Brentons Farm
St. Column, (near Indian Queens)
Cornwall

Fortnights stay in van.

Off the A30, first roundabout after Iron Bridge, follow signs for Screech Owl Sanctuary. Easy access, August 98.

We arrived at this small farm site, four hours after phoning and checking for an available pitch, I had been unwell and we made a last minute decision to have a break. When I asked “How much for the pitch?“ the answer was “Four pounds” When I asked “How much with the awning?” it was still four pounds, with a pup tent?, still four pounds!! Don’t that make a nice change, just one charge for the pitch!

The site itself was clean, and obviously popular with it’s regular visitors. One tap for fresh water, and an Elsan disposal site. Two toilets, and two showers stood in an old outhouse by the farm, these were kept spotless, despite the arrival of the “campers from hell” during the second week of our stay.

The owners were friendly, and had a fund of local information, that added to our enjoyment of Cornwalls beautiful countryside.

Indian Queens used to sit astride the old A30, this section now being by-passed, gave the area a strange “feel” a virtually deserted road, with large lay-byes, at the side, and deserted petrol stations. Although sited centrally the site had good access to both coasts, the A39 just down the road, taking you north, and the old A39 now the B3275 taking you south.

A fortnight in Cornwall for £52 in high season.

Roger Barker. ICQ. May 1999

Carlyon Bay Caravan & Camping Park - - - - - Second report below
Betheasda
Carlyon Bay
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL25 3RE

Tel. 01726 812 735
Fax. 01726 815 496

Web. http://www.chycor.co.uk/camping/carlyon-bay/index.htm

We set off for Cornwall at 3.00am from Morecambe had a very good run down M6 & M5, we really hit the traffic on the A38 Bodmin Moor lost about 1.5 hours.

Got to Carlyon bay about 12.00 ish, booked in at reception. We were then shown around the site, taken to our pitch and were told quite openly that we would be in the shade from 5 o’clock onwards. As our favourite pastime in the evenings is sitting in the sun relaxing and drinking wine we asked if we could move pitch, so we were moved down a couple of pitches without any problems. Spent a couple of hours setting up our trailer tent then went exploring the site and beach.

The site is spread over 4 fields with 180 pitches that are surrounded by woodlands, flower beds and hanging baskets there are three washing up/toilet/shower blocks that were always immaculately clean.

Plenty for the children too (two girls 8 & 15 one boy 13) with children’s playgrounds, crazy golf, badminton/volleyball net, table tennis, pool table and T.V. room, we didn’t see much of them during our stay on the site!!.
There is a sheltered, heated swimming pool with sun loungers and a small paddling/kiddies pool beside it with double catches on the entrance gate to stop little one’s wandering in to the deeper swimming pool area.

The on-site shop was well stocked with milk, groceries, newspapers, toy’s and sold chilled wine/beer. It also had a freezer for ice packs, you could hire ice packs (25p) for picnic’s etc. There was a site take away for breakfasts, evening meals (fish & chips etc) and sold ice creams. There was also a laundry room with washers, dryers and an iron with ironing board.

Every evening while we were there, 24 July to 1 Aug, there was different entertainment every night ranging from clowns, wildlife show (spiders, snakes and birds of prey), line dancing country & western singer, barber shop singers, archery and organised games of rounders.

The beach (blue flag) was only a few hundred yards away across a footpath, was really nice although we didn’t spend any time there, the south west coastal path runs along the top of the beach. We walked from Carlyon bay to Fowey on the coastal path and it was cracking walk the views were superb the sea was that clear you could see fish swimming in the sea from the top of the cliff’s.

The owners were very friendly always had time for a chat and joined in most of the evening activities.

This is an excellent site, the best we have ever stayed on, all the site facilities were clean and kept in immaculate condition, as was the whole site.

This is one site we will be visiting again. No wonder it’s the “AA campsite of the year” award winner for the South West.

Simon Gibson. CLIC. August 1999

Carlyon Bay Camping Park.
Betheasda
Carlyon Bay
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL25 3RE

Tel. 01726 812 735
Fax. 01726 815 496

Email: holidays@carlyonbay.net
Web. http://www.chycor.co.uk/camping/carlyon-bay/index.htm

This is a nice, clean site, where the reception staff are always smiling.
Site has plenty of pitches ALL have a minimum size of 140 square metres
It's quite a large site on several fields, some of which are sloping

The whole site is divided into 9 fields
• Respryn with 6 pitches is nearest the railway and at the top of the hill – no electric
• Polkerris with 7 pitches next down the hill – no electric
• Minack with 10 pitches – with electric
• Lerryn with 20 pitches – with electric
• Gorran with 23 pitches – 17 with electric 6 without
• Trenarren / Duporth with 100 pitches – all electric 2 Super pitches (water/drain non hardstanding) 7 hardstanding
• Crinnis (where we are) has 40 pitches all electric (16amp) – 2 Full hardstanding 6 Super pitches 7 with part hardstanding
• Veryan has 7 pitches in secluded woodland
• There are 2 “hayfields” one with a dog walk and tennis court and one with a 5 a side pitch

There is a heated outdoor pool, washing machines and takeaway, a TV room, two outdoor play areas and three ablutions areas in which the showers are free and HOT. On site is a nice shop and also a takeaway, but this is only open at week-ends. There is no bar on this site.
It's worth mentioning that the site shop was well stocked and cheaper than the local Tesco
There’s free open WiFi which can be accessed from most pitches as it is housed in the reception building
There is a recycling area, big kid and little kids play areas also crazy golf

The site is accessed down a 200m driveway from Cypress Avenue which is traffic calmed using chicanes
The beach is accessed from either the road or a footpath over the golf course but the beach is a building site as they are transforming the old Cornwall Coliseum into a Holiday village. The area called Carlyon Bay is based around a Hotel and golf course all of the same name, and is composed of BIG houses.

It's worth noting that now the County Council in Cornwall are nice to the disabled. If you have a motability car you get a NIL road tax and it is marked Disabled so you do not need to pay at any CCC car parks and can park for 4 hours which we only found out when I read the notice - - Had left it to my wife but she needed her specs to read the small print (and it was small) fortunately it was on day 3 of the holiday and only the 3rd car park BUT this doesn’t apply to private car parks.

Graham Wilson. CLIC. June 2011

Chacewater Park
Cox Hill
Chacewater
Truro
Cornwall
TR4 8LY

Tel: 01209 820 762

E-mail: enquiries@chacewaterpark.co.uk
Web: www.chacewaterpark.co.uk/

Sit visited June 2006

An ‘Adults Only’ park..
..well kept with large, mostly grass, pitches.

Reception sells a few basics, and toilet/wash facilities are good.
Quite a large site but spread over a few fields doesn’t feel crowded.

The village of Chacewater itself is within walking distance and has a couple of pubs and a take-away.

James Russle. Dunc n Dots caravan travels. Added March 2007

Dunree Touring & Static Caravan Site
Caravan Club CL
Westdowns
Delabole
Cornwall
PL33 9DY

Mrs. P. J. Archard

Tel: 01840 213 387
Mob: 07759 177 992

Email: AlanMArchard@aol.com
Web site: www.dunree.co.uk/

(Editor note)
Jan and Ron from Australia were touring the UK as part of their 50th wedding anniversary when they stayed on this site.

The site is located right of the B3314 traveling from Tintagle

We had planned to get to Port Isaac today, but a late start, and time spend at Tintagle meant that we decided to find somewhere along the way. I checked the CC book and found this CL was right on our route, so we rang and booked in.

A 1 acre field, all neat lawn. There are two sites on each side and one at the back. Each site is marked by a small green "cupboard" that houses the power connection. On each side of the cupboard is a planter with flowering begonias. More begonias bloom in corner gardens at the back of the site. It was a lovely welcoming sight.
Another welcoming sight was stepping out into pitch darkness one night, walked around the front of the van to find a row of lights between the house and the field. The path to the amenities was flagstones set in the lawn, and lit by a row of lights.

This CL also provides toilets, showers and a laundry. All this for twelve pounds for up to four people. The shower costs 70p for 7 minutes. There is a single toilet and a toilet and shower combined. All nice and clean and very nice fixtures. A clean handtowel is also provided, as is a wall heater you turn on when needed.

A sign in the window advised that scones are made to order, 4 for one pound twenty. We thought it would be nice to have some scones for afternoon tea, but the lady of the house explained that she makes them to order so that they will be fresh, so she didn't have any. Shortly after that she came over to our camper with three scones, which she said she had found in her freezer and heated in the microwave for us. She wouldn't take any money for them, because they weren't "fresh".

