A south-east facing beach, Kingsand backs right onto the village which is probably best know for its iconic seafront clocktower, which was built to commemorate the coronation of King George V. Over the years Kingsand has moved between Devon and Cornwall due to the boundary changes, but it falls firmly under Cornwall now, along with its neighbouring twin village Cawsand. Here’s everything you need to know…

KINGSAND WEATHER

Beach Overview

Tucked into the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand on the Rame Peninsula, Kingsand is a gently shelving mix of sand and shingle with pastel cottages and boat slipways right behind the beach. Sheltered by Plymouth Sound, the water is usually calm, making this a classic south‑east Cornwall spot for paddling, shoreline swims and easy family days. At lower tides you can amble the linked coves between Kingsand Clock Tower and Cawsand, pausing for cafés and harbour views.

Lifeguards & Safety

There is no RNLI lifeguard service on Kingsand — treat it as an unpatrolled beach and follow on‑site safety signage. The shoreline can shelve near high tide and small rips may appear around the harbour walls during stronger conditions. Keep swims parallel to shore and within your depth, supervise children especially around slipways, and avoid inflatables in offshore winds.

Surf & Watersports 

Kingsand is about swimming, SUP and kayaking rather than surfing. On calm mornings the Sound often turns mirror‑smooth — ideal for a gentle dip or paddle. Launch away from slipways and swimmers, give moorings and small boats plenty of space, and wear a buoyancy aid on craft. On small wrap‑around swells you might find a playful shorebreak for bodyboards, but for consistent waves most surfers head to Tregantle or Whitsand Bay.

Tide tips: Mid to low tide reveals more firm sand and rocks for exploring between Kingsand and Cawsand. As high tide approaches, the beach narrows to the sea wall and launch/landing becomes trickier; plan sessions accordingly and watch for reflected chop off the harbour walls.

Dog Rules

Dogs are welcome on Kingsand all-year round. However, dogs are banned from Cawsand Beach between 1 July and 31 August, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Always keep dogs them under close control around the promenade and slipways, and tidy up to keep the village beaches pristine.

Facilities & Accessibility

You’ll find public toilets close to the beach and a choice of seafront cafés and pubs steps from the sand. Parking in the village is limited; use the Kingsand/Cawsand car parks a short walk away (arrive early in summer). Access to the beach is straightforward via level lanes and short ramps/slopes from the seafront, though some sections meet cobbles and shingle which are less suitable for wheelchairs.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

From the village, join the South West Coast Path west towards Rame Head for wide‑angle views over Whitsand Bay, or amble east through Mount Edgcumbe Country Park for landscaped woodland, deer park vistas and café stops. Short loops between Kingsand and Cawsand make easy, view‑packed strolls with plenty of benches for pauses.

Places to Eat Nearby

Kingsand and neighbouring Cawsand brim with cosy pubs and seaside cafés. Popular picks include the Devonport Inn (sea‑view dining with a local, seasonal menu) and the Halfway House Inn for classic pub comfort after a swim. Along the seafront you’ll also find cafés for coffee, ice‑cream and relaxed lunches within flip‑flop distance of the sand.

Rainy‑Day Options

If the weather turns, head to Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park for indoor rooms and gallery spaces plus sheltered garden walks between showers, or cross the water to Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium for a few immersive hours under the waves. The seasonal Cawsand – Plymouth ferry (when running) turns the trip into a scenic mini‑adventure.