Torpoint itself is a town defined by the river, but its real magic lies just a few miles down the road. It serves as the perfect base for exploring 17th-century fortifications, walking the remote beaches of Whitsand Bay, or simply watching the naval ships glide silently past the town. It is a place for history buffs, walkers, and anyone seeking a slower pace of life.
From exploring the house that inspired Alice in Wonderland to hiking to a medieval chapel on a cliff edge, here is our curated guide to the best activities in Torpoint.
Our Top Picks
These three experiences are the essential highlights of the area.
1. Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park
You cannot visit Torpoint without exploring Mount Edgcumbe. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful country parks in the UK.
- The Visit: Set in 865 acres of Grade I listed landscape, it offers everything from formal Italian gardens to wild deer parks. You can tour the Tudor house, play disc golf, or simply walk along the coastline looking back at Plymouth.
- The Highlight: The “Folly” tour. The park is dotted with 18th-century follies and temples that make for fantastic photo opportunities.
2. Antony House (National Trust)
Just a couple of miles from the town centre, Antony House is a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture.
- The Experience: Still home to the Carew Pole family, it feels intimate and lived-in. It was famously the film set for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.
- The Gardens: The woodland garden runs down to the Lynher River and is famous for its National Collection of Daylilies. It is a peaceful, colourful escape.
3. Whitsand Bay
Often cited as one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets, Whitsand Bay offers three miles of golden sand and dramatic cliffs.
- The Activity: It is a haven for walkers and surfers. The paths down are steep, but the reward is a beach that is rarely crowded.
- Good to Know: It is home to the HMS Scylla artificial reef, making it a hotspot for divers.
Coastal Adventures
Rame Head
Drive to the end of the peninsula to find Rame Head, a dramatic headland topped with a medieval chapel.
- The Walk: The hike up to the chapel is steep but short. Once at the top, you have 360-degree views stretching from the Lizard Peninsula to Dartmoor. It is a prime spot for birdwatching and spotting wild ponies.
The Torpoint Ferry
It might sound strange to list a mode of transport, but the Torpoint Ferry is an experience in itself.
- The Experience: As one of the world’s few remaining chain ferries, watching the massive chains pull you across the Tamar is fascinating. It offers a unique view of the Royal Naval Dockyard and the warships often docked there.
Hidden Villages
- Kingsand & Cawsand: These twin villages are a short drive away and feel like stepping back in time. The streets are so narrow that houses often have corners cut off to allow carriages to pass. They offer calm beaches for swimming and excellent pubs.
- Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club: If you are interested in getting on the water, the TMSC is the hub of the town’s maritime life. They often host regattas that are great to watch from the shore.
Parking Tips
- Mount Edgcumbe: There are two main car parks (Cremyll and Barrow Centre). The Barrow Centre is better if you want to be close to the cafes and craft shops.
- Rame Head: There is a dedicated car park at the Coastguard station. It is “pay and display” and offers the easiest access to the headland path.
Guides
The best places to park in Torpoint
The best things to do in Torpoint
The best places to stay in Torpoint