Jan & Ron Barham. CLIC. October 2011
(Editor note)
Jan has started a blog of their visit which can be found here http://graynomad.u.yuku.com/blog.
Please remember Jan's blog is 'work in progress'

The Friendly Campsite - - - - - Second report below
Tregullas Farm
Penhale
Ruan Minor
Helston
Cornwall
TR12 7LJ

Tel: 01326 240 387

Contact: Mr B. Bennetts

Web site: www.cornishspirit.co.uk/
Information from the web site.
‘Driving from Helston, take the A3083 towards the Lizard for approx. 6 miles, the Caravan and camping site is situated on the left hand side and near the junction with the B3296 Mullion road’.

Cost (2001): £5.00 per unit - showers/hot water extra

All types of unit accepted. Open April to October.

Directions: From Helston take the Lizard road, A3083, for 7 miles. The site is on the left, just before the right turn towards Mullion village. The entrance is a little difficult to spot - if you get to the big site next door, Mullion Holiday ark (Weststar), you’ve gone too far.

This is an old favourite of ours - visited it almost every year for the past 16 years, and my partner has been going since he was a kid! It is on a working cattle farm and facilities are quite basic, but it is, as the name says, a friendly site and is within a short distance of some of Cornwall’s loveliest places. There are a number of static vans, but the camping area is spacious & there’s plenty of room for everyone.

There is a small toilet/shower block in one corner of the main field. Showers cost 50p, as does a water heater in the small utility room where you can wash pots or laundry. Hand washbasins only have cold water. The facilities are in easy reach of all pitches on the main field. A larger field is open only during the summer, and is situated behind the farm outbuildings. This is quite a trek to the toilets, but water taps are provided around the field. The site is close to the main road and there is some traffic noise but it is not too noticeable.

Dogs are more than welcome on site but owners need to be aware that there are a number of chickens around so if your dog is liable to chase them it’s best to keep it on a lead.

On summer Wednesdays a barbecue is usually held for everyone staying on site, both tourers and those in the static vans. People bring their own bangers and burgers and get stuck in. It’s a great way of meeting people and breaking the ice. Music is sometimes provided, and on warm evenings the party can go on until quite late.

The site is about 1 mile from the centre of Mullion village, but the large Weststar site next door, Mullion Holiday Park, has a shop that is open to everyone where you can pick up basics (bread, milk etc.), daily papers and holiday stuff. It’s a bit expensive though, so we only use it for emergencies. The village has a range of shops, pubs, restaurants etc. and you can probably get most requirements there. Helston, about 7 miles away, has a large Tesco and a Somerfield store.

There are two local beaches, a further mile or so on from the village - Poldhu and Polurrian Coves. Poldhu is accessible by car and has a small gift shop/cafe. Polurrian is more secluded and can only be reached by foot. There is also a small harbour at Mullion Cove. All the beaches lie on the Coastal Path, and it is a pleasant walk from one to the other. Also close by are Kynance Cove, one of the prettiest coves you will find anywhere (quite difficult to access) and Lizard Point, the most southerly point on the British mainland. A lot of the coast is now owned by the National Trust and is there to be enjoyed by everyone. Another nice place to visit is Cadgwith Cove, on the east side of the Lizard, which is extremely picturesque with thatched cottages nestling in a valley leading to the sea. There is a fine pub here where music can be heard on many evenings.

If you want to leave your car/motorcaravan behind there is quite a good local bus service which passes the site - you can use this to visit the famous Blue Anchor pub in Helston, which has brewed it’s own beer for centuries. It is unique and well worth a visit. Fine beer and their pasties are excellent. There is a convenient bus stop right outside the front door. Mullion itself has two pubs, both selling good beer and having a good reputation for food. If you don’t want to travel far the bar and restaurant at Mullion Holiday Park next door to the site are both open to non-residents.

Janette Lee. CLIC. March 2002

The Friendly Campsite
Tregullas Farm
Penhale
Ruan Minor
Helston
Cornwall
TR12 7LJ

Tel: 01326 240 387

Web site: www.cornishspirit.co.uk/
Information from the web site.
‘Driving from Helston, take the A3083 towards the Lizard for approx. 6 miles, the Caravan and camping site is situated on the left hand side and near the junction with the B3296 Mullion road’.

I have just booked another week at the Friendly Campsite, near Mullion (sept 08). My family have been going there for around 18 years (missing only a couple of years) and found it to be as it says - very friendly. The owners (the Bennetts) are very helpful though keep themselves to themselves but you can usually find Mr Bennetts in one of the ’real ale’ Mullion pubs in the evening.

The area has much to offer as it is close to the navy stores base ’HMS Seahawk’ which you can visit and have a guided tour to see helicopters, planes and Harrier jump jets at close quarters, also the goonhilly downs BT earth satellite station guided tour is very interesting. The seal sanctuary, camel farm and further afield the Eden project are all worth a visit.

We have always stayed in a caravan which we have always found to be very clean and well maintained, but there is a good campsite and the Wednesday bbq is still held. The local village of Mullion has two pubs serving meals and good beer, and a chippy, although the mobile chippy which visits different hamlets throughout the week is well worth finding. Helston has all services inc. a Tesco so the whole holiday is very cheap.

The friendly camp is smaller cheaper and cleaner than it’s neighbour Mullion Holiday Camp. which by it’s web site accounts isn’t the best place to stay. Mullion holiday park does provide a good alternative to cheap food in its shop and good food in it’s bar where it also serves an alternative to good cheap beer.

My two sons no longer accompany my wife and myself as they are in their 20’s but we still enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery and, according to my wife, the lovely gardens. September is a good month to visit as the children are back at school, the place is quieter and the summer monsoon is over. All in all a lovely place to be.

Derek Munro. Internet. August 2008

Mr & Mrs T. Smitheram
Gwel-an-Bal
53, Boscence Rd
Townshend
Hayle
Cornwall
TR27 6AL

Tel: 01736 850 647

Situated at Townsend off the Hayle to Helston road, 10 minutes to Hayle, 15 minutes+ to Penzance.

A nice little site, with terrific views out over the Hayle valley, with a derelict mine building on the opposite side.

There are 2 free showers, and 2 toilets, (Ramshackle, but always clean) a washing up point with free hot water, (Photo) and a chemical disposal point, all within easy reach of the 2 small sloping fields. (Levelling blocks supplied!) Drinking water points are also conveniently sited. There are electric points situated around the main field. There are no marked pitches, units being situated on a first come principal, but with plenty of room for all.

There is also a Decked area, with a Pizza oven, and table and chairs for general use. Even the charcoal was supplied! (Photo) a greenhouse with tomato’s cucumbers, etc. free to all, and a children’s play area with swings slides etc. in a small orchard.

There are lots of animals around the site. Trevor, the owner, is a welfare officer for the Donkey Sanctuary, and has a collection of rescued animals, donkeys, sheep, geese, chickens, pigs, and even 2 rescued barn owls. (numbers and types liable to change!!)

This is currently a C&CC Certificated site, but the owner has plans to enlarge the site, and install “proper” roads, and toilet blocks, with a disabled shower room. He was awaiting a council inspection around the time we left. We spent a comfortable fortnight here; the site owners Trevor and his wife were very friendly and helpful. I have a slight disability, in that I can’t stand for long periods, or walk any distance without the aid of a walking frame. As soon as this was realised, we were sited at the nearest point to the facilities (Photo), with permission for me to use a plastic chair in the shower. Offers of help setting up, and erecting the awning, soon followed, and Trevor would appear every evening to have a chat, and check that all was well.

Trevor also arranges a Badger watch from the site, whenever possible, and is happy to have the children accompany, and help him when feeding the animals.

The only drawback that we found was a neighbouring workshop, soon to close, that does make the occasional loud noise, we soon found this faded into the background of braying, clucking, quaking, bleating etc. (Funny how some noises are acceptable!)

R.G.Barker. Internet. September 2005

Kenneggy Cove Holiday Park
Higher Kenneggy
Rosudgeon
Penzance
Cornwall
TR20 9AU

Tel: 01736 763 453

This is a small to medium sized site aimed at families. It is set on the cliff top east of Penzance with spectacular views down the Lizard peninsula. It is reached down a narrow lane from the main road and is therefore very quiet, no traffic noise at all.

The site is well laid out and is mostly level although the non-electric pitches are on a slight slope.

The site shop is small and stocks only the essentials. There is also a take away service but we never tried this so can’t comment. Both the shop and reception are reached via a bridge over the fish pond !

There is a children’s play area and a small games field and hopefully the wet weather barn will be open for this season (2000).

The site owners are resident and are very friendly. If there is no one in reception it probably means they are out chatting to someone.

There are 4 or 5 static vans for hire and also 1 apartment.

From the site you can walk down the cliff path to a small sandy cove. This is virtually a private beach as it is not easily accessible other than from the site.

