Blue Monkey – Coastal Holiday Home Kingsand Cornwall
A boutique and spacious, 18th century coastal holiday home beside Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach on the Rame Peninsula Cornwall near Penlee Point.
Blue Monkey has:
More than 150 5* Reviews
Been reviewed by The Times as “One of the UK’s best coastal cottages.”
Been awarded “Top Vacation Rental” by Trip Advisor and Alistair Sawday’s for the last few years.
We hope you, too, will fall in love with the local area and become a regular visitor.
Please join our growing community of 10,000 + followers on Instagram and Facebook,
and share Blue Monkey with friends and family.
We regularly say “Thank You” to our guests with our popular photography competition on social media. Winners can receive a bottle of bubbles, or even a surprise discount off your next stay.
To win…
Please post a “Stunning Picture” from your holiday and tag us on your Instagram or Facebook page.
We can then pick a winner at random!
You have arrived
It’s time to unwind, venture out and explore
A cream tea and a bottle of bubbles await, along with welcome treats for your four-legged companions.
We’ve tried to make your stay as comfortable as possible, catering for babies, children, dogs, and even rainy days.
Outside, you will find two kayaks and two paddle boards, crab buckets and spades, fishing nets for rock pools to use on the two local beaches, Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach along with cricket bats, a BBQ, and an outside seating area. Take the kayaks and paddle boards over the Rame Peninsula, past Penlee Point to Whitsand Beach at Whitsand Bay. On the way, why not check out Penlee Battery and stop to have lunch at Whitsand Bay Restaurant. Whitsand Bay is dog friendly too so take your pooches!
For rainy days, enjoy a selection of classic games and interesting reads, as well as DVDs,
Fibre Optic Wi-Fi, Sky and Netflix on the TV. We pride ourselves on being the best equipped Rame Peninsular accommodation.
We would really love to hear from you, whether that’s during or after your stay.
Please call, text or WhatsApp us if we can be of any help.
Annabel is your House Manager.
You can contact her on:
Tel: 07813 070 269 or 0207 460 2167
Contents
House Information and Housekeeping
In Case of Emergency!
Check In Time: 3pm earliest Check Out Time: 10am latest
Supermarkets
Pet Policy
About Kingsand, Cawsand and the Rame Peninsula
The Village has a Colourful History …
A Place of Work has Become a Place of Recreation
Kitchen
1st Floor Back Bedroom
1st Floor Front Bedroom (Master)
2nd Floor
Fire Extinguishers
House Information and Housekeeping
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House telephone number and mobile reception Mobile reception reliability in the house does vary between networks. Sometimes, you can get a signal on the top floor twin bedroom by the window, or downstairs on the front doorstep. For this reason, you may wish to give the landline number to family and friends. Blue Monkey’s landline: 01752 822 565. Guests are welcome to use the telephone. If you do, please leave money in the honesty box, next to the telephone. |
Parking
Parking is available in the passing bay, just beyond Blue Monkey, to unload your car. Please be as quick as possible to minimise inconvenience to others as our two local beaches of the Rame Peninsula, Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach, are very popular.
There are three parking options:
- Free parking is available on the roadside on Jackmans Meadow (the road coming into the village on the hill), before you turn into Fore Street (main village street).
- Reasonably priced, and most convenient, is the Kingsand Car Park, which is 25m from Blue Monkey. We advise that you obtain a pass for the duration of your stay so you can come and go as you wish. At peak times, the car park fills up quickly, and on changeover day it’s ‘first come, first served’. Tel: 01730 828 103
- The council car park in Cawsand has room for 85 cars. You will need to go daily to feed the meter with coins, which will be expensive. It may be more cost effective to buy a weekly ticket from Cornwall Council. Tel: 0300 1234 222. Visit http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=27989.
Heating
The heating control is on the wall, by the boiler, in the utility room. The heating is set to come on twice a day, whilst hot water is set to constant. We leave the heating on 5°C in the summer and 15°C in the winter. If it is exceptionally cold, you may need to turn it up. If the heating is ‘off’, press the override button to advance it to ‘on’.
The thermostat is located just above the under stairs cupboard door in the hall. All radiators have temperature controls, and there are electric heaters in the bedroom cupboards.
We try to be the ‘greenest’ Cawsand accommodation and would appreciate it if you could close windows and doors and keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature to conserve heat and the heating bill.
Dishwasher
Dishwasher tablets supplied (under the sink).
Tumble Drier
The tumble drier is a condenser type. You will need to empty the collection reservoir regularly (otherwise it will overflow). It’s located on the top left and looks like a drawer. Just pull it out to empty. The lint filter is in the door – lift it up to de-fluff.
Fibre Optic Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi code is on the back of the router, just to the right of the television.
The booster network, DEVELOS, (dLan 500 wifi), will give you Internet throughout the rest of the house, on each floor. Please ensure your device is rerouting itself and connected to it.
Password for kitchen: FKQHFSYMLPGENQHQ. Password for top floor: ZHCTZWAGQKJESZDO
Wi-Fi is also available in the Institute (clock tower) 30m away.
Wood Burner
You’ll find that we have laid the fire for you. When you need to relay the fire, just put a firelighter in the centre, a few bits of kindling on top and add a couple of small logs – it doesn’t need much to get it going.
