If you’re after a relaxed seaside lunch, a traditional Cornish pub with plenty of history, or just want a pint with a stunning coastal view, the pubs in Cawsand and Kingsand are a great choice. These two pretty villages on Cornwall’s coast have everything from centuries-old inns and award-winning gastropubs to friendly waterfront bars serving fresh local food and Cornish ales.
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Kingsand and Cawsand Pubs
Looking for the best pubs in Cawsand and Kingsand? Whether you’re after a pint overlooking the sea, a cosy fireside lunch after a coastal stroll, or somewhere serving fresh Cornish dishes, these two charming villages have an impressive collection of characterful watering holes.
On the beautiful Rame Peninsula, known as Cornwall’s “Forgotten Corner”, Kingsand and Cawsand may be small, but they’re packed with traditional inns, waterfront bars and welcoming restaurants that make every visit memorable year-round.
Old Pubs in Cawsand and Kingsand
The history of these twin villages is full of fishermen, sailors and smugglers, so it’s no surprise you’ll find several traditional inns with plenty of stories to tell. Many buildings date back centuries, with low ceilings, exposed beams and cosy corners that make them perfect on cooler days.
Experiences in Cornwall
Booking a tour in Cornwall with Viator is one of the easiest ways to explore this stunning part of the UK without the stress of planning every detail. These experiences are often run by locals and seasoned guides, so you’ll discover more than just the obvious postcard spots – from hidden coves to lesser-known coastal gems.
Cross Keys Cawsand
The Cross Keys is one of those proper village pubs that instantly feels welcoming. Popular with both visitors and residents, it regularly hosts live music, quizzes and community events throughout the year. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a great selection of Cornish beers, ciders and spirits behind the bar.
I visited on a sunny day, and was lucky to get a table outside. But inside, it is full of low beams and cosy corners for those colder days. There are lots of traditional pub classics on the menu, such as burgers, fish pie, and Sunday roasts on weekends. It’s recommended to book in advance.
📍 The Square, Cawsand, Torpoint PL10 1PF
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🐾 Dog-friendly in the bar
The Bay Cawsand
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more contemporary, The Bay offers one of the area’s best dining experiences with incredible sea views. The restaurant focuses on seasonal Cornish ingredients and has a menu that feels a little more special than your average pub.
Expect dishes including beer-battered haddock, Cornish mussels, steaks, burgers, market fish, vegetarian options and excellent Sunday roasts. There’s also an extensive wine list, cocktails, local beers and soft drinks, making it just as suitable for an evening meal as a relaxed afternoon drink overlooking the beach.
📍 The Bound, Cawsand, Torpoint PL10 1PG
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🐾 Dog-friendly
The Old Ship Inn, Cawsand
One of the most photographed pubs in the village, The Old Ship Inn, sits just a few steps from the shoreline and is full of traditional Cornish charm. Or, it was. The burnt-out pub is now run by the community and is used as a cafe and event venue.
Volunteers run the weekday cafe, and there’s also an after-school club in term time, regular curry nights and BBQs, live music and comedy, all of which fundraise to maintain the building. There’s currently a crowdfunding campaign for urgent repairs to the roof.
📍 The Old Ship Inn, Garrett Street, Cawsand, Torpoint PL10 1PD
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🐾 Dog-friendly
The Halfway House Inn Cornwall
Sitting on the border of Cawsand and Kingsand, the Halway House Inn is exactly where the twin villages meet. The stream behind the pub once marked the historic boundary between Devon and Cornwall, which is how this popular inn got its name – not between the villages, as you’d presume.
The menu is packed with traditional pub favourites and fresh seafood, including St Austell Bay mussels, seafood linguine, Cornish crab sandwiches, beer-battered fish and chips, steaks and burgers. Behind the bar you’ll find a fantastic selection of real ales, ciders, wines and spirits, with the pub proudly holding a Cask Marque Award for the quality of its real ale.
There’s regular live music – every Friday and Sunday evening, quiz nights, and they show sporting events on the screens. The Halfway Harmony Choir also meet here every Wednesday from 9pm – ish.