The toilet block is the one area where there is room for improvement. Although kept very clean and tidy it is old and could do with updating. The washing up area which is also part of this block is interesting!! Cold water is available at each sink but hot water comes from a separate tap and has to be run into a bucket and then tipped into the sink !!!!

Overall this is a very pretty, quiet site which has a lovely atmosphere. Many of the people we met there go back year after year.

Allyson Dovey. CLIC. April 2000

The Laurels Holiday Park - - - - - Second report below
Padstow Road
Whitecross
Wadebridge
Cornwall
PL27 7JQ

Tel. 01209 313 474
Fax: 01208 816 590

E-mail: jamierielly@btconnect.com
Web site www.thelaurelsholidaypark.co.uk/

March 2007
It has been brought to my attention that this site is under new ownership
The new owners are Mr & Mrs J Rielly
I would urge you to check out the web site for more up to date information

Visited: 05/09/98

We chose this site over the many others that are in this area, for it’s location, and it’s description in a caravan sites book.
Lyn and I wanted to cycle the Camel Trail, and the "Laurels" suited us best.

We arrived on Saturday afternoon after a long drive down the M4, M5 and the A30, to find the site had only one other caravan that was occupied. There were several other ’vans, but they remained empty for the week we were there.
We tried to book in, but we couldn’t find anybody, so made our choice of the many pitches available and set up.
It wasn’t until late the next day that we managed to let the site owners know we where there. We learnt later, from the owners, that there was a very good reason for their minds being elsewhere, but this was a personal matter, not to be discussed here.

All pitches on this site are level. (Photo) No need for the wedges here. What little bit of tilt there was, was easily remedied by a tweek on the corner steadies.
The site was clean, tidy and freshly mown. The pitches in the centre row (where we were) did seem a bit on the tight side due to the fencing dividing the pitches, and if we had used our awning, we would have found the remaining space for our car a bit restrictive. I suppose that we could have parked in front of our caravan, but then it would have spoilt the view.
It’s a quiet site, even though the A39 runs along one side, making going anywhere a lot easier. Finding it was easy too, it’s right on the A39/A389 junction.
The toilet/shower block, although not brand new, was clean. There where 4 ’sitdowns’ 4 hand basins and 2 showers in the mens. The ladies had the same layout. Lyn and I only used the showers the first morning we were there. They were meter controlled and operated by 20p. I did wonder at the wisdom of putting the meters outside the cubicles, making it necessary to venture out in the altogether to put another coin in!! We showered in the caravan from then on.
Dogs are allowed, but there was no dog walk on site.
There was no shop on site, but with a brand new Somerfields supermarket just down the road from the site, food shopping was no problem. Fuel needs could be satisfied by a petrol station just a couple of hundred yards along the A389 (but it didn’t stay open all that late).
On the subject of shopping. In Wadebridge, at the top of the main shopping street there’s a camping/caravanning shop that seemed to have everything. There’s also a sewing shop for the ladies, on the left, just before the C/C shop.
Continuing the shopping theme. I couldn’t believe the number of cycle hire outlets there are in Wadebridge !! I did mean to count them, but forgot :o)

If you’re a cyclist, the Camel Trail, while not being that long, is well worth the effort. The whole route from Bodmin to Padstow is about 25 miles, it took us just over 3 hours. We found the Wadebridge to Padstow the better, more scenic part. It followed the Camel as it widened out to the sea and some of the views were breathtaking. A good place for bird watching too. The stretch from Wadebridge to Bodmin was not so interesting, even though it follows the Camel and it’s winding way to Bodmin. I should think that in the summer (if we are going to get one !!) it would be a lot more attractive. There’s a wayside café on this part that provides snacks as well the life saving cup of tea.

We enjoyed our stay. It was a shame that we didn’t have good weather.
They don’t build wind farms in this part of Cornwall just for fun !!

Ian SL. CLIC. May 1999

The Laurels Holiday Park
Padstow Road
Whitecross
Wadebridge
Cornwall
PL27 7JQ

Tel. 01209 313 474
Fax: 01208 816 590

E-mail: jamierielly@btconnect.com
Web site www.thelaurelsholidaypark.co.uk/

March 2007. Under new ownership. The new owners are Mr & Mrs J Rielly

The above site was bought by new owners in June this year and already they are making their mark on the place. The first casualty will be the dreaded shower slot machines. In future you will be able to shower as long as you like without nipping out in the nuddy to load the machine.
They have a nice clean shower/toilet block, launderette and fridge freezer for everyone’s use.

The owners have already given over extra space between caravans to allow for awnings and car parking alongside the pitch.
They are hoping to install the safety cages to enable him to supply gas next season.

There is a new Tesco only 2 miles away and a jet garage 200yds from the site selling the usual things plus Calor gas.

The site is very well kept and landscaped with well defined pitches separated by low bushes and shrubs that give you privacy without feeling cut off from everyone else. This is a touring site only (caravan & camping) so there are no statics.
There is a large, and very safe play area for the kids.
This is the most quiet and peaceful site at night that we have ever stayed and recommend it to you all without reservation as the new owners can not do enough for you to make your stay enjoyable (even offering to help with the awning) isn’t that a first.

Date stayed 5th - 11th august 2000

Keith Hughes. CLIC. August 2000

Liskey Holiday Park--- Fishing site
Greenbottom
Truro
Cornwall
TR4 8QN

Tel: 01872 560 274
Fax: 01872 561 413

E-mail: info@liskey.co.ukk
Web site: www.liskey.co.uk/

We were attracted by the special offer for over 50’s of a week’s pitch for caravan and awning with electrics for just £50 outside of the school holidays, with a maximum of two occupants. We didn’t book ahead but there was space available for our dates, June 28 - July 5.

The site, which boasts 5 ticks, was very clean, tidy and attractive. Toilets and showers were immaculate. The grass was freshly mown.
The site consists of 3 fields, one containing only static vans which are available for hire at very reasonable fees. There is a children’s play area but little else - no restaurant or pool - making it a quiet site. Quiet, except for traffic noise and the noise on Saturday night of speeding youngsters on a neighbouring retail park outlet.

The pitch we were allocated was at the bottom of the site with only a hedge separating us from the busy road. On account of the traffic noise we asked to be moved and the staff were very obliging, allowing us to virtually choose our own pitch. Many pitches are level or on a slight slope.

Throughout, the staff were very friendly and helpful, even helping to fix a mechanical problem we had. We discovered that some caravanners had been there for weeks and were very happy. Fishing enthusiasts will discover two well stocked lakes nearby. Mini golf and table tennis are on site as is an excellent information room.

Greenbottom is a small place, not on some maps, near Chasewater, about half way between Truro and Redruth. Turn off the A30 at Chiverton Cross roundabout, left onto A390 towards Truro. After two miles at the first roundabout turn right sign posted Threemilestone and Chasewater. Almost immediately turn right again towards Chasewater. Half a mile on the right you will see the green sign for the park.

It is ideally situated for access to both north and south coasts of Cornwall which are both about 15 minutes drive away. It is a site we would be very happy to return to ourselves and recommend to others.

Phil Parsons. CLIC. July 2003

Looe Caravan Club Site
St Martin
Looe
Cornwall
PL13 1PB

Tel: 01503 264 006

To Find Site:
From the A38 at Trerulefoot take the A374 signed for Looe/Torpoint. In about mile turn right onto the A387 signed for Looe. In a further three and a half miles the road forks with the A387 going off to the right, it is here you take the left hand fork onto the B3253. The campsite is a further 2 miles on just after the Tregoad campsite. This is the recommended route as coming from Looe you have to negotiate a very sharp turn onto the B3253. During June, July and August the site stipulates no arrivals before 2.00pm.

This open all year campsite is split into two sections with a total of 190 pitches. The upper section has all grass pitches which are on a slight slope so you might need some levelling blocks. The lower section has all hardstanding pitches which are level and laid out in terraces. There are views of the sea from some pitches on the lower section. Both areas have their own toilet blocks. During our stay it was only the lower section that was in use. Rather unusually for a Caravan Club Site this one has a swimming pool which seems only to be open in the main season. Also there is a tennis court, a nine hole mini golf course and play equipment. There is also what is called a ’Snack Shack’ which is a summer house type building which houses some vending machines selling coffee, sweets and soft drinks. Again it was not open during our stay but I assume it has similar opening times to the swimming pool. Reception sells milk, bread and newspapers. We visited this campsite in mid October 2006 and found it a very pleasant and relaxed place to stay. I would imagine that it is a very different place in the high season when it undoubtedly is very busy. This might explain why there are so many don’t do this don’t do that notices everywhere! I think I counted 9 on the toilet block notice board alone.

