By Pentewan Sands on the March 04th, 2022 in

It’s St Piran’s Day (Gool Peran in Cornish), St Piran’s Day is the county day of Cornwall held on March 5th each year. The day is named after one of the patron saints of Cornwall, Saint Piran, who is also the patron saint of tin miners.

So as we’re celebrating everything Cornish today, we wanted to suggest some of Cornwall’s finest produce to indulge in during your visit – including the correct way to prepare your cream tea!

Cornish pasty

It goes without saying that top of the list is the traditional Cornish pasty.

These are very easy to come by in Cornwall as practically every bakery you come across will serve freshly baked pasties from the same morning. Best eaten half an hour after they’ve come out of the oven, traditional pasties are made with short crust pastry and filled with beef skirt, turnip, onion, potato, a knob of butter and plenty of seasoning.

Pasties were originally made by tin miner’s wives for their hardworking husbands, with the crust of the pasty acting as a handle for their grubby hands. The pasty is now so synonymous with Cornwall that it’s been awarded a Protected Geographical Indication – which means it can only be called a traditional Cornish pasty if it is made in Cornwall.

If there’s only one thing you eat when you’re in Cornwall, then definitely make it a pasty.

Clotted cream

There is an ongoing debate of whether clotted cream originated in Devon or Cornwall, however, one thing is known for sure, it makes for a delicious cream tea or is great paired with a bowl of fresh Cornish strawberries.  

If you’re looking to try the best clotted cream in the county, then look no further than Roddas. Established in 1890, Roddas is now a popular brand amongst many UK households.

Most commonly served as part of a cream tea, firstly choose a plain or fruit scone, split into two, pick your jam of choice (strawberry is a winner) and spread onto your scone, then dollop a generous spoonful of clotted cream on top – and yes, this is definitely the correct way to prepare a cream tea! If you want to make this a true Cornish experience pair with Cornish Tea, made in Liskeard, it is one of the South of England’s leading tea and coffee suppliers.

Cornish Yarg

It may not be as well-known as the Cornish pasty or clotted cream, but it is definitely just as tasty!

Available in most delicatessens in Cornwall, Yarg is a creamy and crumbly cheese made from the milk of Friesian cows. Its distinctive appearance comes from the nettle leaves the cheese is wrapped in before it is left to mature for 5 weeks.

Definitely great for a cheeseboard!

Head to Lobb’s Farm Shop, located just up the road by The Lost Gardens of Heligan, for your nearest cheese fix.

Seafood

With over 400 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that fishing is one of Cornwall’s main industries. Historically pilchards were Cornwall’s speciality, however, nowadays there is a huge variety of fish on the Cornish coastline to try – particularly Cornish crab and lobster. You’ll find that a lot of the eateries in Cornwall will have daily fresh fish specials on their menu – yum!

Saffron cake

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, averaging at £5,500 per kg. The spice has a distinct and delicate flavour and adds a golden colour to food. In Cornwall saffron is used in sweet baking to make saffron cake or buns. Some say that saffron cake should be eaten as is, whereas others like it with lashings of Cornish butter or clotted cream!

Drinks

Whilst you’re on your holidays, you may want to let your hair down and enjoy a few drinks whilst watching the sunset. Over the past few years, there have been a number of brands that have made their mark and established themselves within the F&B industry. To name a few:

• Tarquins Gin – with many flavours available including elderflower & grapefruit, rhubarb & raspberry, strawberry & lime, blackberry and of course their original gin
• Colwith Distillery – originally producing vodka with their own potatoes called Aval Dor, they have now branched out to create their own gin too! During the Covid-19 pandemic, they even produced their own hand sanitiser
• Cornish Rattler – produced by Healey’s Cyder Farm, rattler is a staple beverage to consume whilst you’re in Cornwall. Plus Healey’s is a great attraction to visit for all the family, with friendly farm animals, guided tours, sampling available
• Knightor Winery – nestled above St Austell Bay, Knightor Winery has produced some award-winning wines. They offer guided tours and sampling sessions, host weddings and have an onsite restaurant, which you can book via their website.
• St Austell Brewery – producing many ales, if you head to any pub or restaurant during your stay you will have a great selection to choose from! Or visit their shop within the brewery, just 5 miles up the road in St Austell