Stay at The Halfway House Inn
If you love staying in pubs in Cornwall with accommodation, The Halway House is superb. Rooms have recently been refurbished, are en-suite, and include a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee facilities. There are four doubles, one twin and a single bedroom. As well as a two-bedroom apartment over Olives Restaurant.
Devonport Inn Kingsand
The Devonport Inn is one of the best pubs in Cawsand and Kingsand with a view, overlooking the turquoise waters.
If you enjoy great cooking, it’s well worth booking. The chef will go fishing in the mornings with the local fishermen. You’ll often find fresh lobster, crab, mackerel and octopus. Alongside daily specials and excellent Sunday lunches.
Behind the bar is an extensive wine list, an ever-changing cocktail list, local real ales, ciders, stouts and lagers on draft. There’s also a large range of alcohol-free drinks, including cider, ales and gins.
📍 The Cleave, Kingsand, Torpoint PL10 1NF
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🐾 Dog-friendly
The Rising Sun
The Rising Sun is another favourite for visitors wanting a traditional Cornish pub experience, as it’s always packed with locals. It’s totally unpretentious.
Expect a relaxed atmosphere, real ales, local ciders and classic pub drinks, alongside hearty meals that are perfect after exploring the coastline. Favourite dishes include fish and chips, curry, chilli and a beef and Guinness stew. There’s live music on Saturday nights, too.
📍 The Green, Kingsand, Torpoint PL10 1NH
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🐾 Dog-friendly
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Cawsand Hotel
Although primarily known as a boutique hotel, The Blue Monkey overlooks the waterfront. The individually designed bedrooms blend period character with modern comforts, featuring stylish décor, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and many rooms with beautiful sea views.
One of the biggest reasons to stay here is the location. Step outside and you’re just moments from the beach, independent cafés, coastal walks and the charming streets of Cawsand and Kingsand – one of Cornwall’s prettiest seaside villages.
Holiday Cottages
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts, and manor houses, which are perfect for self-catering holidays.
🐾 Dog friendly
Parking in Cawsand and Kingsand
Parking in Cawsand and Kingsand can be limited, especially during weekends and the summer holidays, as the villages have narrow streets and very little on-street parking. There are two public car parks – Cawsand Car Park and Kingsand Car Park – both just a short walk from the beach and pubs.
Things To Do In Cawsand and Kingsand
Kingsand and Cawsand is a wonderful place to spend a slow afternoon, especially after a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path or a dip in the sea. Nearby, you can explore Mount Edgcumbe, the National Trust’s Antony, or catch the Cawsand Ferry across the water to Plymouth. Better still, simply wandering through the narrow streets and along the beach is completely free, giving you every excuse to head into the local village for a well-earned pint afterwards. With welcoming hospitality, fantastic food, excellent Cornish drinks and beautiful scenery, it’s easy to see why these twin villages remain one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets.
Cornish Days Out
Whether you’re a family, a couple, or just exploring solo, this charming Cornish town has something for everyone. So, venture off the beaten path the next time you visit and enjoy these unique activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pubs are there in Cawsand and Kingsand?
Between the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand, you’ll find several excellent pubs and bars, ranging from traditional village inns and award-winning gastropubs. Each has its own character, whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, real ales or somewhere to enjoy a drink with a sea view.
Which pub in Cawsand and Kingsand has the best sea views?
The Devonport Inn, The Bay and The Rising Sun all enjoy fantastic waterfront locations with views across Cawsand Bay. They’re ideal for sitting outside with a drink on a sunny day while watching boats come and go
Are the pubs in Cawsand and Kingsand dog-friendly?
Yes, many of the pubs welcome dogs. The Cross Keys, The Bay, The Old Ship Inn, The Halfway House Inn, Devonport Inn and The Rising Sun all allow well-behaved dogs, making the villages a great destination if you’re visiting Cornwall with your four-legged friend.
Which pub serves the best seafood in Cawsand and Kingsand?