Matches and firelighters are on the shelf, to the left of the fire, along with a supply of dry logs and kindling. Help yourself to logs, but please replenish the dining room log store from the supply stacked in the garden. This way, it’s always full, and the logs have time to dry out completely before use.
Please do not put wet wood onto the fire, at any time. Wet wood creates excessive smoke, which increases the build-up of creosote/tar in the wood-burner and chimney.
The ash will need to be cleaned out regularly – you’ll find a galvanised bucket and shovel outside, by the dining room door, for this purpose. Please leave ash to cool in the bucket before it goes in the bin.
Gas BBQ
BBQ tools are stored in a basket by the back door.
To light the Gas BBQ:
Under the grill you will find a gas bottle.
At the top of the bottle is a black button: Turn it to red (flame icon)
Turn on Dial 1, Press the ignition button. Turn on Dial 2 which ignites automatically
After you have used the BBQ, kindly make sure it is fully cleaned and ready for the next guests.
Beach Gear
You’ll find a selection of buckets, spades, bodyboards, crab lines, fishing nets and outdoor games in the plastic store, in the back garden. There are two Kayaks stored on top of the wood cover, with the paddles underneath, at ground level, and two Paddle Boards. Grab some kit and rush down to Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach or Whistand Beach and have fun in the water!
Life jackets are in the cupboard, above the boiler, in the utility room. You’ll also find beach towels, stored in the utility room, for your use. We are the best equipped of the family cottages in Cornwall.
Board Games
Board games, Monopoly, Lego and Duplexx etc are stored in the cupboard to the left of the living room fireplace.
Bins and Rubbish
There is a supply of black bin bags, to fit the kitchen bin, under the kitchen sink. Please put rubbish in the wheelie bins in the back garden, ready for collection on Saturday.
Please empty the kitchen bin before you leave and place the rubbish in the wheelie bins in the back garden.
Please do NOT put rubbish out for the Domestic waste collection on Tuesday as this puts us in breach of the Cornwall Council Commercial Waste Collection rules and regulations for family cottages in Cornwall.
Recycling:
The local Parish Council doesn’t provide recycling bags or provisions for recycling for family cottages in Cornwall, but our rubbish removal service recycles everything themselves.
Nappies:
Please put nappies in nappy bags and empty all house bins of nappies before you leave. Please consider our cleaners who have, unfortunately on occasions, had to empty bins of unbagged, dirty nappies.
Store Cupboard Essentials:
Help yourself to the kitchen basics (tea, coffee, oil etc.), but please restock any used items ready for the next guests.
Cleaning Products:
These are stored in the utility room, in a locked cupboard. Due to Health and Safety considerations, guests take full responsibility for children and pets when using these products. No liability can be taken by the owners. You’ll find the cupboard keys on the backdoor key set.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY!
Water Turns Off Here:
The stopcock is by the front door. Walk in, on the left at head height you will find a copper tap.
Electricity Turns Off Here:
The electrics are turned off via the Fuse board, on the left of the front door (interior) above head height.
How to Turn Off the Alarm:
You do not need to touch the alarm but in the event of a flood or electricity outage, the alarm may go off. In this instance:
Call A and M Security: 01752 337 337
Mobile: 07811 139 177
The alarm panel is located just inside the front door, on the right-hand wall, opposite the bottom step.
To turn alarm off type in 1977
Fire Escape!
The fire escape ladder is located in the bottom, left-hand cupboard in the back bedroom on the 2nd floor.
Fire Extinguishers
There are 3 fire extinguishers located:
- in the main hallway
- in the kitchen (by the bin)
- halfway up the stairs to the top floor.
A few house rules …
Check-in time: 3pm earliest
Check-out time: 10am latest
Front door: Please try not to let the front door slam shut as the noise is easily heard by neighbours.
Sand:
Please make sure that excessive sand from Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach etc. is removed outside the house, and refrain from washing off sand in the showers. It causes blockages and flooding and is the most common reason for lost deposits. You’ll find an outside tap and hose in the garden.
Locked Cupboards:
Certain cupboards and doors are locked or marked private. Please don’t try to force them open.
Medicines:
Please be vigilant about leaving or dropping any medication – this could be found and picked up by young children, or pets, at a later date.
Damage and Breakages:
We accept minor damages and breakages occur so please note any incidents in the damage book.
Contacts
If you have any emergency, house-related, problems during your stay, please contact:
Annabel (House Manager) on 07813 070 269 or 020 7460 2167
Whilst we make every effort to ensure that the most up-to-date and accurate contact details are listed here, we cannot, however, be responsible for any inaccurate, previously published, public information.
Emergencies dial: 999 (fire, police, ambulance, and coastguard)
Non-Emergencies dial: 101 (for the local police station)
Emergency Textphone: 18000
Police Station: The nearest one is in Torpoint. Tel: 0845 277 7444.
Vet:
Luxstowe Vets, Liskeard. Tel: 01579 342 120. Appointments are available in Liskeard and Torpoint.
NHS Direct:
Tel 111
A & E:
Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Crownhill, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH. Tel: 01752 202 082
Minor Injuries Unit:
Liskeard Community Hospital, Clemo Road, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 3XD.
Tel: 01579 373 500. Open 8.00am to 10.00pm
Cumberland Centre, Damerell Close, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4JZ.
