Rame Head and Chapel
An ancient chapel perched on a dramatic headland, offering breathtaking 360-degree coastal views and a sense of wild beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Rame Head and Chapel
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient chapel perched on a dramatic headland, offering breathtaking 360-degree coastal views and a sense of wild beauty.
"Exhilarating to mount the hill and enjoy the 360-degree view – lucky locals! "
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven with steps and slopes. Comfortable footwear is essential for the walk to the chapel.
Check the weather forecast :cloud:
Coastal weather changes rapidly. Visit on a clear day for the best views and a more enjoyable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Michael's Chapel
Rame Head
An ancient, derelict chapel perched dramatically on a cliff edge, offering stunning 360-degree coastal views.
Panoramic Coastal Vistas
Rame Head
Spectacular, uninterrupted views of the sea, coastline, and Eddystone Lighthouse. Perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
South West Coast Path
Rame Head
A scenic section of the famous coastal path, offering invigorating hikes with dramatic cliffscapes and sea air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessibility and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven with steps and slopes. Comfortable footwear is essential for the walk to the chapel.
Check the weather forecast :cloud:
Coastal weather changes rapidly. Visit on a clear day for the best views and a more enjoyable experience.
Parking details :car:
All-day parking is available at Rame Head carpark for a small fee (£1).
Research history beforehand :scroll:
Information boards at the chapel are limited. Learn about its history before your visit for a richer experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven with steps and slopes. Comfortable footwear is essential for the walk to the chapel.
Check the weather forecast :cloud:
Coastal weather changes rapidly. Visit on a clear day for the best views and a more enjoyable experience.
Parking details :car:
All-day parking is available at Rame Head carpark for a small fee (£1).
Research history beforehand :scroll:
Information boards at the chapel are limited. Learn about its history before your visit for a richer experience.
Look for seals :seal:
Keep an eye out for seals in the water below the cliffs.
Wild ponies spotted :horse:
You might encounter wild ponies grazing on Rame Head. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the absolutely stunning 360-degree views from Rame Head and its historic chapel, calling it exhilarating and rewarding. The location is a popular spot for dog walkers and hikers along the South West Coast Path. Some note the lack of on-site historical information and the challenging terrain for those with mobility issues.
"On a beautiful crisp November day it was exhilarating to mount the hill and enjoy the 360 degree view. Several local dog walkers obviously enjoy the SW coast path up here regularly - lucky them!"
Ginny Heffernan
"Visited with my lady as part of a road trip to Cornwall, we were staying in Kingsand, Torpoint, so this was close by.
£1 all-day parking in the Rame Head carpark with the chapel a short walk to numerous steps and slopes.
The Chapel itself lies atop a hill, offering stunning views of the coast. I don't remember any boards or plaques offering much in the way of information, but the vista speaks for itself. It is part of the South West Coastal Path and is certainly a place worth visiting."
Daniel Wheeler
"This chapel, at the top of Rame Head, can be seen from miles around, especially if you enjoy a walk along the scenic coastal path. The chapel dates from the 1300s and there are no information boards inside - you have to do your own research into the history. The climb to the chapel is not suitable for those with mobility issues or pushchairs. However if you can make it to the top, you are rewarded with splendid views. Bedsides the chapel, on the far side there seems to be remains of coastal defences from WW1/2. Well worth visiting as part of a walk in the area. Free to enter."
Elizabeth Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rame Head is accessible by car, with a dedicated car park offering all-day parking for a small fee. It's also a popular stop on the South West Coast Path, making it reachable by foot for hikers.
Yes, there is an all-day parking area at Rame Head, which is convenient for visiting the chapel and exploring the surrounding coast.
While direct public transport to the very top of Rame Head is limited, you can reach nearby villages like Cawsand or Kingsand by bus and then enjoy a scenic walk along the coast path to the chapel.
The most common access is via the Rame Head car park, followed by a walk that includes steps and slopes. Alternatively, it's a key point on the South West Coast Path.
While the coastal path itself is primarily for walking, cycling routes may be available in the wider area. The immediate approach to the chapel is best done on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St. Michael's Chapel and the Rame Head area is free. You only need to pay for parking if you arrive by car.
The chapel is an ancient, derelict structure and is always accessible. There are no set opening hours.
There is no admission fee to visit Rame Head or St. Michael's Chapel. Parking fees may apply.
Official tours are not commonly advertised. Visitors typically explore independently, researching the history beforehand.
The main restriction is the terrain, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues or pushchairs. Otherwise, it's open to all.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the stunning panoramic views, walk along the South West Coast Path, explore the historic St. Michael's Chapel, and look out for wildlife like seals and ponies.
The walk involves steps and slopes and is not suitable for those with mobility issues or pushchairs. It's a moderate walk for most.
Expect breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline, the sea, and on clear days, the Eddystone Lighthouse.
There are no facilities directly at the chapel. You'll find amenities in nearby villages like Cawsand or Kingsand.
Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, historic chapel, and stunning coastal views make it a photographer's paradise, especially at sunrise and sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light. Sunsets are particularly spectacular here.
It's ideal for landscape, seascape, and architectural photography, capturing the chapel against the dramatic coastal backdrop. Astrophotography is also popular.
Drone footage has been captured here, showcasing the dramatic scenery. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
The iconic St. Michael's Chapel, the rugged coastline, the vast sea, and the Eddystone Lighthouse are prime subjects.
The area around the chapel offers the most iconic viewpoints, providing sweeping vistas in all directions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Make it a fun outing by turning the walk into a treasure hunt for interesting stones or shells along the coastal path. The dramatic views from the chapel are sure to capture their imagination, offering a sense of discovery and wonder. It's a great opportunity to teach them about history and the importance of preserving natural landscapes.
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
The path is well-trodden, but be prepared for uneven terrain and coastal weather. 📸 Photographers
+2 Golden hour light during sunrise and sunset is particularly magical, and the potential for astrophotography on clear nights is exceptional. Drone footage can offer unique perspectives of the headland. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of St. Michael's Chapel
The chapel's location is not just historically significant but also visually striking. Its solitary presence on the cliff edge, overlooking the entrance to Plymouth Sound, makes it a distinctive landmark visible for miles. Visitors often remark on the lack of extensive information boards on-site, encouraging a personal journey of discovery and research into its past.
Today, St. Michael's Chapel is a beloved spot for walkers and photographers alike. Its raw, rugged beauty and the sense of solitude it offers provide a unique experience. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and dramatic cliffs, complements the chapel's ancient charm, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the South West Coast Path.
+1Navigating the Terrain and Accessibility
While the walk itself might present some physical challenges, the rewards are immense. The panoramic views from the top are consistently praised by visitors, offering a spectacular 360-degree vista of the coastline and the sea.
+2For those who can manage the ascent, Rame Head offers a truly memorable experience. The sense of peace and the sheer beauty of the landscape make the effort worthwhile. It's a place where history, nature, and breathtaking scenery converge, creating an unforgettable destination for day-trippers and hikers alike.
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