This campsite is only a couple of miles out of Looe which is still a small working fishing port. We visited both the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan from here. Looe is also convenient for may other attractions and places but allow time to get to them as the roads can be quite slow and crowded. There is a small supermarket in Looe but the larger ones are a bit further out the nearest being at Liskeard with a couple more in St Austell

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2006
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Monkey Tree Caravan Park
Scotland Road
Rejerrah
Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 5QR

Tel: 01872 572 032

E-mail: enquiries@monkeytreeholidaypark.co.uk
Web site www.monkeytreeholidaypark.co.uk/

Monkey Tree has been redeveloped due to it’s popularity

Six fields of pitches most with electricity on with well kept grass ,with well drained pitches
Clean toilets and shower blocks with laundry and pot washing facilities.

Good security and friendly staff on site

Heated outdoor swimming pool
bar lounge areas with live entertainment most nights
games room for the kids

During the Eclipse week they provided an extra bar/entertainment area in a marquee with mobile food facilities and did not charge to much extra unlike some sites......Plus we were all able to enjoy the morning on Big Breakfast on the 9th of August 1999

Graham Wilson. CLIC. (loaded on site) January 2003

Mother Ivey’s Bay
Trevose Head
Nr Padstow
Cornwall
PL28 8SL

Tel: 01841 520 990

E-mail: info@motheriveysbay.com
Web site: www.motheriveysbay.com

Site visited: 2006

We arrived at Mother Ivey’s Bay at around 10.30am after a 4 hour trip. The surroundings were beautiful and while we were taking it all in, we forgot we had our electric/gas fridge plugged in, in the back of the car. Consequently, when we tried to start up the car so we could move it out of the way and pitch up, we found we had a dead battery.

Why bore you with this? I hear you ask. Well, one of the memorable things about this campsite was the sheer amount of staff on hand to ensure it was well kept and to help out inept campers like ourselves. No sooner had we mentioned to reception that we had a flat battery, than a chap in a red t-shirt in a golf buggy type vehicle turned up with a portable electric booster and got us sorted. Brilliant.

So, the campsite’s very ’together’ without being too commercialised - no clubs, bars or discos, just as Archie likes it (in England anyway). There are well-tended flowerbeds and tropical plants and trees everywhere. And the toilets and showers are just as well looked after too. There’s also a decent shop.

The main benefit of Mother Ivey’s Bay though is its own private sandy beach, set in a lovely cove at one end of the campsite with great sea views. There’s also another beach just across the headland at Booby’s Bay which is worth a walk to, with another popular Surfers’ beach just down the road at Harlyn Bay.

Mother Ivey’s Bay isn’t in a village as such, so if you want to visit a pub or restaurant you’ll have to drive or get on a bike. Padstow isn’t far - why not pop in and see Rick Stein and have a meal at one of his restaurants!

Archie. Internet. November 2008
For more reports like this, with photos go to www.archieundercanvas.com/index.html

Penhaven Touring Park
Penhaven
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6DL

Tel: 01726 843 687
Fax: 01726 843 870

E-mail: enquiries@penhaventouring.co.uk
Web site: www.penhaventouring.co.uk

Owner: Mr Keith Mathews.

Views of the site:--- Site Photo 1 --- Site Photo 2 --- Site Photo 3 --- Picnic area --- Reception
A good family site in a nice part of Cornwall.

This park boasts a good toilet/shower block, with free showers, which only occasionally got too busy, even during the peak period. This block has disabled facilities. There is also a heated swimming pool on site, and also a small burger bar for snacks. The site shop had a good stock of foodstuffs as well as camping accessories, books, toys and even had a supply of the ’hard stuff’.

Most caravan pitches seem to have electric hook up at 10amps.
There was a good sized play area which was close to the reception/ shop

The location of the site is good for this part of Cornwall, the sandy beach of Pentewan is only a 5-10 minute cycle ride away. The shopping centre at St. Austell is 5-8 minutes by car.

Close by are the Lost Gardens of Heligan & the Eden Project, a Must if your down this way
Evening shopping/strolling is catered for by Megavissey and it’s harbour.

A good site for cycling.
Cycle paths run adjoining the park. One takes you to Pentewan Village and it’s beach. There also is The Ship Inn where a nice cold beer can be had on a hot day. In the evenings this same Inn will cater for your inner needs with good food.
A second cycle path will soon take you to St. Austell, but this was uncompleted when we were there.
Yet a third cycle path will take you to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, that’s if you have the stamina to cycle up the long steep hill ! The path goes on from there to Mevagissey. We walked our bikes up this hill to visit The lost Gardens, but reasoned that the path had to go down to Mevagissey, which would mean a long walk up again ! We decided not to cycle there :o)

Eating out.
We had most of our meal at the Ship Inn, and cycling there and back meant that I could have a beer as well.
Another nice pub for meals is the Polgooth Inn at Polgooth, but be warned, you need to take a very healthy appetite with you :o).
For a quick bite there is a Little Chef, which has a Burger King attached, in St. Austell.

A Tescos and an Asda were also in St. Austell, so you ladies can get all the necessary provisions

On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate this site at 7. Had we visited outside the school holidays, it might have been higher.
Plans to return. Not for a while. The trip for us was too long, even though we both like Cornwall.

Tip
Avoid the A30 near St. Austell during the school holidays over a weekend

Spotted on-site: A demountable outfit

Ian SL. CLIC. August 2000

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park--- Second report below
Pentewan
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6BT

Tel: (for bookings) 01726 843 485
Fax: 01726 844 142

E-mail: pentewansands@btinternet.com
Web: www.pentewan.co.uk/

Map: uk2.multimap.com/map/browse

Pentewan Sands has everything you could want, (Photo) except peace and quiet! It is a lively site just south of St. Austell, Cornwall on the south coast. The site itself is situated right next to the picturesque village of Pentewan, right on the seafront. Being on the seafront the site has a lovely private beach available to all. You would do well to book in advance and reserve a pitch right at the front. This way you would get fewer people walking past your pitch.

It is a very busy site in the height of season. We noticed that a lot of people had two or three windbreaks and ’marked’ out their area for a bit of privacy.

Pentewan Sands has everything you need on a campsite. It has two or three bars, a restaurant, Take-away, large shop, off-licence, games room, swimming pool, crazy golf and a cabaret in the evenings directed towards kids until about 9 p.m. which keeps them occupied. Also the beach is worth another mention with boat hire and boat launching facilities. In-between the beach and the pitches there is a large playing field good for flying the kids kite when their not looking!!

St. Austell is also a couple of miles north and provides supermarkets, Halfords (hopefully you’ll never need it!!) and fast food outlets. Not to mention the St. Austell brewery, which does an excellent tour twice daily. There is also a cinema and bowling alley for those rainy days with the kids.

Around Pentewan there are lots of circular walks, which can be utilised, with the hire of mountain bikes from the cycle hire around the corner. A caravan sales and repair centre a couple of miles up the road should you need any accessories or aaarrgghh...repairs!

Pentewan also has a cracking little pub (Ship Inn! There is always one!) which has a large beer garden, great for those summer evenings. The ship in usually has live music on a Saturday night.
(Editor note) I can vouch for the quality and reasonable price here

The village of Mevagissey is also worth a mention. Located just a couple of miles south of Pentewan. This is a very pretty village with narrow streets and lots of little antique shops stemming from the quaint little harbour. Fishing trips are also available from the harbour.

Overall Pentewan Sands is an ideal base for visiting Cornwall.

David Irwin. CLIC. August 2000

Added March 2001.
Open: Easter to end of October.
Facilities: 588 pitches (480 touring (4 all service) 5 hardstanding 400 10a hook-ups); 42 hot showers & 3 baths.

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park
Pentewan
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6BT

Tel: (for bookings) 01726 843 485
Fax: 01726 844 142

E-mail: pentewansands@btinternet.com
Web: www.pentewan.co.uk/

Map: uk2.multimap.com/map/browse

We stayed with Pentewen Sands 2 years ago and although it is not a recent holiday it is one we have never forgotten it is high on our ‘to do again’ holidays.

We stayed in both tourer and static caravans, at different times of course, with a teenage son and 2 younger children. At the time thought it would be difficult to keep them occupied whilst trying to relax and have some fun ourselves. we need not have worried the site had outdoor activities for the younger children as well as separate activities for the older child. In addition all that, when there was time, we still had the surrounding villages and towns all different in their own rights, some quaint some bustling, each offering a totally different day out.

we went to Mevagissey one day and my husband and son went out to sea on a fishing boat and brought home fresh mackerel. Everyone is so friendly. We met friends who launched their own speed boat and again went out to sea. All around the island this service is available from the neighbouring towns at a small charge.

we took long walks on other days with packed picnics. The views from some locations, which could only be seen by foot, were absolutely amazing as is the view overlooking the holiday park with the surrounding sea on its doorstep.

there were, of course, are the so many shopping towns to visit it would be hard to choose which to visit.

yes... we all had such a memorable holiday we are all looking to visiting again in the not too distant future.

