Walking down cobbled laneways lined with bright pink flowers. White and pastel coloured houses against a backdrop of a deep blue sky. Intricate wooden doors and gates. Turquoise waters lapping onto the shore. No, we are not in the Mediterranean- we are in Cornwall!
But this is exactly what it feels like- somewhere aboard. Of course it helps that we are having one of the best summers on record. Close to 30 degrees everyday (can’t complain). Everything just brightens and glows in the sun. I feel relaxed, happy and content as I walk these fascinating streets, along with my boyfriend who has travelled all the way from Australia (he’s my lucky charm with this weather). Everything about this place is so inviting. Almost so much so that I want to move here!
So where are we? Kingsand and Cawsand are two small villages in Cornwall, right on the border with Devon. In fact, Kingsand used to be a part of Devon until 1844 when the boundary changed. We come across a house that used to be on this border and now is appropriately named ‘Devon Corn’.
What can you do in Kingsand and Cawsand?
The first thing we do is just to walk around and explore. The villages are so close to each other and we lazily wander the streets, taking mini detours down unassuming little laneways. Locals take pride in their properties here. Every house is perfectly painted in a fresh pastel colour or a bright white. Flowers in hanging baskets are well kept and windowsills are thoughtfully decorated.
We look down onto the beach. Could be anywhere in Europe with those turquoise waters- I just cant believe the colour. Such a deep green/blue shade and clear as well. We are here quite early and it appears the town is just waking up. There are a few bathers in the water. I imagine its much colder than appearances might suggest. The beach is situated in a little cove, with rolling green hills in the background. My boyfriend comments of the rugged beauty and diversity of the English coastline. Something not seen as much ‘down under’.
I though Lynmouth (Devon) was pretty but this is beginning to be my favourite place so far. We are at the end of a week long trip around Cornwall and this is the perfect end. We walk past the one pub and onto Kingsand which is only a five minute walk away. I like how these two villages intertwine- you never quite know which one your in. I think we are in Kingsand but the sign says Cawsand beach- confusing! Anyway Kingsand is much the same and we wander around a couple of tourist/beach souvenir shops. Everything is handmade from the one off cards, to little wooden ornaments and photo frames. I feel like spending!
After some gift buying (for myself), we head onto one of the little coves on the Kingsand side. There are many of these small coves, like little private beaches with only room for a handful of people. The locals are starting to gear up for the day, setting up their beach towels and deckchairs. Some of the younger and more adventurous are jumping from wall and into the water. I’m just perfectly happy to stand and watch on this one.
Time for some activity…
After some lunch in the pub we decide to take up paddle boarding. Neither of us have tried this before and it’s very cheap, so we hire out a SUP for 30 minutes. It’s pretty easy to master, even though my boyfriend falls off immediately. He blames it on his ‘slippery’ board (hmmm). The water is super calm as we paddle fairly close to shore and admire the views looking back at us. A good half hour well spent!
Time to brave the water. It’s hot outside and the clear, turquoise waters look oh so inviting. It’s freezing. But ‘if you keep moving’ it’s fine haha. Cold water aside its lovely to just swim in the ocean with the sun on my face. Looking back at the view from the water is gorgeous. You can really see the hills in the background and all the pretty houses up on the cliffs.
After drying off we head onto the coastal path, not sure what to expect. We walk up and through the countryside towards Penlee Point. We were on the beach five minutes ago and now we are in pretty woodlands. I love that you get a bit of everything here. We come off the path at Queen Adelaideโs Grotto, which was once a lookout and was named after Queen Adelaide after she visited in 1827. Now it’s an old ruin situated in the cliff by Penlee Point. The stone archways are pretty magnificent, backing out to unobstructed views of the rugged coastline.
We carry on walking down from here to find some steps leading down onto the beach. There are many coves formed by the rocks, the shallow blue waters gently rolling in, creating an idyllic little haven. We just sit from above and take in the view. A women is relaxing on the beach with her dog, who’s loving it’s environment. As hunger calls, we decide to head back for a mandatory ice cream. This sleepy town has served us well.
Kingsand and Cawsand you have been truly wonderful. I’m sure I will return one day.
More reading:ย Beautiful Walks in England: Dorchester on Thames
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