By Pentewan Sands on the January 21st, 2022 in

This year Cornwall is back to the norm, with a whole host of events scheduled to go ahead, of course this is subject to any government guidance which may be in place nearer the time, however we do hope that we see the return of many loved Cornish events which have been cancelled the previous couple of years due to the dreaded pandemic. So we have put together an events guide to help you find out which events coincide with your visit.

In the area:

March

5th March – St Pirans Day / World Pasty Championships and Cornish pasty week at Eden

The 5th March is a very special date for Cornwall as it's St Piran’s Day. St Piran was famed for his discovery of the precious metal tin, and the flag of Saint Piran is now also recognized as the Cornish flag. Every year, throughout Cornwall, marches, festivals and Cornish themed events are held to celebrate this day. It is the perfect time to indulge in some Cornish delicacies including pasties, saffron cake and a scrumptious cream tea (jam first of course!).

The Eden Project will be hosting their 10th annual World Pasty Championships this year – with pasty galore, live music and entertainment from local bands.

Find out more

Although Pentewan Sands does not reopen until 25th March, our sister site Heligan Caravan and Camping is open for bookings if you don’t want to miss out on a good old Cornish shindig.

April

30th April – 2nd May – CMC Riviera Run

Celebrating 25 years, the Cornish Mini Club is back and will be hosted at Pentewan Sands! Each year the Riviera Run attracts an impressive show of minis from across the decades. An events programme across the Saturday, Sunday and Monday is offered, with food stalls, a bar, competitions and trade stands – an enjoyable weekend for all ages!

If you are staying onsite during this weekend, entry to the Riviera Run is included in the cost of your stay. If you’re looking to visit for the day, either Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the cost of entry is £10 per car., if you’re visiting the whole weekend, the cost is £15 per car. The perfect way to spend your May Bank Holiday weekend.

Find out more

May

6th – 14th May – Fowey Festival

Fowey Art & Literature Festival features a diverse range of authors, speakers, musicians and artists throughout the week – the perfect event for book lovers!

May / June – Eden Sessions

The Eden Sessions are a series of live music festivals held in the summer, May & June typically. Located in the spectacular setting of the Eden Project, it really is an unforgettable experience to see the world-famous biomes lit up whilst enjoying a boogie to one of your favourite artists or bands.

The Eden Project also hope to use the Eden Sessions to encourage the audience to think about the impact that they have on the environment, with all of the profits going towards Eden’s educational charity – all in all, a great evening for a great cause!

This year artists include My Chemical Romance, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Noel Gallagher and Bryan Adams. Tickets are currently still available for most acts, but won’t be for long!

Find out more

July

23rd – 29th July – Charlestown Regatta

Just a short drive from Pentewan Sands is the historic harbour of Charlestown. A very popular place amongst locals and visitors, as well as being a prime location for filming a number of TV series and films, including Poldark.

Regatta week each year brings together the local community for a weeks-long celebration of one of the most iconic villages in the county

August

14th – 20th August – Fowey Regatta Week

Named one of the best local regattas in the country, this fun-filled week attracts plenty of visitors each year!

With a full programme of events scheduled to run this year, including races, the carnival procession, Giant Pasty ceremony, Flora Dance, classic car rally, swimming races, pasty–eating competitions, Fowey Town Band and firework displays, it is definitely one to try and squeeze into your trip if you get the chance.

