When the sun is shining, the UK offers everything from white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waves to cobblestone streets and picture-perfect villages.
From afternoon strolls and ice creams by the seafront to fish and chips and family staycations, the summer holidays are the perfect time to explore some of our most iconic coastal resorts and country villages. Whether it's the historic beauty of the Cotswolds that catches your eye or the beaches and attractions in towns like Weymouth, Scarborough, St Ives or Whitby, one thing you can guarantee is that these popular spots will get very busy.
If you would rather soak up the splendour of the British Isles without being surrounded by endless Instagrammers and adventure-hungry tourists, one secret corner of the UK, right here in Cornwall, can still offer you incredible scenery paired with quiet beaches and an air of utter tranquillity.
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Tucked away on the southeast coast, a pair of twin villages offer everything you need for a perfectly pleasant staycation, and then some.
Cawsand and Kingsand can be found on the lesser-visited Rame Peninsula, commonly known as Cornwall's 'forgotten corner'. Officially designated areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), this remote part of the country is a natural haven that avoids big crowds during the summer.
Quintessentially Cornish, with narrow streets lined with fishing cottages and small sandy beaches, these two beautiful villages have somehow managed to remain peacefully located off the main tourist path.
Bound by the sea to the south and Plymouth Sound to the east, the historical villages are steeped in history, including the ancestral homes of Mount Edgcumbe, Port Eliot, and Antony House. With a unique past, Caswand and Kingsand were once located in separate counties, famed for their ancient rivalry and a haven for smugglers.
Now Cawsand Bay is home to a picturesque east-facing shingle and sand beach scattered with rock pools and inlets, making it a favourite for families, walkers, swimmers, and kayakers alike. Its sheltered waters provide a safe and scenic spot for all.
Visitors who come to play on the beaches are never far from traditional Cornish fare, with the traditional pubs and shops just a short walk from the sand.
The neighbouring Kingsand is an undiscovered gem with cottage-lined streets that are just a beautiful as the likes of Polperro and Port Isaac. Still retaining much of its original charm, Kingsand once prospered as a fishing village and to this day, there are remains of the old pilchard cellars and boat stores dotted along the seafront.
Overlooked by the coastal path, this quiet corner of the peninsula is popular for walking and birdwatching all the way along to the dramatic headland of Rame Head topped with a 14th-century chapel.
Hungry travellers can stop for fresh seafood dishes at the Devonport Inn in Kingsand, or enjoy a peaceful pint and unbelievable views at The Bay Bar in Cawsand.
Even the journey to the twin villages by car offers a quiet introduction to the idyllic location. Passing through several miles of sand and sea, the breathtaking views across Whitsand Bay are a precursor for the scenic perfection that awaits.
Just a short drive from the main attractions, shops and large hotels in Plymouth, a trip to this peaceful part of Cornwall offers the best of both worlds, if you want it to, that is.