Our thanks goes to Pentewan Sands for such a wonderful time the

The Carter family in Wales. Internet. May 2006

Polmanter Tourist Park
Halsetown
Nr St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 3LX

Tel: 01736 795 640

E-mail: reception@polmanter.co.uk
Web site: www.polmanter.com/

The site was well signposted to avoid the traffic trap that is locally known as St Ives.

We arrived after a long journey down, taking 11 hours from Eastbourne along the A27-M27-eventually A30.
We travelled down on Friday, because the booking receptionist warned us of the traffic problems on a Saturday. I believed her after my partner travelled down on the Saturday in a fast car and took nearly as long as I did with the caravan!!

The site itself is well sign-posted. A bit further away from the cliff top and beaches than the photos of the site and the brochure would have you believe. But it was a pleasant site. Lovely outdoor swimming pool, adult bar, family bar, take away open lunchtimes and evenings in high season. There were also tennis courts and golf for the less lazy than me!!

The toilet and shower blocks were very clean, but closed at the most convenient times to the site, just after lunch. There were adequate alternative facilities close by.
If you like a lie in the guy who cuts the grass was a bit too early!!
The campsite shop was reasonably well stocked for all those little emergencies, plus daily papers, post cards etc. And there was a post box on site too. The local bus service stopped just outside the site which was a boon. I walked into St Ives via the signposted pathway, but instead of the gentle stroll I expected, it was real hard work!! I walked on my own into St Ives, but became very aware that I was a female on my own in the midst of nowhere very soon. I’m fairly fit, but given the choice of the bus back or walking I chose the bus back (only 70p) !! The walk was well signposted but very steep!!! Only for the very fit I think!

The weather was good for the first 4 days of our holiday and Polmanter was wonderful, but the weather changed with a fantastic 4am thunderstorm. It rained persistently and very hard afterwards for the last 11 days.... Oh! and the wind!! Friends of ours in a tent gave up when they were flooded by up to two inches and went home.

The first week was great. The second week lots more children were on site and one family were evicted because of their children’s behaviour - turning on all the taps in the washrooms with the plugs in the sinks. The second week was not as good as the first mainly due to the excess number of children. And the lack of control some parents exercised.

There is lots to do in the region. I recommend Goonhilly for those with teenagers. The beaches are wonderful, loads of sand and cliffs. St Ives is good for pasties, shopping, seafood, restaurants, and wandering through the streets, but don’t PLEASE don’t take your car!! The roads are too windy and congested with pedestrians. Park up nearby and WALK!

I loved St Ives and the surrounding area. Polmanter was not quite what I expected from the brochure, much further away from the cliff top and beaches than I expected, and the weather was straight from the Atlantic!! The site was well run and just for tourists. When I was there the ‘neighbours’ were very friendly and, because of the bad weather, we made lots of friends.

Would I visit Polmanter again? Probably, out of school holidays.

Freda. CLIC. August 2003.

Polruan Holidays Camping & Caravanning
Polruan by Fowey
Fowey
Cornwall
PL23 1QH

Tel/Fax: 01726 870 263

E-mail: polholiday@aol.com
Web site: www.enjoyengland.com/...

This site is at the top of the old fishing village of Polruan, there are the most wonderful views of the Fowey Harbour and estuary from the neat level grass site.
there is a small shop for the basics and gas etc. clean neat showers. Tents and caravans are welcome. Site is open Easter to September.

best approached from Liskeard.

The walk down into the village and ferry (passenger) to Fowey is down a typical Cornish costal village back up is quite a challenge esp. with bags etc. best if early, drive down to Harbour but be warned there are only a dozen places so the chance of getting a place are rare but the village carpark is at the top and the walk from it is a little better than walking from the site.

Fishing:
where do we start !!.....
Motor boats can be hired from fowey by the day or the week. if taken for several days a mooring at Polruan can be arranged so that you can us go straight to your boat load up and get out, then you have a choice of the river Fowey and its side valley off shoots. or the Harbour wall or Rocks at the old Castle gate house are also good. Be prepared this river is full of fish but they are not easy. Large Mullet in the rivers best caught on light tackle (Roach type of rods best) Salmon and trout also to be had up the river. John Dory in the harbour and all other species also, be warned this harbour is upto 50ft deep in parts so many types to be had.

There are a couple of river side pubs up river and many little beaches to land at and be alone, all that’s required is keep it tidy and take a little rubbish away so as to help preserve this place.

Daphne Du Maureier lived at Fowey and based many of her books on the river, also Wind in the Willows was based on the river and you will soon see why.

Although the cost of a hire boat can be a little high on the holiday budget try and find it as you will see its worth every pound. even at low tide it possible to get up the river although one has to think and be aware every inch of the way or else get stuck and have to wait for the next tide. it has happened to me once and would not wish to see anyone in the same situation.
The sandwiches and sweets soon get used up although the children thought it was the best thing ever! playing in the mud for several hours, that was until wash time.

I have fished from the next main town of Looe for many years....the best skipper I have found is Rob Davis if you can get him.(just ask any of the local fishermen at dock side) His boat is (2010) Boscastle Lass.

This has been added by Graham Wilson who has knowledge of the Boscastle Lass. Sept 2006 (updated November 2010)
Boscastle Lass Skipper: Rob Davies Tel: 01503 262 686 Mobile 07887 875 726.
Mackerel Fishing: Two hour trips everyday. The 2010 cost is £12 for 2 hours.
All rods & tackle provided. phone, or Book on the board at East Looe quay.

Large Pollack and conger to be had in the Bay. But possibly the best Conger to be had is right on your door step in Fowey Harbour under the docks where the Chalk Ships load. “warning” best to fish with a partner or tell people where you will be and when you will be back as these eels are LARGE at this mark. I would not recommend fishing for them in less than a 16ft hire boat.
NOTE: Rob no longer offers conger fishing

The site and the village is a trip back in time when the rush and race of every day life was and is a dream, dont go if you like or have to do everything at the double, you will just get frustrated, as this place wont be rushed and thankfully so.
There are two quite nice pubs in the village both traditional Cornish inns and more pubs and restaurants over in Fowey (pronounced Foy)

Plenty to do for days out and a very good bus service for those who dont wish to drive and choose to take time out. allow a day for each visit out and take your time Just unwind.

Alas the weather can’t be guaranteed in this part of the UK when its good its Bloody great when its bad its only great, take a light rain jacket and enjoy.

David Mansworth. Internet. August 2006

Powderham Castle--- Second report below
Lanlivery
Lostwithiel
Cornwall
PL30 5BU

Tel: 01208 872 277

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.powderhamcastletouristpark.co.uk/

Open Easter- 31st October

Owners: Jill & John Buckley-Evans.

Powderham Castle is in Lanlivery just off the main A390 to St Austell Bay. It’s proximity is ideal for visits to both the North & South Coasts. It’s 5 miles from Fowey, 5 miles from Charlestown ( where many films have been made) 6miles from St. Austell. Often there are tall ships in the harbour. St.Austell is the main shopping area having both Asda and Tesco superstores. There is no shop on site, but there is a payphone, but you can’t get incoming calls. Nearer to the caravan site is the old town of Lostwithiel, (1 mile) but it does have limited shopping facilities.Mevagissey is 11 miles away, whilst the resort of Newquay is 22.

While you’re in this area, you must visit The Eden Project & The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Both are well worth the effort.

If there are any seafood lovers out there, do NOT return home without trying the seafood pancake at ‘The Pier House Hotel’ at Charlestown. It costs £5.75. and is mouthwatering. If you go at lunchtime you can sit in the restaurant which overlooks the harbour and coastline beyond. Although the menu has lots of tempting things on offer, Kevin and I never have anything else when we are there!!

The site itself is of a high standard and attracts discerning campers and caravanners. The pitches, which are large are set in several paddocks enclosed by trees and shrubs. The site is a riot of colour in late spring when all the Rhodedendrons are in flower. The site is a haven of peace and tranquility, it does cater for children but also due to popular demand has two adults only fields. There is no clubhouse.

There is a separate area for privately owned static caravans, discretely away from the tourers. There not allowed to be sub let and have never been any problems during our five years of staying on site.

For children, at the top of the site, opposite reception, is a wonderful children’s playground. It features the usual swings and slides, plus scrambling nets, rope bridges, aerial rope slide, large tree house and children’s fort etc.There is a stream that runs through the park that the children can fish in for tiddlers. There is a strictly enforced 5 mph. speed limit. Woe betide anyone being caught by Mr. B-E exceeding this limit - he is Ex-Army!!!!