Further afield:

Events taking in place in Cornwall which are a bit further afield from Pentewan and Heligan, but definitely still worth going to, are:

April

2 -3rd April: Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show

22nd – 24th April: Porthleven Food Festival

13th – 15th May: St Ives Food Festival

June

9th – 11th June: Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge

17th – 19th June: Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival

24th – 26th June: Tunes in the Dunes

August

5th – 14th August: Falmouth week

Cornwall Pride, Newquay

September

10 – 24th September: St Ives September Festival

October

13th – 16th October: Falmouth Oyster Festival

We hope this has given you a bit of inspiration for your visit, and fingers crossed we get to enjoy a jam-packed events calendar this year!

By Pentewan Sands on the January 14th, 2022 in

Some may not think it, but winter in Cornwall can be one of the most beautiful and enchanting times to visit. Picture long wintry walks across blissfully quiet beaches, storm watching, cosy pubs to enjoy local cuisine and relaxing evenings to spend quality time with loved ones.

Fresh weather also calls for some hearty winter warmers to keep you going through the colder spells. So, we have put together a few simple recipe ideas which you can recreate, whether you’re staying in your own motorhome or caravan or you’ve chosen to stay in one of our holiday homes, equipped with everything you could possibly need during your stay.

Breakfast

As everyone knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you’ve got a full day of activities planned. Some easy breakfast ideas to help kick start your day include:

• A big bowl of porridge – topped with fruit, nuts, honey or whatever you fancy!
• Full breakfast – a classic, but always a winner
• Pancakes – you can get very creative when it comes to toppings for these

Bangers and mash

A strong contender on our list of hearty winter meal ideas is, of course, sausage and mash. A very simple and inexpensive meal which all the family will love.

Click here for our favourite bangers and mash recipe 

Campfire stew

Possibly the simplest, yet the tastiest recipe is a campfire stew. Including everything you need - potatoes, vegetables and meat (or meat substitute to make a veggie option), you can chuck all ingredients into a pan and simmer away. Great served with dumplings or some locally baked bread and butter.

Here's a basic campfire stew recipe to get you going 

Soup

A typical lunchtime dish for colder months is of course a yummy bowl of soup. There are plenty of different flavours to choose from, including vegetable, chicken, mushroom, tomato and many more. It is also a great way to use up any spare veggies you have leftover at the end of your holiday.

We couldn’t decide on a particular flavour of soup, so here are a few different recipes to suit all tastes

Chili Con Carne

If you’re looking for a meal with an extra kick to it, then chilli con carne would be at the top of our list! It’s easy to prepare, full of flavour and can be served in a number of ways – with rice, nachos, jacket potato or simply on its own. You can also make a simple vegetable chilli or use Quorn mince to create vegetarian/vegan options.

Here's the top chilli con carne recipe for us 

Don’t forget, Lobb’s Farm Shop, located right next to Heligan Caravan and Camping site offer a selection of delicious local produce, from fresh fruit and vegetables to top-quality meats reared on their farm, they can provide you with all you need to create some quality meals during your stay. Or if you just need the basics, our onsite shop will definitely do the trick!

By Pentewan Sands on the December 03rd, 2021 in

One of the many joys of Cornwall being surrounded by beautiful coastline and acres of countryside is the abundance of wildlife it brings with it. Albeit, this time of year wildlife does tend to struggle with the winters bitter temperatures and shortage of food, so many species do tend to hibernate until the spring arrives – and in all honesty who could blame them. Despite this, there’s still plenty of wonderful wildlife to discover during your visit to Cornwall.

Birds

Whether it’s along rivers and estuaries or high up in the moorland hills there is a vast variety of bird species you can spot. Grab your binoculars for a chance to see geese, egrets, herons, buzzards and owls to name a few!  

Seals

Even during the winter months the waters surrounding Cornwall are still packed full of exciting marine life. On the beaches you may see seals come up to shore to rest, and later in the winter grey seals will come to shore to moult. The best places to spot seals are Mutton Cove, Godrevy and Seal Island in St Ives. However, do make sure you keep a distance if you go seal spotting.

