by Adam Shaw
Since the Victorians first invented the concept of ‘the holiday’ people have been flocking to Cornwall for its mild climate, miles of Jurassic coastline, and cultural heritage. Yet Cornwall has seen a lot of changes since the Industrial Revolution first brought holidaymakers by steam train to its towns and beaches. The tin and copper mines have closed and many working farms now supplement their income by serving cream teas and Sunday dinner.
The Victorian image of Cornwall as England’s tropical seaside resort remains and attracts millions to the county every year and with the recent improvements to the A30, it has never been easier to hitch up your caravan, drive down and breathe in the sea air.
According to the South West Tourist Board Survey 2009, visitors to the South West said that the best place to visit was Cornwall (20%). Caravan Times has been visiting many Cornish touring parks in the past month and now we are ready to give you our guide to our top 5 sites in Cornwall.
It was a difficult task to choose from so many quality parks, but choose we did! As caravanners can now expect comparable basic facilities (clean toilets, showers, hook-ups) from most parks, we based our selection on parks that stand out for their unusual features, exude a particular character or charm, or can boast outstanding achievement. Here are the results in no particular order.
Trethem Mill Touring Park
St Just-in-Roseland, TR2 5JF
Tel: 01872 580504
Website: www.trethem.com
In a quiet, secluded area of the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula, Trethem Mill has been wooing caravanners and winning awards since the present owners, Ian and Jane acquired the site. Having scooped the prestigious Enjoy England 2010 ‘National Caravan Holiday Park of the Year’ award, they are now the pride of Cornwall. The pitches and flowerbeds are beautifully kept and although the grounds and facilities are pristinely maintained, the site never seems fussy.
Godrevey Caravan Club Site
Upton Towans, Hayle, TR27 5BL
Tel: 01736 753100
Website: Godrevey Caravan Club Site
Godrevey has the privilege of standing side by side with (in my opinion as a local) one of the top beaches in Cornwall. Stunning is a word that is over-used in travel writing and rarely justified, but in the case of Godrevey beach it is well deserved. Walk over the dunes and you are soon rewarded with thrilling views to St Ives or out to Godrevey lighthouse on its rocky island.
The lifeguarded beach is several miles long and popular with watersports enthusiasts and kite flyers. The sand is soft and the sea as clear as mineral water. The site is owned and run by the caravan club and meets the high standards that have come to be expected by all members, but it is the location that really sets this site apart.
Kenneggy Cove Holiday Park
Higher Kenneggy, Rosudgeon, Penzance, TR20 9AU
Tel: 01736 763453
Website: www.kenneggycove.co.uk
This site is loved and nurtured by the owners and has built up a tight group of loyal returning customers. The beach at Kenneggy Cove is a 10 minute hike down the coast path and is far enough off the beaten track to be relatively private and unpopulated, even during peak season. There is an unmistakeably Mediterranean feel to the site and it is very popular with discerning visitors from the continent. Hot croissants and coffee served on the breakfast patio completes the picture as you sit back and drink in the view.
Trewethett Farm Caravan Club Site
Trethevy, Tintagel, PL34 0BQ
Tel: 01840 770222
Website: Trewethett Farm Caravan Club Site
Watching over one of the most dramatic views of any site in Cornwall, Trewethett Farm is just short drive from Tintagel, the rumoured birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. The cliff top walks to Boscastle and Tintagel cannot be bettered and the view you can have from your caravan of the cliffs around Bossiney Cove and the wide expanse of the Atlantic ocean will stay with you well after your holiday has ended. Trewethett Farm is all about the view and it’s enough to make you go back time after time.
Trewan Hall
St Columb, TR9 6DB
Tel: 01627 880484
Website: www.trewan-hall.co.uk
Trewan Hall is an beautifully kept 17th century stone mansion and is a grand place to stay. There is plenty of space in the 36 acres of woodland to roam around or spread out in the well-kept grounds and the old buildings are a joy to explore. In addition to the standard facilities (which are outstanding), there is also a library and reading room, a theatre where local folk musicians and theatre companies entertain, games rooms and a beautiful outdoor heated pool. There is a sense of history and timelessness to this site that is unique in Cornwall and visitors I spoke to described a sense of nostalgia that spanned the years. Kids ride in the trailer at haymaking time and there is a feeling of community and safety in this idyllic rural retreat.
If you have enjoyed any of these sites or are a regular visitor, we can only apologise for sharing your secret! For more information (or if you agree or disagree with the top five chosen) you can click here to visit the group pages in our Caravan Times community or use our forums
