Camping in Cornwall is probably the best possible way of getting close to everything that this wonderfully romantic county has to offer. The best thing about Doc Martin is not Doc Martin, it’s the scenery and it really is a good as it looks. If you’ve not seen it check it out, there’s no better tourism guide to the area. 

Camping Holidays in Cornwall

There is such a wide variety of campsites in the area that you can find whatever you are looking for.  From glamping in a luxury yurt on the north Cornish coast where you get to experience the full Atlantic surfing to small family run camp sites overlooking sandy coves on Cornwall’s south coast. Amongst the myriad of sites to choose from you’ll find:

Lovelane Caravans, Roskillys Organic Farm, Helston

What is it about Cornwall that gives rise to such individuality? For lovers of retro this place will be a dream, Located near to Helston, home of the famous Floral Dance this site features caravans from the fifties, kitted out in true fifties style as well as a hippy bus and an old Ford Transit that sleeps up to five.

Highertown Farm Campsite, Lansallos Looe

Switch to Cornwall’s south coast for a completely different holiday experience. This site is based around one field so it was always going to be a back to nature experience and the gentle green agenda for the site owners. A short fifteen minute walk through the local woodland leads you down to the seclusion of the local beach. With no nearby catering this really is the chance for a completely back to nature catering experience as well.

Treen Farm, Penzance

Two fields just a few hundred yards from the striking Cornish cliffs out this camp site at the top of the list for outlook.  Basic but clean and adequate facilities’ put you right at the heart of a network of local walks and pathways and there is open air theatre at the nearbye Minack Theatre for evening entertainment.

Cornish Tipi Holidays, Tregeare, Pendoggett

Nestling discretely in a wooded valley this campsite offers a camping experience that is perfect for the family. Cooking on an open fire will make you feel like you taught Ray Mears all he knows and with the sites bring your own bedding policy, the more you bring the more comfortable you’ll be.

Gwithian Farm Campsite, Gwitihan, Hayle

Gwithian beach is one of Cornwall’s top surfing spots and this campsite puts it within easy reach. Country charm at its absolute best this site has great pitches and some of the best facilities in Cornwall. With the local village attracting a younger crowd a 1030 noise curfew makes the site perfect for young families.

Getting to Cornwall

If you are travelling by rail Barnstaple in North Devon is the nearest to the north whilst mainline rails services from London get you to Plymouth and Penzance as your dropping off points from where car hire will get you to where you need to go. If you are going to drive all the way then motorway provision is not as thorough as it is elsewhere in the country. If you have a family it is probably a good idea to extend your holiday by an extra day at either end and stop over.  Making the journey an adventure in this way means the kids get something special and you get to avoid the peak traffic on changeover day.

Family Holidays in Cornwall

Cornwall is a perfect holiday destination for families. With its climate you’ll get your best shot at a sunny holiday and no matter where you aim for the beaches are simply stunning. The north coast is rugged and dramatic with large sandy beaches pounded by Atlantic waves that make the area so popular with surfers. Meanwhile the south is known for its equally stunning beaches as well as its more gently rolling hillside.

Of course a holiday in Cornwall is going to feature beaches pretty heavily but there are plenty of other things to keep you amused on the days when the sun is not quite so bright. Kidzworld in St Austell is a 54,000 square foot palace of kids shaped fun.  It has attractions for all ages, including the 12meter high sky trail – just don’t look down!

Eating is always going to be high on the agenda of a Cornish holiday. Who can resist the delights of a Cornish Clotted Cream tea and there are more than enough tea rooms serving scones and strawberry jam and cream the Cornish way, definitely not the Devon way.  Its worth making a date for tea every day during your stay.  You can also sample the Cornish clotted cream in ice cream and eating all of that cream will seem to make the cows you’ll come across that bit more special. Of course, the Cornish Pasty is the real delicacy of the south west but that doesn’t stop the county’s Michelin starred chefs and other fine dining venues crafting their own delicacies.

Things to do in Cornwall

St Michaels Mount

St Michaels Mount is home to a family who have lived on the site since medieval times. St Michaels Mount is accessible from the mainland at low water when a short causeway becomes useable. At high tide the island is completely cut off from the mainland. The site is a great place to visit to get to know the history of this most un-English of counties.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Close to the pretty village of Gweek on the sides of the even prettier Helford Estuary, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates seal pups from around Cornwall. Every year they expect to rescue upwards of forty pups and most are rehabilitated back into the wild. Some however, are unfit to be released and they remain in the centre as guests and they make attractive sights for visitors to the sanctuary.

Argal Lake

Located close to Falmouth and Penryn, the Argal Reservoir is a 65 acre lake that is well stocked with coarse fish and is a must visit destination for all fishermen. The lake is also the centre point for some extremely pretty lakeside walks and dogs are made welcome on the site.

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

Reflecting the areas rich maritime heritage the National Maritime Museum was set up ten years ago. With a constantly changing selection of exhibitions and a series of “make and take” activities parents and children alike  get the chance to learn how our national heritage has been shaped by our maritime roots.

Eden Project

The world famous Eden Project is a collection of some of the world’s most remarkable plants, housed in the world’s largest greenhouse. The site, built on an old clay pit focuses on educating the young about environmental issues and with its spectacular program of activitiy during the summer will be a huge hit for any family on holiday.

 

Written by Dave Jonhson of Family Camping Reviews

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