Dolphins

If you’re really lucky you may even spot pods of common dolphins. Dolphins are regularly spotted around the coast with some pods made up of hundreds! Of course the best way to see dolphins is through a wildlife watching boat tour, however if you visit the right places in Cornwall there is a chance you may enjoy a memorable encounter with these enchanting sea creatures. Head to Padstow, Hella Point, Porthgwarra beach or Gwennap Head.

Deer

Nestled into the bare branches of the woodland trees you are very likely to spot roe deer and possibly even red deer. Of course you must be very quiet and as they are very shy creatures and will more than likely run away once they spot you. However, they are quite widespread across Cornwall, so the odds are in your favour.

Ponies

There is no more iconic sight than the herd of grazing wild ponies on Dartmoor. Dartmoor ponies have been around for a long time, with hoof prints dated back 3500 years! Paired with the beautiful backdrop of the moors, this is truly a wonderful sight to see. However as they are wild ponies, it’s best to admire them from afar as they can be very unpredictable.

These are just a few species that you may spot during your visit, of course we must also give honourable mentions to badgers, squirrels, rabbits, butterflies and bees. So, when you’re next in Cornwall, keep an eye out for all the wondrous species you happen to spot!

By Admin on the September 28th, 2021 in Holidays, Family, Cornwall, Activities

As much as we all crave wall-to-wall sunshine, especially during holidays away, we all know that weather in the UK is not always dependable. However, there are still plenty of things to do, even if the weather is temperamental, during your holiday in Cornwall – so here are a few idea we’ve put together which are suitable for all ages, tastes and budgets.

1. The Seahorse

Of course, first on our list is The Seahorse.

Located on site at Pentewan Sands, so only a guaranteed few minute walk away from your pitch or holiday home, you can enjoy two indoor swimming pools, an arcade or simply head up to The Seahorse Bar and Restaurant for a spot of lunch, evening meal or a delicious cake, whilst taking in the breath-taking views from our window seats.

The Seahorse is open from 9am -11am for breakfast and 12pm – 8pm for their all-day menu
Swimming is available from 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm on a first come first served basis
Mark’s arcade is open from 11am daily

2. Eden Project, St. Austell

Needing little introduction is of course the popular and well-known Eden Project.

Take an educational trip and explore the world’s largest indoor rainforest in their covered biomes. A once barren landscape that was transformed into beautiful global gardens now provides an extraordinary day out for all the family.

Enjoy extensive outdoor gardens, contemporary artwork, performance and storytelling. Discover places to rest, play and eat, and pick up inspiring ideas to take home on how to care for the planet that cares for you.

Opening times and prices vary throughout the year, please check their website for more information.

3. National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

A place to enrich our understanding of the sea, and Cornwall, this multi-award-winning museum will take you on a journey through its 15 galleries, to beautifully illustrate the past, present and future of this island nation.

Not only this, but it also offers a number of stunning exhibitions including ‘Monsters of the Deep’, which runs until December 2022.

Adults - £14.95
Children (under 18’s) - £7.50
Children (under 5) – Free

4. Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown

Just a short car or bus journey from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park and Heligan Caravan and Camping Park is Charlestown. This Grade 2 listed harbour will not only be a top priority visit for all of those Poldark fans out there, but it is also home to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum.

Although small, this museum is a treasure trove with over 8000 artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks. It shows a unique insight into the history of Charlestown, with the opportunity to venture through the underground tunnels that were once used to load clay onto ships moored in the harbour.

The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm and is dog-friendly – perfect for campers at Heligan.

Adult (over 18) - £6.50
Children (5-17) - £4.50
Children under 5 – free

5. Adrenaline Quarry, Liskeard

If you’re still wishing to endure a thrill-seeking experience on your trip away, and as you’re likely to get wet anyway, then Adrenaline Quarry Aquapark is the perfect place to go wild and attempt their wipeout course. Complete with oversized trampolines, monkey bars, slides, swings and much more, it is the perfect place for adventurous families!