The loos (15), showers (8), handbasins (12), are always spotless. The only downside to the facilities are, that there is no soap or hand drying, so be prepared to take your own. Other facilities include dishwashing and veg preparation. There is hot water to one tap only, which would is quite hard to push down. You have to fill a bowl and take it to your sink. I think it was done like this to prevent hot water being wasted by taps left running!!! Other facilities include, 9 hole pitch and putt, indoor games room, Colour TV room (TV reception is very poor at this site, as is the use of a mobile phone).

For those of you who love Cornwall as much as we do the Buckley-Evans offer several different types of tariffs. Of course there is the normal one off type visit. Then there are the Seasonal Pitches for these you pay a one off fee, I believe this year it was £525.00p. For this you can stay at Powderham as often as you like, paying only for your electric ( 10 amp £1.75p.). You tell the proprietors in advance when you are coming down they get the caravan out for you and tow it in back after your stay. We have used this offer for 3 years as our families live in St.Austell, as we used to! They also do, in very limited numbers ordinary storage for £3.00p. a week. Then they have “Stay and Store” where you use the site when you like giving them the necessary advance notice, it has the same benefits as the seasonal pitch, except you pay the ordinary site fees on arrival for each stay. Your storage fee is £3.00p a week in the summer and £2.00p a week in winter.This the method we’ve used this year as we haven’t been able to spend so much time in Cornwall this year.

Finally this area is Daphne Du Maurier country and you can walk the coastal paths around where she used to live. There also a great many National Trust properties in the area notably Lanhydrock House and gardens, less than 5 miles from the site.

Not far from the site is a little gem of a place that not many tourists have discovered. I’m not sure I’m doing the right thing by telling you all about it!!! It’s a little riverside village called Lerryn, 3 miles S.E. of Lostwithiel. Lerryn is the narrowest point of the River Fowey and at low tide you can cross the river on large stepping stones and walk for miles through Ethy Woods ( N.T.) up to further riverside villages. We did this in August and walked to St. Winnow and back, 5hrs. including a stop for a cream tea!! If you don’t want to walk, there are picnic tables by the river near the car park. If you are in need of FDJ there is a pub called The Ship behind the picnic tables!

Only one word of caution, don’t do as we did in August and park on the edge of river bank. When we left for our walk, which we only intended to go for an hour, we parked behind others in the road by the river. When we returned after 5 hrs.our friends, pride and joy, their Ford Mondeo Ghia was up to the exhaust in water!!!

A beautiful site for both families and couples.

Doesn’t take any credit cars unfortunately!

Date of visit: Countless visits between 1995-2000

Lin & Kevin Hemmings. CLIC. October 2000

Powderham Castle
Lanlivery
Lostwithiel
Cornwall
PL30 5BU

Tel: 01208 872 277

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.powderhamcastletouristpark.co.uk/

Every Easter my partner and I go away camping and until now we have had a great time!

Firstly the plus points, this is a lovely secluded site with individual camping fields, each separated by hedges and trees and gravel paths.

The Crown Inn in Lanlivery 500 yds (uphill)serves great food and real ale.
Unforntunately this is as good as it gets....
We found the staff very rude and patronizing, they gave us the feeling that campers (tents) are not welcome. We asked if we could freeze our icepaks (our only means of keeping food fresh) and was told, I quote.. “We can’t turn on the freezer just for you, it’s a free service you know”. This was the start of the busy Easter weekend!

There is only one toilet block for over 75 pitches, of which in the gents half of the cubicles were closed off. By the way the showers are not free, 10p for 6 mins.

The fields marked for caravans are the closest to the toilets which is totally unlogical considering most caravans have toilets and tents don’t. On the subject of toilets, please be aware that the narrow paths around the washup and toilets is very uneven. My parntner fell over on the path and twisted her ankle badly. (Owners..sort this out before someone decides to sue you!)

Conclusion: If you are a camper avoid this site, I live in Cornwall and there are plenty of other better sites.

Martyn Smith. CLIC. April 2003

Roselands Caravan Park
Dowran
St Just
Nr Penzance
Cornwall
TR19 7RS

Tel: 01736 788571

E-Mail camping@roseland84.freeserve.co.uk
Web site: www.roselands.co.uk/

Roselands is situated 2 miles outside St. just and 6 miles from Penzance it is a mixture of statics, camping & tourers, The site is run by Peter & Jane Hall they took over in the 1999 season and have made improvements to the park.
It has a shower block, toilets, games room, on site bbq, small licensed bar.

The campsite is very handy for Mousehole & Newlyn etc and Peter & Jane make you very welcome. Jane cooks evening meals up to 9pm and made us a delicious cod & chips meal at 9.30pm on our arrival date.
There are two downsides to the park. The first is the recently laid gravel paths which can cause a lot of noise when people arrive late or depart early or even people going to the toilets in the early hours. The second point is the games room being quite noisy from 9am-11pm.

It is an ideal park for a family but not for a couple having a quiet break.

Not to be missed ! Just 2 miles up the road in St. Just is the Kings Arms. It serves the most unbelievable evening meals I have ever seen and at a reasonable price.

Overall a site that is nicely kept, with clean neat pitches and clean amenities. Worth a stay if you have children 5 years up as there is plenty for them to do.

Dates stayed 29th july - 5th august 2000

Keith Hughes. CLIC. August 2000

Ruthern Valley Holidays Ruthernbridge
Bodmin
Cornwall
PL30 5LU

Tel: 01208 831 395
Fax: 01208 831 395

E-mail: holiday@ruthernvalley.fsnet.co.uk
Web site: www.westcountrylinks.co.uk

I would like to recommend Ruthern Valley Holidays about three miles south of Bodmin.

The site is in a deep valley, down long narrow lanes, but is so peaceful and beautiful.

There are lodges, bungalows and caravans available for hire, plus a lovely camping area.

Snipped from the web site. Editor.
“Determined to keep away from the rigidity of row upon row of tents and tourers, our campsite - of only 30 pitches - is spread across four natural areas.”

Sue Teakle. Internet. October 2003

Sun Valley Holiday Park
Pentewan Road
ST.Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6DJ

Tel/Fax: 01726 843 266

E-mail: reception@sunvalley-holidays.co.uk
Web site: www.sunvalleyholidays.co.uk/

This was the first campsite holiday at this park and I have to say “roll on next year”.

As soon as we arrived at Sun Valley after our horrendous drive down from Grimsby we were given a fantastic reception, from the very friendly staff, which helped to put the memories of the drive to the back of our minds.

The park is within 1 and a half miles from the beach at Pentewan. There is also a fantastic pub “the ship inn” at pentewan who serve fantastic food.
On the nights that we were to exhausted to go out, we ate at the Park clubhouse/restaurant where the food and service was fantastic.

Children are well catered for with the swimming pool and (indoor) and the ball pool and play area the kids had plenty to do on the Park.
I must mention or the kids will be most miffed if I don’t, the rabbits and Jenny and Joe the donkeys. Just the animals alone have made this holiday one that the children will never let us forget until we return next year.

This is a beautiful park which we would recommend to anyone.

Maureen Sarr. Internet. May 2007

Tamar Lake Farm
Kilkhampton
Nr. Bude
Cornwall
EX23 9SA

Tel: 01288 321 426
Fax: 01288 321 426

Web site: www.tamarlakefarm.co.uk/
E-mail: paw43tam@aol.com

Fortnights stay in van.

Off the A39 South of Kilkhampton, on B road to Tamar Lakes.
Access road is narrow

July-August 96.

This small “farm” site slopes from the entrance down.
When we arrived there were only four other units on the site, grouped at the entrance. After we had pitched at the bottom of the slope, we discovered why, all the facilities were at the top! This was no problem though as it was only a small site. There was one fresh water tap, one disposal point, for chemical and “clean” waste. The toilet and shower block, was an old outhouse, with a unisex shower room, and male and female W.C/wash rooms. Whilst they were clean, sanitary wise the men’s W.C. featured old lawn mowers, fence post’s and general outhouse type junk, and both featured a collection of insect life, and strands of Ivy growing through under the roof. There is also a large rotary clothes line at the top of the site. Fresh eggs are available at the farm house. The resident chickens, guinea fowl and ducks, together with two friendly dogs and a cat, gave the kids an added interest, and solved the table scraps problem! Towards the end of our stay the weather turned wet, and large pools formed at our end of the site but despite this the ground stayed firm enough to tow the van off with no problems.
Access to the site is via narrow lanes.
A fortnights stay cost us less than £80 in high season.

Roger Barker. ICQ. May 1999

Treamble Valley CC Site
Rose
Truro
Cornwall
TR4 9PR

Tel: 01872 573 675

We have just spent a couple of weeks (08/23 Sep 2002) near Newquay in Cornwall. Stayed at the Treamble Valley CC site. (Just look at this view)

The site was full for most of the time. It has 120 pitches spread over 7 different sections. Some with plenty of shade, others completely in the open. One section has hard standings. A very well maintained site.

