By William Coleman
Cornwall is one of Britain’s most popular touring holiday hotspots for couples and families alike. One of the region’s most decorated parks has now opted to go adults-only as of next year.
As of April 2021 the award winning Trethem Mill on the Roseland Peninsula will be a child-free zone and will be strictly 18 and over.
Over the past few years quite a few sites across the UK have adopted the “no child” rule to try and provide a much more serene holiday environment for those who may have had their fill of children over the years. Some feel that this is an extreme measure whereas others are very much in favour.
Having stayed at adult-only parks and spoken with guests it seems that the decision to go child-free is more about escapism than being anti-child. Some people have raised children or grandchildren and want some “me time” away from the little ones.
Trethem Mill is a family-run park where Jane and Ian Akeroyd oversee day to day operations along with their son Jake and Ian’s father Derek. The team firmly believes that this new decision will be very much welcomed by visitors come the new season.
“There are lots of superb holiday parks throughout Cornwall which cater for families with youngsters,” said Jane.
“Our specialisation, though, is peaceful, well-kept surroundings in glorious countryside – and we tend to attract the type of visitors who are seeking exactly that type of escape.
“Some of our guests are teachers and childcare professionals, and are perhaps happy not to be reminded of their day jobs when they go away for a break.
“Others include young professionals in motorhomes and campervans, and also mature couples who just want to take it easy and enjoy the birdsong,” she added.
The above reasons for touring sites going adults-only seem to be similar to the other parks that have gone down the same path. There seems to be a feeling that the older generation want to be away from younger children and just have a more tranquil stay.
The park was taken over by the family 28 years ago, and since the takeover a lot of time and hard work has gone into creating a peaceful environment for touring folk.
To prove that hard work pays off, Jane and Ian have seen a year-on-year rise in guests, not to mention accolades such as the prestigious five-star gold award from Visit England.
The trophy cabinet doesn’t stop there though. Trethem Mill has also gained the AA’s five-pennant platinum flag, the organisation’s highest award, and the 2020 David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.
To help see in the new adults-only site next April, the business has joined the Tranquil Parks group, which has over 40 independently owned sites that cater strictly to adults-only holidays.
Trethem Mill is also a member of the Best of British parks group, which brings together top-rated family-run parks providing exceptional surroundings, services and facilities.
What are your thoughts on this? Should more sites and parks go adult-only, or are you happy to share your holiday time with youngsters and families?
