How to take the FERRY from Devon to Cornwall
The Edgcumbe Belle bobbed around in the surf as we set off on the 8-minute crossing to Cremyll. With the sun shining, ferry-goers basked on deck for the short journey across the Hoamaze.
With departures every half hour each way (when the weather permits) the Cremyll Ferry is the quickest route from Plymouth to the Rame Peninsula. The Ocean City was soon behind me, and once the Edgcumbe Belle had docked at Cremyll Quay, I set off to explore Cornwall’s ‘Forgotten Corner’.
If you’re planning a trip to the Rame Peninsula, then keep reading, as I explain how to take the Cremyll Ferry from Plymouth.
What is the Cremyll Ferry?
The Cremyll Ferry is a small passenger service that crosses the Hoamaze (where the River Tamar meets Plymouth Sound) every half hour. The ferry links Admiral’s Hard (yes, that’s really the name) in Stonehouse, Plymouth, with the village of Cremyll on the northern shore of Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula.
The route is currently serviced by the Edgcumbe Belle, with space for 128 passengers (and a few bicycles). This isn’t a car ferry, and the Edgcumbe Belle only carries pedestrians and cyclists across the Hoamaze.
If you’re driving to the Rame Peninsula, you’ll need to take the long way around via either the Tamar Bridge or the larger, roll-on-roll-off Torpoint Ferry.
Unfortunately, the Cremyll is not wheelchair accessible.
Total journey time is typically 8 minutes. It might be quick, but I love how historic this journey is too. While the Edgcumbe Bell has ‘only’ been in service for 40 years, it continues a long tradition dating back to at least the 11th century AD.
By some accounts, this could well be the oldest continuous ferry service in Britain. Luckily, the old wooden rowboats that once plied the route were long ago replaced with the much comfier (and safer!) Edgcumbe Belle.
When does the Cremyll ferry leave?
The Cremyll Ferry departs from Admiral’s Hard every half hour, at quarter past and at quarter to the hour. It returns from Cremyll Quay every half hour, on the hour and at half past the hour.
You can find up-to-date timetables on the Cremyll Ferry website. Monday to Friday, the first departure of the day is from Cremyll at 06.45, and from Plymouth at 07.15. On Saturdays, the first Cremyll departure is at 07.30 and from Plymouth at 07.45. On Sundays, the service starts later, with the first Cremyll departure at 08.30 and the first from Plymouth at 08.45.
In summer (1st April to 30th September), the last return from Cremyll (Monday to Thursday) is at 21.00 and the final departure from Plymouth is at 21.15. On Fridays and Saturdays in summer, the last return from Cremyll is at 22.00 and from Plymouth at 22.15. On Sundays in summer, the last service departs Cremyll at 21.30 and Plymouth at 21.45
In winter, the ferry service starts at the same time as in summer, but ends earlier each day. Monday to Friday, the last service from Cremyll departs at 18.30 and from Plymouth at 18.45. On Saturdays, the last service from Cremyll is at 19.00 and from Plymouth at 19.15. On Sundays, the last Cremyll departure leaves at 18.00 and the last service from Plymouth is at 18.15.
The Cremyll Ferry, while dependable, is weather-dependent, so check forecasts when planning your trip.
How much does the Cremyll Ferry cost?
The Cremyll Ferry is an inexpensive way to travel between Plymouth and the Rame Peninsula.
Currently, prices for a single ticket, each way, are as follows (there’s no discount for a return ticket; you effectively buy two single tickets):
Adult: £3 (£6 return)
Child (aged 3-15 years): £2 (£4 return)
Children aged 2 or below: Free
Bicycles: £1.50 (£3 return)
Dogs can travel for free.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online, but I’ve always found this unnecessary, given the frequency of the sailings (you can’t book for a specific time either, just an open ticket for the ‘day’).
It’s a first-come, first-served ferry, so when you arrive at Admiral’s Hard, you’ll see a small queue forming by the quay. When you hop on the ferry and are seated, one of the crew will come around and take payment (via cash or card) or check tickets. Occasionally, I’ve had to wait until arrival in Cremyll to pay, when back on land.
What’s it like taking the Cremyll Ferry?
The Cremyll Ferry is the most relaxed way to reach the Rame Peninsula. I’ve taken the Edgcumbe Belle several times, and find it’s (generally) on time and (usually) smooth. I’ve only ever taken the ferry in summer, however, when the Hoamaze has been calm. In winter, I imagine it’s a much choppier experience!
The Edgcumbe Belle is small, but comfortable. There are open decks both below and on top, and a smaller undercover section. Again, in summer when the sun’s shining, this is great, but if it’s raining, the interior cabin will get busy.
I’ve always purchased tickets on the day and had no trouble getting a spot, even during busy periods like school holidays. The departure points are easy to find (it’s signposted when you get to Stonehouse, and you can’t go wrong in Cremyll). On the Plymouth side, you can either make a long-ish walk to Admiral’s Hard from the city centre (approximately 40 minutes) or take the No.34 bus from Royal Parade.
From Cremyll, you can then explore the Rame Peninsula (better known as ‘Cornwall’s Forgotten Corner’). Right next to the quay, you’ll find the Edgcumbe Arms, where you can buy pints or enjoy a pub lunch. Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is right next door, while the villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are a longer (approximately 1.5-hour) walk away along the South West Coast Path.