When we arrived there were only 3 pitches vacant so we had to squeeze into a small pitch. Luckily we had good neighbours, in fact the couple next to us lived only a mile from us at home. It has a secure field dedicated for children to play in, and one of the best dog walks I have seen on any site. Only one toilet block with the usual CC facilities. The wardens were very friendly and sold quite a range of food including bread, milk and some very tasty free range eggs. TV poor but they have installed a booster system. Cables can be purchased at the wardens office. No signal for mobile phones on the site, but strong enough at the top of the dog walk. Butcher visits the site twice a week as does a very good mobile Fish and Chip van.

Off the site there are numerous public paths that go through farms and the country side. If your fit enough the nearest beach is a 4 mile trek along these. We love the quaint coves and the rugged coastline. Newqay is about 5 miles away and has all the usual shops and some spectacular beaches. Molly had her first look at the sea, but doesn’t like water (apart from drinking it).

A lot of the unclassifed roads in Cornwall can be a bit scary and not suitable for large outfits. Just imaging having to back up on this road. We had some very colourful night skies and only had one shower of rain during the whole two weeks.

We visited Padstow, it was so crowded and all the car parks full that we were forced to give it a miss. Probably so popular due to that TV Chef Rick Stein who has a cooking school on the front. The Eden project is about 10 miles away but as dogs are not allowed in we gave that a miss as well, apparently there is very limited shaded parking.

Apart from it being much more crowded than we thought it would be in the middle of Sept we enjoyed our stay in Cornwall. I’m told that its less crowded in May and June, so next time an earlier visit might suit us.

Harry Rogers. CLIC. September 2002

Tregarton Park
Gorran
Nr. Mevagissey
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6NF

Tel: 01726 843 666

E-mail: enquiries@tregarton.com
Web site: www.tregarton.co.uk/ 6 - 13 July 2001

This is a good site, it is somewhat sloping - but then this is the west country! The grounds are well kept with beautiful plantings of flowers and shrubs. A well stocked shop, take away meals, adequate toilet and shower facilities, and a heated swimming pool.

Just a couple of miles from The lost Gardens of Heligan and a short drive (but a long queue) from The Eden Project. Lots to see and do in this lovely county.

Prices for a min of 7 nights for 2 people, awning and hook-up are as follows:
01/04/01 to 25/05/01...£4.99 p.n.
26/05/01 to 20/07/01...£5.00 p.n.
21/07/01 to 17/08/01..£13.75 p.n.
18/08/01 to 31/08/01...£9.75 p.n.
After 1st September....£4.99 p.n.

Pat Worsfold. CLIC. September 2001.

Tregedna Farm Touring Caravan and Camp park
Maenporth
Falmouth
Cornwall
TR11 5HL

Tel: 01326 250 529
Fax: 01326 250 435

E-mail: enquiries@tregednafarmholidays.co.uk
Web site: www.tregednafarmholidays.co.uk/camp.html

We visited Cornwall during the eclipse in ’99, and we stayed at this lovely site just outside Falmouth.

It is a wonderful site, quite basic with a small shop selling all necessities inc local produce, and a small park for the children.
The facilities were clean and in good condition. We personally highly recommend the site.

There is a lovely beach 10 mins walk from the site with a restaurant and bar. There were plenty of other beaches in the area.
The site was very spacious and quiet (either side of the eclipse, when it filled to bursting point).
As there were many other families on site during our visit, so our children had plenty of others to play with.

It was also very close to Falmouth centre which is a lovely old fishing town and is well connected to the rest of Cornwall. The local facilities are excellent with a swimming complex, large supermarket, country gardens etc. all within 5 mins drive from the site. There’s really no need to venture much futher with so much to do and see in the immediate area.

It is definately an area to discover if you have not already done so.

Tim Hearnshaw. CLIC. May 2001.

Trethem Mill Touring Park
St. Just-In-Roseland
Truro
Cornwall
TR2 5JF

Tel. 01872 580 504
fax. 01872 580 968

E-mail. reception@trethem-mill.co.uk
Web site: www.trethem.com/

While Lyn and I had been to Cornwall many times in the past, and had been to most of the south coast resorts, we had not visited this part before. The coast from the Lixard along to Polperro was new ground for us.

Trethem Mill is a delightful site. (photo) It’s clean, tidy and situated in a wonderful part of Cornwall.
Neither Lyn or I could fault the toilet/shower blocks, they were spotless, and only showed signs of use during the busy morning periods.

We were pitched in an quiet part of the park, a sort of alcove, and even though the playground was close by, we were not troubled by any of the children that were on site.

All the pitches were sloping, (photo) apart from the few that were at the top of the site. (see top photo)
We were at the lowest point on the site, and due to the rain that fallen over the weeks preceeding our arrival, the ground was still very wet and soft. We had problems when we came to use our Lock & Level wheel clamp, instead of raising the caravan to level it, the foot just sunk into the ground. We overcame this problem by borrowing a 2" block from the site owners and used our Lock & Level as a clamp only.

There are a good many towns within easy driving distance from St. Mawes, the nearest resort. Falmouth, Truro and St. Austell to name but a few. Using the King Harry ferry when visiting Falmouth or the Lizard is recommended, £3 return could save time and many miles.

The only negative we found in taking the ’van to Cornwall was the width of some of the roads. Don’t be tempted to take short cuts as they often end in narrow one track lanes, bearly the width of the caravan. We discovered this when we were out in the car. We had taken a wrong turning and what started out as being a normal road with a white line down the centre, ended up as a one track lane with grass down the middle and the hedges brushing the wing mirrors!

On the subject of narrow roads, the lane leading to the site is quite narrow. I didn’t notice this when I drove up it when we arrived, having driven almost non-stop from home, but when later that day we drove down the lane solo, I couldn’t believe that I had roared up the hill with the ’van on the back and had managed to get through without scaping the sides!

The site owners Derek, Lorna, Ian & Jane (I never did find out who was who) were nice and ready to help if help were needed. I did wonder about the atitude of what I took to be the Mother, she was talking to Lyn and I when we were in the site shop, she said that out of the school holiday period, they would be lucky to make a profit and that they relied on a busy August. In the next breath, she was complaining about the sort of people they get in that busy period! Perhaps we caught her on a bad day. :o)

20/07/97

Ian SL. CLIC. May 1999

Trevitha Farm
Trevorrick
St Issey
Wadebridge
Cornwall
PL27 7QH

Tel: 01841 540 234
Mr P Mossman

Web site: www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/cornwall/trevithafarm

June 2007
Looking at the web site makes me believe this is now a holiday cottages site only. Editor

I spent a few days at this beautiful CL in October 2003. I wish could have stayed longer but had to get back to work. I will definitely go back there.

Access to the site is through the village and then along some VERY narrow lanes. I wasn’t driving but I was so scared we’d meet something coming the other way, I closed my eyes till we arrived! However, we didn’t meet anything coming the other way the whole 4 days we were there (except a flock of sheep being moved from one field to another by a farmer and 2 dogs).

Trevitha Farm is a very quiet, informal site with plenty of room for your caravan, awning and vehicle. There are no laid-out pitches as such, you just find yourself a free electric point and depending on how long your electric lead is, you can pitch wherever you like.

Some of the site is level but most is very sloping. It’s ok though. We found a narrow level part and pitched our van sideways along it. It made our awning look a bit untidy because it was going down the slope but that didn’t matter really.

There are no mod cons on this site, just the basics, ie electric points, standpipe and waste disposal point. There is an arrangement for guests to use an indoor heated swimming pool nearby if they want to.

The site is situated alongside a tidal creek of the Camel Estuary and has fabulous views over the creek. It’s an ideal site for birdwatchers, as the creek is home to many different birds.

There is a small play area for the children, with a swing hanging from a tree (nothing else) and there is a large field where dogs can be exercised providing there are no farm animals in it (there weren’t while I was there).

The site owner, Mr Mossman, pops over with his Border Collie dog ‘Jinx’ every morning to check that everything’s ok.

The local pub “The Ring O’Bells” is very friendly. We attended a quiz night while we were there and were made very welcome. We didn’t eat there but the food looked very good and the menu was varied and very reasonably priced.

This site is ideally situated for the Royal Cornwall Showground, The Camel Trail and the Eden Project. From Padstow, you can pick up the Camel Trail and either walk to Wadebridge and then onto Bodmin, or you can take a trip up the hill to the Jubilee Monument which you can see from Trevitha Farm. From the Monument, there are fantastic views over the area (you can also see Trevitha Farm). There are two Tesco superstores about 10 minutes drive away from the site, one on the A39 near Wadebridge and one at Padstow. There are some lovely beaches in the area, my favourite is Harlyn Bay about 15 minutes drive away. There is also a good pub at Harlyn Bay serving excellent food.