Tel: 01752 434 400. Open 8.30am to 9.00pm.
Local GP:
The Rame Group Practice. Coombe End Surgery, Cawsand: 01752 829 003.
Antony Road Surgery, Torpoint Surgery: 01752 813 277.
Coombe End Surgery Times:
- Monday 9.00am – 1.00pm and 4.00pm – 6.00pm
- Tuesday 9.00am – 1.00pm and 4.00pm – 6.00pm
- Wednesday 9.00am – 1.00pm
- Thursday 9.00am – 1.00pm
- Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm and 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Dentist:
Antony Road Dental Centre, 125 Antony Road, Torpoint. 01752 812 894
Pharmacy:
Browns, Millbrook. Boots, Fore Street & Antony Road, Torpoint. 01752 822 391.
Local services
Taxis:
Coastline Taxis: 01752 822 322
Cremyll Cars: 01752 822 196
Kernow Cars: 01752 822 200
The Rame Peninsula hosts many a popular seaside wedding venue and our taxi services are second to none. Kingsand and Cawsand holiday cottages are the first choice for Polhawn Fort wedding guests.
Ferries:
Cremyll Ferry to Stonehouse, Plymouth (time table below). River cruises also run throughout the summer. Departure Times from each Side of the River Tamar. Phone for further information: Tel: 01752 822 105.
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Monday to Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
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Cremyll Cornwall |
Admirals Hard Plymouth |
Cremyll Cornwall |
Admirals Hard Plymouth |
Cremyll Cornwall |
Admirals Hard Plymouth |
Cremyll Cornwall |
Admirals Hard Plymouth |
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06.45 |
07.15 |
06.45 |
07.15 |
08.00 |
08.15 |
09.00 |
09.15 |
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07.30 |
07.45 |
07.30 |
07.45 |
08.30 |
08.45 |
09.30 |
09.45 |
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08.15 |
08.45 |
08.15 |
08.45 |
09.00 |
09.15 |
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10.15 |
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09.00 |
09.15 |
09.00 |
09.15 |
09.30 |
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09.30 |
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09.30 |
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Then on the hour and half past the hour, Last Ferry 20.30 |
Then a quarter to and a quarter past the hour, Last ferry 20.45 |
Then on the hour and half past the hour, Last Ferry 21.30 |
Then a quarter to and a quarter past the hour, Last Ferry 21.45 |
Then on the hour and half past the hour, Last Ferry 21.30 |
Then a quarter to and a quarter past the hour, Last Ferry 21.45 |
Then on the hour and half past the hour, Last Ferry 21.00 |
Then a quarter to and a quarter past the hour, Last Ferry 21.15 |
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Pricing as of 2022: Adult Fare: £1.30, Child Fare (5 to 15 years): £0.65, Under 5 Years: Free, Bikes & Parcels: £0.65. Dogs are allowed on the ferry but must be on a lead and kept under control at all times. They are the responsibility of their owners. |
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Cawsand Ferry:
If you fancy a trip to the historic Barbican, the Weston Maid passenger ferry runs between Cawsand Beach (out the front door, turn right, 5 mins away) and the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth. Tel: 01752 253 153 or 07971 208 381.
Departure times:
Cawsand Beach Barbican
09.30 (except Sundays) 10.30
11.00 12.00
12.30 14.30
15.00 16.00
16.30
Bus Travel:
Buses stop at Cawsand Beach Triangle and Kingsand Beach, just up from the Doctor’s surgery / behind the large Cawsand Beach Car Park, to the rear of Cross Keys Pub, one of our favourite Kingsand pubs.
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First Bus runs a limited service into Plymouth. We suggest you check the timetables on the bus stops as these are the most up-to-date or call First: 0345 646 0707.
A Line Coaches runs a regular Cawsand Beach – Millbrook – Cremyll circular.
Trains:
If arriving by train, St Germans (10-minute taxi ride away) train station is closer to Blue Monkey than Plymouth (45 min taxi ride). Tel: 0845 700 0125.
Travelling from St Germans to Plymouth, the train crosses the River Tamar over Brunel’s famous Royal Albert Bridge. The bridge was opened by Prince Albert in 1859.
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Baby-sitting:
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Ask Annabel to arrange a babysitter for you as she has several local babysitters on her database. |
Beauty Salons:
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Ask Annabel to arrange a massage/facial for you via our Concierge service. |
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Hairdresser:
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Hywel Moss, 5 King Street, Millbrook. Tel: 01752 822 414
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Yoga:
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Ask Annabel to arrange via our Concierge service. |
Estate Agent:
If you fall in love with the village, and want to buy your own family cottages in Cornwall, the local Kingsand Beach estate agent is Brunel Estate Agents brunelestateagents.co.uk
Tel: 01752 929 600
Banks:
The nearest cash point is outside the Coop in Millbrook.
You can also withdraw from the post office in Kingsand Beach if your bank offers this facility.
Nearest banks: Torpoint – Barclays and Lloyds Liskeard – NatWest and HSBC
Library:
The nearest Library is in Torpoint, at the bottom end of Fore St. Tel: 01752 812 207.
Local Garages:
The nearest garages for fuel are in Torpoint and at the Trerulefoot roundabout on the A38.
Nearest garage for repairs and servicing: Quay Garage, Millbrook Tel: 01752 822 726.