If you’re a seafood lover, the Devonport Inn is hard to beat, with locally landed fish and shellfish regularly appearing on the menu. The Bay and the Halfway House Inn also serve excellent seafood dishes, including Cornish mussels, crab and freshly caught fish.
Can you stay in a pub in Cawsand or Kingsand?
Yes. The Halfway House Inn offers comfortable en-suite rooms as well as a two-bedroom apartment, making it a great option if you’d like to stay in a traditional Cornish pub. The nearby Cawsand Hotel also provides stylish boutique accommodation just a short stroll from several of the villages’ best pubs.
What is there to do in Cawsand and Kingsand?
Beyond enjoying the pubs, you can relax on Cawsand Beach and Kingsand Beach, walk the South West Coast Path, explore Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, catch the Cawsand Ferry to Plymouth, visit Antony House, or simply wander the colourful streets lined with cottages, cafés and galleries.
When is the best time to visit Cawsand and Kingsand?
The summer months are perfect if you want to enjoy the beaches, outdoor seating and coastal walks. However, the villages are lovely throughout the year, with cosy pubs, quieter streets and beautiful coastal scenery making autumn and winter equally enjoyable.
Are Cawsand and Kingsand worth visiting?
Absolutely. These neighbouring villages are among Cornwall’s hidden gems, offering beautiful beaches, historic streets, excellent pubs, independent cafés and spectacular coastal scenery. They’re ideal for a day trip or a relaxing weekend away, particularly if you’re looking to escape some of Cornwall’s busier tourist hotspots.
What is the prettiest village in England?
Beauty is subjective, but Cawsand and Kingsand are often considered among England’s prettiest seaside villages. Their colourful cottages, car-free, narrow, winding streets, sheltered beaches, and stunning coastal setting on the Rame Peninsula make them a favourite with visitors looking for a quieter alternative to Cornwall’s more famous destinations. Other villages frequently named among England’s prettiest include Castle Combe in the Cotswolds, Clovelly in Devon and Bibury in The Cotswolds.
Can you suggest some less crowded but still appealing places to stay in Devon or Cornwall in mid-July?
If you’re visiting in mid-July but want to avoid the busiest tourist hotspots, Cawsand and Kingsand are excellent choices. Although they become livelier during the summer, they remain far more relaxed than places such as St Ives or Padstow. Other great alternatives include Portwrinkle, Polruan, Coverack, Boscastle and Mousehole in Cornwall, or Beer, Branscombe and Hope Cove in Devon. Booking accommodation well in advance is recommended, as these hidden gems are becoming increasingly popular.
Where is a good place to stay near the Eden Project in Cornwall?
If you’re visiting the Eden Project, the nearby towns of St Austell and Charlestown make excellent bases, with a wide range of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. Mevagissey is another popular choice if you’d like a traditional fishing village with plenty of pubs and restaurants. For a more luxurious stay, consider Fowey, which is around a 20-minute drive away and offers boutique hotels, waterfront dining and beautiful estuary views.
What are some of the most beautiful towns and places to visit in Cornwall?
Cornwall is packed with beautiful places to explore. Some of the most popular include St Ives for its beaches and art galleries, Padstow for its food scene, Port Isaac with its picturesque harbour, Mousehole for its charming streets, Fowey overlooking the River Fowey, and Cawsand and Kingsand for their colourful cottages and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Natural attractions such as Kynance Cove, St Michael’s Mount, Tintagel Castle, Land’s End and the Lizard Peninsula are also well worth visiting.
What sights should a first-time visitor to Cornwall see?
If it’s your first visit to Cornwall, don’t miss St Michael’s Mount, Tintagel Castle, the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Minack Theatre. Spend time exploring beautiful coastal towns such as St Ives, Padstow and Fowey, and visit spectacular beaches including Kynance Cove, Porthcurno and Holywell Bay. If you prefer discovering quieter corners of the county, the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand offer historic pubs, scenic coastal walks, sheltered beaches and a more laid-back side of Cornwall.
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