TV reception not too good.

I am looking forward to my return visit to Trevitha Farm.
- - - - Ed. note. Sharon did return here and has updated this report (Oct. 2004)

Sharon Webley. CLIC. January 2004

Trewan Hall CCC Site--- Second report below
St. Columb
Cornwall
TR9 6DB

Tel: 01637 880 261 (before 8.00pm)
Fax: 01637 880 484

E-mail: enquiries@trewan-hall.co.uk
Web site: www.trewan-hall.co.uk/

Wardens: The Hill family

This is a ‘lease & service’ site. Map ref: 200/910646

My family and I have just spent the last two weeks at this site.

This is a Camping & Caravan Club site & if you are not a member, it is well worth joining to be able to go to Trewan Hall alone!
This site is in the most beautiful surroundings & offered us excellent free entertainment every night in the “Long Barn Theatre” each evening range from a magician show for the children, amateur dramatics and talks by a local historian. and even a wild animal hands on evening (for the children)

my family and I stayed for 14 nights using it as a base to do all the sights for us and the children.
We found it well placed to go off to both coasts & to all the attractions that this part of the world offers, & the large pool more than made up for not being right on the coast as far as we were concerned, it cost 50p a day and was never crowded, always manned by a lifeguard and was covered when then the weather changed.

We were allowed to choose our pitch. but as you can imagine at peak times on a popular site this can be hectic as first come gets the best pitch, but as caravaners or campers if you spoke to the outgoing vans you knew who was leaving, so you waited a few mins.

The showers are hot, clean and free and the site was always spotless.
what I liked was that you could get a member of staff within minutes if required but you never saw them, but you knew they were there in the background.

Great family site, without the neon signs or bars.

Barry Teague. CLIC. July 2005

Trewan Hall
St Columb
Cornwall
TR9 6DB

Tel: 01637 880 261
Fax: 01637 880 484

E-mail: enquiries@trewan-hall.co.uk
Web site: enquiries@trewan-hall.co.uk

Site visited: 2002

This campsite is a Camping and Caravanning Club site and comprises 2 fields set around the lovely old mansion house and buildings of Trewan Hall and it’s surrounding stone barns and out-houses. The Reception and shop are open long hours and offers some great hot cornish pasties for when you can’t be bothered to cook.

Several old barns have been restored to offer stuff like table tennis and pool. The Long Barn offers free entertainment during the high season - we watched a folk band and comedian which were great. The Round House barn has computers set up (can’t remember whether they were free) and while we were there they set up a TV so we could watch the World Cup finals when England beat Argentina 1-0, the first time in 22 years!

Other notable memories include a huge football match organised by my brother-in-law, and my sister-in-law raising her knickers up our makeshift flagpole! The main mansion house itself also has some rooms open to campers, especially the library and billiards room.

Trewan Hall has a rather nice 25metre swimming pool. When we were there it was Whitsun week and the weather was still a bit chilly so the pool had its airdome cover in place which kept it warm and toasty.

The village of Columb Major is nearby although a bit too far for an easy walk to the couple of pubs there. The pubs were OK but not great, perhaps they’ve been smartened up since we were there.

So, if all this talk of swimming pools and entertainment doesn’t seem your cup of tea don’t be put off! It’s really a very nice site and all this more commercial stuff is really done in “the best possible taste” and it’s very easy to ignore it all anyway if you prefer to keep yourself to yourself

Archie. Internet. November 2008
For more reports like this, with photos go to www.archieundercanvas.com/index.html

White Acres Country Park--- Fishing site
White Cross
Near Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 4LW

Tel: 08716 410 286

White Acres Country Park is a Parkdean owed family holiday park set in 167 acres of countryside which has all the facilities of a large holiday park including 15 fishing lakes of which 3 of them are off site. I read somewhere that this is the largest commercial fishery in England. It even has it’s own comprehensively stocked tackle shop and lakeside cafe. The fishing is excellent. Other park facilities included free family entertainment, free indoor heated pool, 15 coarse fishing lakes and tackle shop, Free Milli’s Mini club for under 5s, Free Maxi Million Children’s club for 5-10yrs, free AWOL teenagers club for 10-15yrs, solarium, Jacuzzi, sauna, football pitch, crazy golf, amusement arcade and pool room. Plenty of fishy talk in the pub at night!

Great for touring and camping and also a huge range of statics and superb timber lodges, some with lakeside views.

Beautiful setting and surprisingly quiet for such a large site.

We had a super pitch which had a hard standing and grass area, all hedged off for privacy. Plenty of room for the car, ’van and awning with plenty of room to spare. Excellent services: 16 amp hook up, mains water, chemical disposal, drainage and TV aerial hook up.

On site Facilities:
Tourers, motorhomes, tents, statics and lodges for hire, toilets, showers, disabled facilities, credit cards accepted, pets allowed, kids play area, small supermarket, fishing lakes and tackle shop, Lakeside Club, Anglers Arms, Marco’s Restaurant, launderette, games room, amusements, indoor heated pool, crazy golf, sauna, solarium, gym, children’s clubs up to 15 years, Mini Ten Pin Bowling.

Off site Facilities: Newquay and sandy beaches 7 miles, Morrisons supermarket and petrol station 4 miles. We absolutely loved it here. Great for short breaks and longer holidays. Newquay has something for everyone

Purchase fishing tickets in advance for savings!

During our stay I had varied my fishing from catching match quantities of Bream to Carp stalking. Caught my first ever Ghost Carp on floating biscuit which weighed in at 8lb (see right). Caught around 20 ghost, mirror and common carp ranging from 6lb to 12lb.

Laurie & Sandra, Grays, Essex. Internet. September 2007 (visit date unknown)

This report was copied from www.madcaravanner.co.uk/ ...(for caravan sites with fishing on or closeby)
My thanks go to the authors and to Graham Wilson.

Whitsand Bay Holiday Park Limited
Millbrook
Torpoint
Cornwall
PL10 1JZ

Tel: 01752 822 597
Fax: 01752 823 444

E-mail: enquiries@whitsandbayholidays.co.uk
Web site: www.whitsandbayholidays.co.uk/tourers.htm

Touring, camping and Static park situated inside an old Fort (2nd world war gun emplacements still in place) has on site a shop laundrette, bar, restaurant (quite small) heated (?) outdoor swimming pool.

Electric hook ups are 16amp.

Shower and toilet blocks (kept clean twice a day) tokens for shower from reception. Dishwashing and food prep areas for tenters.

Rally field (sloping) dog exercise areas.

Personally I found the one way system on camp a little too narrow especially with the van on the back (widest roads are on the static areas) and as I went towards the end of season the shop only opened for a short while in the evening. It was cheaper to go on the ferry to Plymouth and shop in a supermarket there.

I found the Bar areas dingy and had to complain about the beer and the glasses it was served in.

Advert says beach just on footpath through rally field doesn’t add down cliff path which takes 20 minutes plus to walk back up and is very unsuitable for disabled.

Could be a much better site (scored 2/10 in my book).

Gray. CLIC. June 1999

Wooda Farm Park
Poughill
Bude
Cornwall
EX23 9HJ

Tel: 01288 352 069
Fax: 01288 355 258

E-mail: enquiries@wooda.co.uk
Web site: www.wooda.co.uk

Site visited: 2004

Wooda Farm is set in about 40 acres of beautifully manicured lawns, flowerbeds and tropical gardens that somehow manages to hide the fact that it’s one of the more commercialised sites that I’ve stayed at.

The site has a lot of facilities including a restaurant, a bar and a takeaway, all set a fair ditsance away from the camping fields in the attractive old farm buildings where’s there’s also a selection of farmyard animals.

Activities include woodland walks, table tennis, archery, clay pigeon shooting, badminton and a nice nine hole, short golf course which Ell and Hazza loved.

The pitches are level and fairly large. We stayed there on a busy Whitsun week and it was very busy and I remember Mrs Archie asking me to complain about a big fat bloke who kept us awake with his TV (what’s that about?) and his snoring.

Nearby is the village of Poughill (pronounced Puffall) which has a nice pub which alas, I didn’t get to drink at because, as is often the case in Cornwall, it was shut every time I went there. What’s that about? Why are the pubs in Cornwall shut on one of their busiest tourist weeks of the year?

So, if you want a clean and pretty site with the option of activities but without the ’tackiness’ of some over commercialised camp sites then you’ll enjoy Wooda Farm.

Archie. Internet. November 2008
For more reports like this, with photos go to www.archieundercanvas.com/index.html

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