Public Loos:
Toilets are located just along from the Institute in Kingsand Beach, and in Cawsand, by Cawsand beach.
Local Churches:
Maker with Rame hold services in St Andrews, Cawsand Beach, Maker Church and Rame Church – check the Courier for service times.
Cawsand Congregational Church in Garrett Street holds services on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 10.30am. Tel: 01752 822 806.
Millbrook Methodist Church, New Street, Millbrook has a service every Sunday at 10.30am. Tel: 01752 822 861.
The Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Torpoint holds masses on Saturday at 6.00pm and on Monday and Thursday at 9.30am. Tel: 01579 344 455.
Takeaways:
- Chipmates (fish, chips and pizza etc.) 9 West Street, Millbrook, PL10 1AA. Tel: 01752 823 374
- Millbrook Indian Restaurant and Take Away. Tel: 01752 823 500
- Most Kingsand pubs also provide take away food, which we would advise you order in advance
- Whitsand Bay restaurants also provide take away food.
- The Bay Cawsand is a great place to buy food from to eat on the beach.
Local Caterers:
Please ask Annabel for contact details of local caterers who can:
- Fill up the freezer before your arrival
- Deliver a prepared meal or cook and serve a delicious dinner for you at Blue Monkey.
Please look at our Concierge Page on the Blue Monkey website for other services we can recommend or organise for you such as:
- Diving in Cornwall
- Canoeing in Cornwall
Shopping
Essential Local Shops:
The Village Store:
Fore Street, Kingsand. Groceries, newspapers and pasties. Open Monday to Sunday 7.00am -7pm. Tel: 01752 822 222.
Periwinkle Gifts:
A great shop for jewellery and presents – periwinklegifts.co.uk 62 Fore St, Kingsand, PL10 1NA
Post Office:
Fore Street, Kingsand. Post Office services and gifts. Tel: 01752 822 288.
Fruit and Veg:
Widdicombes, Millbrook. Fruit, veg, wholefoods, bakery, flowers and plants. Tel: 01752 822 335.
Supermarkets:
- The Co-op, Millbrook – is the nearest supermarket
- Sainsburys, Torpoint – 15 minutes by car
- Morrissons, Liskeard – 25 minutes by car
- Waitrose, Saltash – 25 minutes by car
Local Food
The Old Bakery:
Fresh goods are baked daily at The Old Bakery, just 20 metres from your front door. They serve freshly baked breakfast croissants, lunchtime pasties and pizzas. There is also a sourdough bread baking course which can be booked through the website Theoldbakery-cawsand.co.uk
- Kingsand Pubs
- Cawsand Pubs
- The Bay Cawsand
- Whitsand Bay Restaurants
The Stores Cornwall:
A delicious coffee, deli and lifestyle store, 20 metres from your front door. Serving fresh, local food, 7 days a week. Mon-Thurs 8:15-5pm Fri/Sat 8:15-6pm Sun 10:30-4:30pm. Garrett St, Cawsand, Kingsand, PL10 1PD instagram.com/thestores_cornwall
Farmers’ Markets:
Please read the Local Farmers Market blog on our websites for more information.
Fishmonger:
The Fish Store, 18a Macey Street, Torpoint. Delivers to the village on Friday afternoons. Tel: 01752 814 040.
Butcher:
Paul Bray & Son Ltd – 1 Bridge Road, Tideford. Definitely worth a stop as it’s on the main road into Cawsand from Plymouth. It’s handy if you are planning a BBQ, as they sell fantastic homemade sausages and burgers, in a range of flavours. Tel: 01752 851 224.
Pubs, Restaurants and Cafés:
Whilst we have included opening times, where known, we suggest you check opening times to avoid disappointment as these can change throughout the year, subject to season and demand.
Pubs:
- The Rising Sun, The Green, Kingsand. Tel: 01752 822 840.
- Great local atmosphere with open fires.
- The Cross Keys, The Square, Cawsand. Tel: 01752 822 706.
- Choose to sit in the bar or restaurant area.
- The Halfway House, Fore St, Kingsand, PL10 1NA. Tel: 01752 822 279.
- Next door but one. Excellent local ale. Only pub that serves food on Sunday night.
- The Bay Bar & Restaurant, The Bound, Cawsand, PL10 1PG. Tel: 01752 823 777.
- Lovely sea view tables by the window.
- The Devonport Inn, The Cleave, Kingsand, PL10 1NF. Tel: 01752 822 869.
- Devon & Cornwall Inn, 1 West St, Millbrook. Tel: 01752 822 320.
- Edgcumbe Arms, Cremyll, Torpoint. Tel: 01752 822 330.
- Book the Captain’s Table so you can enjoy river views. Carvery 7 days a week
Restaurants
- Whitsand Bay Hotel – cream teas, lunches and dinners, with sea views. Tel: 01503 230 276.
- The Finnygook, Crafthole.
- Named after the ghost of local smuggler, Silas Finny. Tel: 01503 230 338.
- See our local restaurant blogs on our website
Cafés
- The Honey Room, Millbrook. Light lunches, homemade cakes and vegetarian specials.
- Tel: 01752 822 054. Open 9am-5pm.
- The Orangery, Mount Edgcumbe.
- Open daily from 31 March to 25 September, 11am to 5pm. Tel 01752 822 586.
- Maker Junction Café, Maker Camp, Maker Heights.
