOE VALLEY LINE

Talking of Looe… if you’re feeling less like walking but you’d still like to admire the views then catching a train along the Looe Valley Line may suit you better.  See the final stretch here.

If you’re taking an Autumn break in Cornwall then this is not to be missed.  Along the route from Liskeard to Looe you will travel through woodland valleys opening up to the estuary where the river meets the sea.  At low tide you’ll see all sorts of beautiful birds wading through the water: Herons, Oystercatchers and Curlews.

Top Tips: The train runs regularly throughout the day, dogs are welcome and a ticket costs just £4.60.

THE EDEN PROJECT

The Eden Project at St Austell is Cornwall’s most famous landmark, built to study the environment and conservation to find new ways to provide a cleaner and greener future for the world.  The bubble shaped biomes are the world’s largest greenhouses, each housing a miniature ecosystem that supports the appropriate climate for the wildlife living within it.  Younger children will be excited to explore a steamy rainforest biome with a tree top walkway winding through a jungle canopy.  Over the half term fortnight there will also be strange Halloween creatures wandering the biomes, pumpkin displays, and ice skating at the Little Monsters Halloween Ball.

Older children will enjoy England’s longest zip wire, a giant gravity swing, a 12m bungee drop and a 25m free-fall jump into an airbag (over 18s only).  Do something you’ll never forget on your Autumn break in Cornwall!

Top Tips: Dogs are allowed on the site but not inside the Biomes.

AUTUMN AVAILABILITY

We still have a few gaps to fill over the coming weeks:

29th September to 4th October
8th to 11th October

14th to 20th October
27th October to 1st November

Please email Annabel for a quote: enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com
Or book securely online here

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Kingsand in Cornwall is a really special place. Here at Blue Monkey we just love our local area, and we wanted to tell you why! So here goes:

1: The Local Beaches

The small pebbly beaches of Kingsand and Cawsand are typical of an old fishing village.  Kingsand Beach has rock pools for your children to explore with their shrimping nets and Cawsand beach has canoes and kayaks for the more adventures to hire during the summer.  There are three pubs near the beaches:

• The Devenport on The Cleave,
• The Rising Sun on The Green; and
• The Halfway House Inn on Fore Street
• The Cross Keys Inn, The Square, Cawsand

…and three cafes within five minutes walk:

• the Old BoatStore cafe on the cleave
• The Old Bakery on Garrett street; and
• The Shop in the Square

Top Tip: You can supervise older children playing on Kingsand beach whilst you relax at The Devonport. 

The villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are typically Cornish but not commercialised. 

2: The Coastal Path

Turn right out of the front door of Blue Monkey and you can follow the coastal path along the Rame Peninsula all the way to Pen Leigh Point and beyond!  Penn Leigh is Cornish for stone-slab headland and the point is a coastal headland southeast of the village of Rame in Southeast Cornwall at the entrance to Plymouth Sound.  Rame Head 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. 

Top Tip: Pack yourself a picnic and enjoy the amazing views over lunch.

3. The Plymouth Ferry

After a lovely walk from Kingsand through Mount Edgecombe, across the ferry at Cremyll and a walk into the city centre via the lovely Barbican, it is an absolute treat to catch this long serving ferry service and cross Plymouth sound back to the beach at Cawsand, step off the boat and be back at your accommodation, or nearest pub in 2 minutes.

Top Tip: The fare is very reasonable for the half hour trip, the view superb and if you’re lucky you may encounter dolphins.  (NJC, Trip Advisor)

Are you visiting this area and looking for accommodation in Kingsand, Cornwall? Blue Monkey Cornwall is luxury self catering accommodation perfect for your families next holiday in Cornwall. Find out more about our Kingsand accommodation or check out our availability here.

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We know that many couples would like to get married in Cornwall, with it’s beautiful scenery and romantic history, so I’ve compiled a list of 3 of the best wedding venues within 10 minutes of Blue monkey.

Mount Edgcumbe House

Mount Edgcumbe House is one of the most beautiful venues the South West has to offer. With over 600 years of history, set in stunning grounds overlooking Plymouth Sound, this venue is the thing that dreams are made of. 

The House has three licensed rooms for civil ceremonies, accommodating from 2 to 120 guests plus the outdoor option of the elegant Summer House overlooking the delightful Earls Garden. 

With 2 stunning venues in the park for your reception, you are spoilt for choice. 

The historic Orangery overlooking the Italian Garden can seat up to 120 guests for a sumptuous reception before dancing the night away in this delightful setting. 

The second option is combining the new with the old; a state of the art marquee nestled in the exclusive Earls Garden gives you the modern comfort of a reinforced glass structure with the private gardens for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening. 

Whitsand Bay Fort

Whitsand Bay Fort delivers a distinctive and versatile venue with stunning scenery and luxury accommodation. Set in a 19th Century Napoleonic Coastal Fort, we are a designated English Heritage Ancient Monument with far reaching beautiful coastal and rural views.

From the elegantly classic to the stylish contemporary, the fort works together with you to design a day that is unique. You can nestle away inside the Napoleonic Vaulted chambers, simply oozing with original character and charm. Or extend into the Vaults Suite with its fusion of contemporary lines and traditional architecture. Our seating capacity allows for 20-150 guests, so you can bring your nearest and dearest or extended family and friends to the celebrations. 

Menu options include: a formal 1-5 course wedding breakfast, hot or cold buffet, hog roast or BBQ with a choice of arrival and toast drinks, as well as an extensive Wine menu. If you’re looking for something a little different, the in-house Chef can tailor make a menu for your special day. 

Polhawn Fort

A cliff-top fort in the South West of England standing tall among sweeping lawns. A secluded beach, Polhawn Cove, sits below, with exclusive access. Stunning sea views lie beyond, as if straight from the pages of a magical romantic novel.

You can tie the knot in the grandest splendour inside the Fort or go for a more bohemian vibe out in the Summerhouse, with its endless coastal views. You’ll get your dream wedding, however you roll.

Polhawn Fort is on the south coast of Cornwall, just around the corner from Plymouth and within really easy reach of Devon and the West Country. Choose a whole weekend or a midweek break, it’s your call. Either way, the place is all yours for the duration.

If you would like to book Blue Monkey for you or your wedding party then please book here online.

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