Beach Retreats team
07 August 2025
From the gently sloping coves to the top of the headland, the Cawsand community have a knack for making great places to visit.
Perhaps it’s a distant influence from the smugglers that once operated on the shores here – making something of nothing, albeit via illegal means.
Historic accounts depict a fierce smuggling rivalry between the side-by-side coves of Kingsand and Cawsand. Today, the entirely legitimate Maker spirit on the Rame Peninsula is a lot friendlier.
Kate is the owner of The Stores deli, based around the corner from the striking clock tower that overlooks Kingsand and a 5-minute walk from Cawsand. She told us how she goes about creating a high-quality deli experience by the sea.
A good mix of stock
“I’m really passionate about making sure that we have a good mix of stock here. We stock lots of Cornish produce, and we also have Spanish and Italian stock.
I really love having lots of different suppliers. We get people coming in and saying, 'Oh, you have this and that from another country.'”
Cornish Yarg sits alongside French Brie De Meaux and, if you’re not too late, a traditional Cornish pasty made by the road at the CornishPod bakery.
Open seven days a week, all year, Kate says that’s so The Stores can “serve our local customers and benefit the holidaymakers that come here.”
One amongst many independent businesses
Despite its small size, The Stores packs in a wide range of provisions, with lifestyle and homeware items too.
And Kate’s proud to have set up her business here, among a community of vibrant independent businesses – both long-standing and new.
“Actually, on a bit of a whim, we decided to open another shop in the neighbouring village. And we stock lots of Scandi-style homewares, plants and fresh flowers. So it really complements our shop here.
We’re on the high street in Millbrook, right next door to Widdicombe’s. It’s a beautiful, greengrocer's store. And then on the other side of us is a newsagent with an amazing hardware section out the back. And now, Lucy’s Kitchen.
“Lucy used to provide us with beautiful bakes in the deli, but now she’s opened her own café; it’s fantastic. We feel really happy that the high street in Millbrook has more independent businesses.”
Peninsula places
The making gets even more creative a mile away at Maker Heights.
Part historic monument, part wildlife haven, part artist’s refuge and holidaymakers' retreat – it’s a place true to its name.
Diners at the popular Canteen at Maker Heights look out across Plymouth Sound, taking in sweeping bays to the east and west, while enjoying freshly made breakfasts and lunches – using an eclectic range of locally sourced ingredients.
At night, the Garrison mixes up cocktails with changing art exhibitions. Lara at Lit Sauna and Space has turned one corner of the site into a place for sauna and cold plunge therapy in truly unique surroundings. Ivy-clad walls frame the barrel sauna, which sits next to a renovated Straw Store – set up for enjoying a post-sauna drink, remote working or yoga.
There are Wellbeing Wednesday communal sauna sessions that are pay-as-you-can, with one-hour private sessions and group sessions that can be booked online too.
Come to Cawsand for the cove, leave having met some of the Makers building this independent scene on the Rame Peninsula.
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