- Great home cooked breakfasts, including a vegetarian option and cakes.
- Tel: 01752 659 069. Open weekdays 10am-2pm (excl. Weds). Weekends 9.30am to 4pm.
- The Cliff Top Café, Freathy, Whitsand Bay. All-day breakfasts and homemade cakes.
Tel: 01752 822 069. Open 10am-4pm every day.
Things to do
Walking:
The South West Coastal Path runs through the village via Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach. Heading west, it will bring you to Penlee Point, past Penlee Battery on to Rame Head and Whitsand Bay and Whitsand Bay dog friendly beach. Eastbound will take you onto the Edgcumbe Estate, with Mount Edgcumbe House and its formal gardens. The South West and Eastbound path are both 4 miles long.
Cycling:
Go By Bicycle. Tel: 07950 774 067 to book your bikes / electric bikes.
Kayaking:
There are two kayaks in the garden at Blue Monkey, free for our guests to use. Whilst we provide life jackets, we ask that you take responsibility for your party’s health and safety whilst using the kayaks. Kayak lessons are available from Hans on Cawsand beach, who also offer tours around the local coastline. Let your kayak take you from Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach around the Rame Peninula to Whitsand Beach and the numerous coves of Whitsand Bay Cornwall.
The kayaks are stored in the garden, the paddles under the log store and life jackets are kept in the cupboard above the boiler, to the right of the back door into the garden.
Paddle Boarding:
There are two paddle boards in the garden, free for your use. We ask that you take responsibility for your party’s health and safety whilst using the paddle boards.
Surfing:
Learn to surf at Whitsand Bay. Two-hour family/group lessons for 4 people cost £125. Contact Martin on 07813 639 622.
Riding:
BHS-approved lessons, hacks and clinics available at Penewin Stables, Trerulefoot.
Tel: 01752 851 365.
Sea Fishing:
Plymouth Boat Trips run fishing trips from the Barbican. Tel: 07971 208 381 or visit their website www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk. There are also regular shark, mackerel, reef and conger fishing trips operating out of Looe and Polperro. Tel: 07853 391 090 for more information.
Water Sports
The Mountbatten Centre in Plymouth runs water-based activities, such as sailing and powerboating. Tel: 01752 404 567.
Golf
Whitsand Bay Golf Club at Portwrinkle. Tel: 01503 230 778
St Mellion International Resort Tel: 01579 352 351
Swimming Pools:
Whitsand Bay Holiday Park. Tel: 01752 822 597
Liskeard swimming pool at Lux Park Leisure Centre,
Coldstyle Rd, Liskeard, PL14 3HZ. Tel: 01579 342 544
Places to visit
Houses and Gardens
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
Mountedgcumbe.gov.uk Tel: 01752 822 236
Just a few miles down the road is Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park – just a 10-minute drive, or you can walk along the coast path to it. Encompassing some 885 acres, the country park overlooks Plymouth Sound and the River Tamar. The Park and Formal Gardens are open all year round, with free admission.
National Trust properties
Anthony House and Gardens, Antony
An 18th century house, home of the Cornish Carew family, and the filming location for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Explore 100 acres of woodland, peaceful gardens and riverside walks.
Cothele, on the banks of the River Tamar, is the long-ago home of the Edgcumbe family.
Lanhydrock, near Bodmin. A grand Victorian House with rooms to view, including kitchens, nursery and staff quarters.
Saltram House, Plymouth, is a fine example of Georgian grandeur.
Port Eliot, St Germans. House and gardens. Tel: 01503 230 211
Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell. One of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. Tel: 01726 845 100.
The Eden Project, St Austell. Famous for its tropical biodomes, the indoor centre is ideal for a rainy day. Tel: 01726 811 911.
Great for children
Recommended by guests.
Pennywell Farm, Devon. Just off the A38 near Buckfastleigh. An all-day, hands-on experience, suitable for children of all ages. Tel: 01364 642 023.
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth. An ideal rainy-day activity. Tel: 08448 937 938.
Dairyland Farmworld, just outside Newquay. Another one for a rainy day. Tel: 01872 510 246.
The Monkey Sanctuary, St Martins, nr Looe. Tel: 08442 721 271
Dartmoor Zoo. Subject of the film We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Tel: 01752 837 645
Morwhellam Quay. Historic port and copper mine located four miles west of Tavistock, on the banks of the river Tamar. Take a 45-min trip into the mine where you can see a working Victorian farm and railway with heavy horses and peruse a museum of costume (the children can dress up) and mining. There are regular demonstrations on things like rope making, which involve the children. Tel: 01822 832 766.
Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway, Bodmin. A 13-mile steam train experience. Special events include murder mystery journeys and dining events. Tel: 0120 873 555
The Lobster Hatchery, Padstow. Adopt a lobster! Tel: 01841 533 877
Best local beaches
On your doorstep are Kingsand Beach (sand and shingle) and Cawsand Beach (mostly sandy), both of which are safe for swimming.
Sandways, another popular beach, is just a short walk across the rocks, towards Fort Picklecombe.
Whitsand Bay is a 7km stretch of unspoilt beach. The sand is perfect, and the waters are popular for body boarding and surfing. Please be aware that tides here are strong and there is no longer a lifeguard present. You can park along the road – but be sure that no part of your vehicle remains on the tarmac or you will get a parking ticket. You can park in the Sharrow Point car park, or in the field at Tregonhawke (seasonal only).