Adrenaline Quarry Aquapark is open for hourly sessions from March – October. There is also a variety of other activities that they offer including go-karting, zip-lining and axe throwing.

6. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow

If you’re looking for something a little bit different to do, then why not visit the National Lobster Hatchery and learn all about their pioneering marine conservation work to save the wild lobster population. Meet the lobsters at different stages of their lifecycle, from babies to fully grown adults, it is a fantastic educational experience for all the family (inc. your four-legged companions, as dogs are also welcomed on-site).

Open daily from 10am, the prices are as follows:

Adult - £7.50
Senior (65+) - £6.50
Child (below 18) - £4.00
Family (2 adults, 2 children) - £19.75

7. Bodmin Jail, Bodmin

Immerse yourself into the dark history of Bodmin’s 18-century prison, with their new ‘Dark Walk’ experience. You can learn all about the history of the jail, meet some of the inmates and hear plenty of stories about what conditions inside the jail were really like. They also offer more personal experiences with their heritage guided tours, or for those feeling extra brave, you can visit the jail at nighttime for one of their Scary Cinema Nights or book a Paranormal Tour.

Bodmin Jail offers a variety of experiences, each suitable for different ages. Please check their website for more information.

Other places include Pirate's Quest, Newquay, Newquay Trampoline and Play Park, Bodmin and Wenford Railway and more... so you can still enjoy your time in Cornwall whatever the weather!

By Pentewan Sands on the March 02nd, 2021 in

Park Update 2nd March 2021

Following the release of the government roadmap, we are hoping to be able to re-open on Monday 12th April however this will be for self-contained guests only. This means that we can welcome guests who are booked into our holiday homes or visting us in a fully self-contained motorhome or caravan - by self-contained guests must be able to sleep, cater and bathe within their own single unit. Unfortunately, any guest due to visit with a tent or stay in a non self-contained unit will need to rearrange their stay with us to 17th May at the very earliest. 

In line with regulations, our shared facilities block will not be open until 17th May and this does include our laundry room, any guests who arrive and are not fully self-contained will need to be turned away.  

As always, our absolute priority is your safety and well-being, as well as that of our staff and their families and as with last year, there will be additional measures in place around the park to ensure full compliance and the utmost hygiene. We ask that you kindly take a moment to refamiliarise yourselves with this information which can be found here.  

Our phone lines and emails are incredibly busy and we ask that you kindly refrain from contacting us during this time unless absolutely necessary. We are working our way through all affected bookings and will be in contact with all affected guests. If you are due to stay with us in a non self-contained unit before 17th May, you have the option to transfer or cancel your holiday. If you have a preferred option you may email us with your booking number and request which we will attend to and process as soon as we are able. Thank you all for your co-operation and support, we really can't wait to welcome you all back. 

What do we mean by self-contained?

Self-contained holiday accommodation must include provisions for sleeping, catering and bathing within one single unit - i.e. toilet tents are not considered part of a self-contained unit. In addition, this must be restricted to the exclusive use of a single household or support bubble. Whilst our facility block  (including the laundry) will not be open, our waste disposal points will be.

What are my options?

All guests who are affected by the changes are eligible to transfer or cancel their holiday and receive a full refund. We have contacted all affected guests up to 10th April and we are processing these requests whilst responding to emails and phone calls. If you have emailed us, please allow 5 working days for us to respond. We are a small team and busily working our way through each affected booking. 

I am self-contained and due to stay from 12th April, do I need to do anything?

If you are booked to stay with us in a fully self-contained unit then you do not need to do anything. We will be able to welcome you and will be in contact closer to your stay with the usual welcome email. 

What happens if I am booked from 17th May?

Providing we have government go ahead, we are hopeful of being able to re-open our facilities block, laundry and drying room and welcoming all campers back from 17th May which means guests booked to stay from then do not need to do anything.  

