Around Torpoint

Torpoint is a friendly community that has risen in popularity over the past 20 years. It developed at the turn of the 18th century around the growing service across the River Tamar. Torpoint has therefore become the gateway to the picturesque peninsula of South East Cornwall.

The history of Torpoint goes back some 270 years - not very long in comparison with many other local towns and villages. One of the first mentions of Torpoint is an old print of the Hamoaze dated 1734. It shows two men leaning against a millstone which has the words 'Tarr Point' carved on it. There is also a mention in Antony Church records dated 1745.

Torpoint ferries have been operating since 1791 with the first chain ferry in 1834. There have been several modernisations since then and Torpoint can now boast the world's largest chain ferries.

Antony House, home of the Carew-Pole family, is opened to the public by the National Trust. It houses many paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds and its grounds were landscaped in the Repton style. The estate's Woodland Walks are especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendron, camellias and azaleas are in bloom. The commanding views of the Lynher River are magnificent.

St John's Lake is part of the tidal estuary of the River Tamar. It is an outstanding wintering spot for the waders and wildfowl as well as being a stopover for migrating gulls and terns.

Torpoint's proximity to St John's Lake and Plymouth Sound has encouraged the development of its thriving sailing community. The open tidal waters provide the challenging conditions enjoyed by sailors and windsurfers alike.

HMS Raleigh, situated on the outskirts of Torpoint, is a Royal Navy training establishment for all ratings, it also is the home of the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines (Plymouth). HMS Raleigh has figured prominently in the community since it was originally commissioned in 1940. Many an old salt has visited Torpoint to rekindle memories of their time in the Royal Navy.

The twin villages of Kingsand & Cawsand lie on the Cornish side of Plymouth Sound with Maker & Rame close by. Mount Edgcumbe House and Park are also in the same vicinity.

Torpoint's neighbour and old rival Millbrook nestles at the head of Millbrook Creek and was a centre of industry for a considerable number of years.

The villages of Antony & St John - both have old Churches and interesting histories.

Crafthole & Portwrinkle are villages at the western end of the magnificent sweep of Whitsand Bay, with its miles of sandy beaches, and the Whitsand Bay Golf Course.

 You will always find a warm welcome when you visit Torpoint, the Gateway of South East Cornwall