Access to the beach at Sharrow Point, Freathy and Tregonhawke is quite steep in parts, and often slippery. The walk downhill takes around 10 minutes but is not ideal for buggies nor is it accessible for wheelchairs.
So many beaches make the Rame Peninsula the most sought after location for family cottages in Cornwall.
Cinemas and Theatres
Vue Cinemas, Barbican Leisure Park, Shapters Road, Plymouth PL4 0LG. Tel: 0871 224 0240.
Theatre Royal Ltd, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 2TR. Tel: 01752 267 222.
The Barbican Theatre, Castle St, Plymouth PL1 2NJ. Tel: 01752 267 131.
Things for Babies
You’ll find highchairs in the kitchen, and a supply of nappy bags under the kitchen sink. There is a selection of cutlery in the kitchen drawer, under the microwave, and plastic plates and beakers in the cupboard above.
Stored in the First Floor Back Bedroom – Baby Box:
Triangle pillow and cover Baby wipes
Cot sheets Black out blinds
Potties Baby monitor
Safety plugs Night light
Nappy sacks Baby bouncer
Milton tablets Blanket, travel cot and mattress
Front Twin Room Under the bed
Travel cots under the bed 2 mattresses to go with travel cots in twin room
Stair Gate
If you’re having trouble opening and closing the Stair Gate, watch this video from 2.37 minutes in: youtube.com/watch?v=UqIGATt16xQ
Pet Policy
We are delighted to welcome your pets to Blue Monkey. With direct access to the coastal path there are lots of fantastic walks to enjoy with your four-legged friends and Whitsand Bay dog friendly beach is one of their favourites!
We just ask that they agree to the following:
- I promise not to venture upstairs
- My owners will clean up after me, as other guests wouldn’t want to find any surprises in the garden
- My owners will ensure I do not climb/sit/sleep on the sofa/chairs
- I promise not to foul or cause any damage to the room – otherwise my owners will have to pay for damages
- I will not bark outside in the garden
- I won’t be left in the cottage alone
- I promise, after a muddy walk, to use the outdoor hose to clean off and only use the towels you have provided for me
- I confirm my flea and worm treatment is up to date
- I will have a great holiday and enjoy exploring the local area!
Dogs are allowed all year on Kingsand beach. However, at Cawsand beach they are banned from Easter Day to October 1st.
If you want a day out without your dog, you can book them into Trehill Kennels & Cattery at Rame (less than a 5-minute drive away). If you leave them at Blue Monkey unattended you might risk bad behaviour, resulting in loss of deposit. Tel: 01752 829 018.
Before you leave…
We hope you have enjoyed your stay at Blue Monkey. Please note that check-out time is 10am on the designated date of departure.
Before you leave, we just ask a couple of favours to help with our housekeeping, and to prepare for our next guests.
Please could you:
- put all rubbish (including bathroom rubbish) in the big rubber bins in the backyard
- remove any opened food items from the fridges, freezer and cupboards
- load all the dishes into the dishwasher, and run it on the normal cycle
- wash up any pots and pans, and leave the house tidy
- bring all the outdoor cushions inside, turn off the lights, and
- close all the windows, lock all doors and leave the key in the keysafe
We welcome your feedback and ideas on how to improve our services and guest comfort and would therefore appreciate it if you could please take a moment to complete the Feedback Form before you leave.
Voted last year as the best Rame Peninsula Accommodation, we aim to be No 1 of the family friendly cottages in Cornwall and the No 1 of the Kingsand and Cawsand holiday cottages! Please help us get there!
Please let us know if you wish to rebook for your next stay, otherwise deposits will be returned within 10 days of departure, once you have sent through your bank details.
Thank you and we hope to welcome you back to Blue Monkey again soon.
Have a safe journey home!
The History of Kingsand, Cawsand, and the Rame Peninsula
Some interesting facts
The village of Cawsand once marked the border between Saxon England and Celtic Cornwall, with the stream that runs along Kingsand car park marking the dividing line. Thus Cawsand Beach is English, and Kawsand Beach is Cornish.
In 1587, the Spanish landed a raiding party at Cawsand Beach, intent on burning down the village. Legend has it that one man, armed with a musket, scared them off.
It’s also claimed that John Pollard, who served on HMS Victory during the battle of Trafalgar and was responsible for killing the man who fired the fatal shot at Nelson, was born in the village. Additionally, Nelson himself anchored in Cawsand Bay in 1801.
The Forgotten Corner
The twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand lie on the western shore of Cawsand Bay, forming part of the Mount Edgcumbe Estate. The area is known as the Rame Peninsula – referred to locally as ‘The Forgotten Corner’.
The bay is flanked to the south by the wooded slopes of Penlee Point and, on the northern side, by open parklands of Mount Edgcumbe.
Despite being close to Plymouth, the Peninsula retains a somewhat isolated, bygone-era feel. As a result, the area has escaped over-development, and the noisy bustle of urban life.
An AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty), the Rame Peninsula is blessed with secluded beaches and magnificent scenery – make Rame Peninsula accommodation your first choice for some spectacular coastal walks.