By Heligan on the December 17th, 2020 in

We are delighted to finally be able to share with you some interior shots of our gorgeous new state-of-the-art facilities block! 

Complete with underfloor heating throughout, this new block offers private family rooms with walk-in showers, an accessible family changing room, an indoor drying room for outdoor boots and clothing as well as an external dog shower, perfect for washing off muddy paws after a busy day exploring.

Modern, airy ceiling windows enable natural to light to pour through, ensuring the space is clearly illuminated whilst enhancing the natural overall look and feel. 

We are really thrilled with how it is shaping up, so once again, a huge thank you to you all for your patience whilst this project over ran, we hope you agree with us that it was worth the wait! Whilst minor landscaping outside work continues, the facilities block will be open and ready for guests arriving on 8th January. We very much look forward to welcoming you and hearing your thoughts.

By Pentewan Sands on the June 25th, 2020 in

Preparing for your holiday 

Now more than ever, our absolute priority is your safety and well-being, as well as that of our staff and their families. In response to Covid-19 we have carefully reviewed procedures across the park and implemented a range of special measures to ensure full compliance and the utmost hygiene. We ask that you kindly work with us to ensure new processes and social distancing measures are adhered to, keeping guests and staff safe. We thank you for your co-operation.  

Whilst we appreciate that not all of the below will apply to all guests, there are some changes of particular importance and we ask that you please read and take note of: 

Accommodation and Pitches 

Revised check-out times. To allow our housekeeping team more time to clean and sanitise safely, in line with government guidelines, our check-out times will be strictly no later than 9:00am until further notice. These revised times allow us that little bit more time to give each unit a deep clean and will be clearly stated in your booking emails and documents but please look out for any last minute changes.  

Revised arrival and check-in times  

Pitches - To enable us to best manage numbers on the park we ask that you please do not arrive before 11am for pitches. Any early arrivals will be asked to leave the park and return later on in the day. 

Statics and holiday homes – As per our usual procedures, we are still not able to guarantee access to units before 6pm however we will do our best to accommodate earlier arrivals. We will be working hard to ensure swift turnaround times between cleans but ask you to be patient whilst we adapt. With this in mind we ask that all arrivals are as close to this time as possible to avoid over crowding around units.  

Arrival procedures 

Pitches – All guests will need to head to reception on arrival to check-in. There will be a maximum of three persons allowed in the reception and shop at any one time and we ask that only one nominated individual per party enters the reception for the entire duration of the stay. Once you have checked in please head to your pitch and set up, as directed by the warden

Statics and holiday homes - All guests will need to head to reception on arrival to check-in. There will be a maximum of three persons allowed in the reception and shop at any one time and we ask that only one nominated individual per party enters the reception for the entire duration of the stay. Your key will be left inside the unit which will be open ready for your arrival.

In the interest of safety, where possible, all arrivals will be contactless with as little person-to-person contact as is feasible.  

Access to reception. There will be a maximum of three persons allowed in the reception and shop at any one time and we ask that only one nominated individual per party enters the reception for the entire duration of the stay.  If there is no one there please call the number on the door, we are a small team and sometimes the wardens will be out on site, but never far away!

Our reception and shop will be staffed by one team member and Perspex screens will have been installed, there will be hand sanitiser available at the entrance and we ask that this is used prior to entering.  

Removal of non-essential items. You may notice that some difficult-to-clean and high-touch items will have been removed from your holiday unit. These may include cushions and any items that are deemed non-essential. If there is a specific item or facility listed on our website that you have a question about, please contact us.  

Keys. We will only be issuing one key per stay instead of the usual two. This is to allow for the second key to be fully disinfected before being handed to the next guest. On departure, please drop your key into the green post box on the wall next to reception doors.  