Cawsand’s colourful history …
Until Tudor times there was very little settlement around the shores of the bay. The seas were plagued with pirates, Vikings and Bretons, making it unsafe to live near a beach.
Most people lived in farmsteads, scattered around the ancient parish churches at Maker and Rame, or in the neighbouring fishing village of Millbrook which was safely positioned at the head of a tidal creek.
Once the Tudors had established a navy, and gained some control of the seas and invaders, living by the beach became a safer way of life.
Fishing was big business
As the navy grew, and security at sea further improved, Cawsand’s potential as a fishing centre could be realised. In fact, Cawsand became synonymous with fishing.
In the mid 16th century, in an attempt to evade Sir Francis Drake’s attempts to levy taxes to defend Sutton Pool in Plymouth, a group of Plymouth fish exporters decided to relocate their business to the village.
The exporters traded pilchards, packed in barrels and shipped off to Italy, where they were a popular food on Fridays and during Lent.
Plentiful shoals of pilchard would arrive off the Cornish coast every autumn – bringing a boom time for fishing in Cawsand. Fishermen encircled the pilchards in long seine nets before the catch was then gutted and cured by the village women, in pilchard cellars. Ruins of pilchard cellars can still be seen today – the building beyond Kingsand beach, heading in the Picklecombe direction, being one example.
Continued security provided by the navy-enabled local fishermen to venture further out to sea, in bigger boats. By 1800 there was a sizeable fleet of ‘hookers’ (long-liners) operating out of Cawsand Bay.
The decline of Fishing
By the 1820s, the number of pilchard shoals found this far up the Cornish coast were in decline, and by 1850, the seine nets and equipment were no longer in use.
Larger and more efficient drifters and steam trawlers were now fishing the waters. Hookers could not compete, so their number declined as well. The final blow came in March 1891, when a wild blizzard swept in from the south-east and sank all but one of the hookers.
Smuggling
During the 18th century, Britain was regularly at war with France and Spain. A tax was introduced on all imports to raise the revenue required to sustain war. As a result, smuggling was rife, especially for goods in high demand, such as brandy.
From 1700 to 1820, local fortunes were made from smuggling. An estimated 17,000 casks of brandy were smuggled a year into the village. Local houses still conceal old smugglers’ tunnels, hidden away behind wooden panelling and under floorboards.
Following the defeat of the French in 1815, the cash-strapped government turned its attention to preventing the huge loss of revenue it was suffering at the hands of the smugglers. Anti-smuggling laws were passed and the Coastguard was formed. By 1840, the combined effect of these measures led to the virtual extinction of smuggling in Kingsand and Cawsand.
Military History
The Peninsula’s geographical location, overlooking the seaward approaches to Plymouth, made it the ideal location for military fortifications. In fact, the fortifications can be traced as far back as the 15th century.
Examples of 18th century fortifications include the redoubts at Maker, Fort Picklecombe, Polhawn and Tregantle Forts, and the early 20th century big gun emplacements at Maker, Penlee and Tregonhawke.
100 years ago
One hundred years ago, the local beaches were a hive of industry. Pilot and fishing boats, and sailing barges, came and went, nets and crab pots were repaired, and washerwomen scrubbed and hung their washing out to dry.
Men, horses and donkeys would be at work above Kingsand Beach and Cawsand Beach, where the Coastguard boathouse was stationed, and local blacksmiths and stonemasons set up workshops.
Pictures taken in July 2013: A corner of the village was transformed into a turn of the century film set for a feature film about artist, Turner, played by actor Timothy Spall.
A place of work has become a place of leisure
Workshops are now houses and fishing boats and barges have been replaced with leisure craft and
kayaks, as the village is now frequented by tourists and holidaymakers.
In spite of all the changes, the twin villages are unspoilt by time, retaining their narrow streets,
traditional pubs, and character cottages and buildings – such as the clock tower, which was erected to
commemorate the coronation of King George V.
- There is something here for everyone.
- Those wanting time-out can sit quietly, relax and enjoy the views.
- More active pursuits include swimming, windsurfing, water skiing and kayaking in and around our local Kingsand Beach, Cawsand Beach and Whitsand Bay.
- Diving in Cornwall is popular
- Canoeing in Cornwall too
- Those interested in fishing can cast for bass, wrasse and Pollock from the rocks.
- Nature lovers can observe puffins, buzzards circling overhead and cormorants fishing.
- You may even be lucky, and spot dolphins swimming in the bay.
Map of Kingsand & Cawsand
Aerial view
BLUE MONKEY INVENTORY
Front door – Key in key safe
Fuse box – Bunkroom key stored
Hall stand – Walking sticks
KITCHEN
1st Drawer
Clingfilm, tinfoil
Torches 2
Sandwich bags
Baby Beaker
Birthday cake candles
Assorted batteries
2nd Drawer
Food thermostats 2
Nutcrackers 2
Food basting brushes 2
Tin openers 2
Garlic press 2
Scissors / Young children’s cutlery
Food blender with attachment
Pizza cutter
Ice cream scoop
Small whisk / Veg peelers 2
Bottle opener
Egg strainer
Bottle stop / Pallet knife
Wooden rolling pin
Wooden spoons 4
Fish Slice / Egg straining spoon
3rd Drawer
Large knives 2
Medium knives 3
Bread knives 3
Small serrated edge knife
Small knives 2
Carving fork
Knife sharpener
Dinner knives 11
Small knives 10
Dinner forks 10
Small forks 11
Dessert spoons 9
Soup spoons 11
Teaspoons 11
Tablespoons 7
Top of China Cupboard
Emma Bridgewater biscuit tin
Extra-large Emma Bridgewater jug
Emma Bridgewater cake tin
1st Top Cupboard
Top shelf
Oblong EB Serving dish
Small EB Serving dish
Oval EB serving dish
EB Large jug
EB Gravy boat
EB Milk bottle and Small blue jug
Middle Shelf
Large EB plate
Side EB plates 10
Plastic EB bowls small 10
EB Plastic large plates 11
EB Cereal bowl and EB Sugar bowl
Bottom Shelf
EB Egg cups 10
EB Plastic beakers 10
EB Large mugs 6
EB Med mugs 4
EB Small mugs 4
EB China dessert bowls 10
EB Teapot
Middle Cupboard Kitchen
Middle shelf
Tea bags, Coffee, White sugar, Brown sugar
Filter Coffee, Earl Grey tea, Flour, Four storage containers
Bottom Shelf
Table salt
Black peppercorns
Red wine vinegar
White wine vinegar
Balsamic vinegar
Malt vinegar
Various spices
End Cupboard
Top
Tumblers various sizes 20
Gin glasses 5
Pint glasses 23
Middle
Large wine glasses 8
Medium wine glasses 11
Champagne glasses 10
Cocktail glasses 2
Bottom
White dinner plates 16
Side plates 14
Dessert bowls 16
Saucers 17
Cups 11
Cooker
Grill pan with handle in grill
Under cooker
Cooling trays 2
Large roasting tin
Small roasting tin 2
Le Creuset griddle pan
Bun tin (makes 12)
End of kitchen by back door
First top cupboard
Plastic cutlery (picnic)
Large jug
Various cookbooks and appliance guides
Bottom cupboard
Magimix mixer with various attachments
Salad bowls 2
Pyrex bowls various sizes 4
China bowl / Plastic bowl
Large serving platters 2
Kitchen Scales
Middle cupboard
Glass vases 2
Glass fridge bottles, 5
White serving dish
Small olive dishes, 7
Spare dessert bowls white, 3
Round vase
End cupboard
Herb crusher
Tupperware containers 2
Spare kettle
Ice bucket
Cocktail book
Cocktail shaker.
On Work Top (by utility room)
Where to go guide
Fire safety book
Serving platter
Wine rack
Cake stand
Chopping board (if not on table)
Drawers
Tea towels
Oven gloves
Aprons
Irons 2
Under Sink
Dog bowls, Poop bags, bones and spills cleaner in plastic box
Various cleaning products including:
dishwasher rinse aid / plug and sink unblocker
carpet cleaner, detox spray, fairy liquid, rubber gloves,
assorted rubbish bags Plunger, nappy sacks, a dustpan and brush
Under Hob Top
Grater
Microwave food cover
Assorted sizes of Pyrex dishes, 7
Large frying pan
Medium frying pans, 2
Small frying pan
Pans, large, medium, small, extra small
Two-handle pan
Pan lids
Toast rack
Lemon squeezer
Scales
Flask
Chopping board
Coffee percolator
On Work Surface by Cooker
Nespresso Coffee machine
Nutribullet blender
Kettle
Utensils
Chopping boards
Heat stands
Opposite Side
Microwave
Toaster
Bread bin
Bread board
Under Unit
Vegetable baskets and trays
Under Cooker
Henry Hoover, Dustpan and brush
By Second Fridge
Ironing board, Airer, Brush
Utility Room
Basket containing BBQ tools
Washing basket
First aid kit
Pegs, Keys to back door
Cupboard by washing machine
Powder, fabric softener and cloths
Cupboard Above
Spare white dinner service
6 cups
6 dinner plates
8 side plates
Irons can be found in the drawers, to the left of the back door
Life Jackets for Kayaks stored in the cupboard above the boiler,
to the right of the back door leading into the garden.
LOUNGE
Basket containing children’s books
Adult’s books
Maps
Placemats
Spare extension cable
Above – visitors’ book and placemats
By Fire
Matches and firelighters behind chair on shelf
Extra kindling and logs in basket
Games in cupboard on left of fireplace, Lego and Duplex, and books on shelf
TV Stand
Sky
DVD player
All controls on table at side
1ST FLOOR BEDROOM BACK
Baby box
Triangle pillow and cover
Cot sheets, Potties, Safety plugs, Nappy sacks
Baby carrier, Baby wipes, Black out blinds
Baby monitor, Night light, Baby bouncer, Milton tablets
Blanket, travel cot and mattress
Under bed
2 mattresses to go with travel cots in twin room
Wardrobe
Hair dryer
1ST FLOOR BEDROOM FRONT
Hair dryer in wardrobe on left
Spare blankets and pillows in right wardrobe
Chest containing extra towels
2ND FLOOR
Back Bedroom
Hair dryer in wardrobe, Baby bath
Fire escape ladder
Front Twin Room
Travel cots under bed
Hair dryer in wardrobe plus black out blind
Cupboard on right
Bedding (could be an extra laundry charge for using this)
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
Can be found in the main hallway, in the kitchen (by the bin) and halfway up the stairs to the top floor.