Anti-viral surface cleaning. All heavily used surfaces and high-touch items in your unit will be cleaned and disinfected using appropriate products, including a ULV fogging machine which applies a disinfectant mist across all surfaces and takes approximately 8-10 minutes to dry. Such surfaces include, but are not limited to; work surfaces, table tops, remote controls, light stitches and cord pulls, hair driers, door handles, appliances, soft furnishings and bathroom fittings. 

Safer check-out. When it’s time to go there are four essential things we need you to do for us. These will help to ensure the safety of our housekeepers, and the next guests: 

1. Strip all your beds and seal the linen in the bags provided. This also includes linen that you may not have used. Please do not remove mattress toppers.

2. Empty all bins and cupboards, (not just the kitchen) bag, seal and put out all your own waste into the waste/wheelie bins provided. 

3. Leave on time by 9am — our hardworking housekeepers need every minute to prepare as safely as possible for the next guests. 

4. Leave windows open on the latch (providing weather conditions allow) and advise us electronically when you have left the park.  

Failure to comply with the above may incur charges. We thank you very much for your support in working with us to keep the park open and safe — you are fantastic and we do appreciate your efforts! 

Facilities Blocks and Launderette. This will not be open in time for July and August. This means that the park will only be open to guests who are able to provide their own self-contained facilities. All affected guests will be contacted by email and phone with an offer to either transfer their booking or cancel and receive a full refund. An operational laundrette will be available. 

Before you leave home 

Do I need to bring anything? We are asking guests to please bring their own pillows and pillowcases with them, this further removes any risk of contamination and will speed up the changeover process. It would be advisable to bring soap, hand gel, gloves, toilet roll, disinfectant and hand sanitiser to ensure surfaces are kept clean and bins can be emptied (and beds can be stripped) hygienically.  

Provisions and shopping. Whilst we are anticipating most of our local shops to be open, and we do want you to use them because we love you to support our Cornish retailers, we ask that you please plan ahead to avoid wasting precious holiday time in queues and, where possible, this is done by one family member – as you would have at home.  

If you have symptoms before you depart. If you or any member of your party display symptoms in the days leading up to your departure please advise us immediately and we will transfer your booking to a later date, free of charge. You will be expected to stay home and self-isolate, reporting your symptoms to the NHS track and trace team, in accordance with government guidelines. The same applies if you have been contacted by the NHS track and trace team as having been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. 

During your stay.  

Please stay alert to the latest coronavirus guidance and any social distancing measures whilst on holiday, whether on the park or out and about. Please continue to wash hands regularly and rigorously, use hand sanitiser where required and face masks if appropriate. Contactless forms of payment will be encouraged across the park with one-way systems in place where required. 

Pentewan beach will be open to guests during their stay and whilst there is plenty of room for everyone, we do ask that current social distancing measures are adhered to and that adequate spacing is allowed between beach goers. A gentle reminder that dogs are not allowed.

We ask that you please do not meet or gather with friends in social groups outside of their social bubble, invite any visitors into your unit or onto your pitch and do not allow children to roam unsupervised around the park as they may inadvertently break the social distancing rules.  As always, please avoid walking across pitches and stay on the footpaths or road side.

To keep chances of infection to a minimum, we will not be allowing any day visitors to pitches during your stay. We understand that this may be frustrating however we have a duty of care to our staff and guests and thank you for supporting us with this decision.  

Please also be aware that town centres may be very busy whilst all-weather attractions are generally operating on a pre-book system. Do check before visiting, make sensible choices if the sun stops shining and be sure to plan ahead as much as possible to make the most of your day out.   

What will your stay with us look like this summer? 

Many of you will be anxious to better understand what your stay might be like over the coming months and whilst we would love to be able to offer our usual full, fun range of activities and facilities at Pentewan Sands, unfortunately this isn’t the case. We are constantly monitoring the latest government advice and facilities we open will be done so in full compliance with the latest government guidance and social distancing measures. 

Food and Drink 

We are pleased to confirm that the Seahorse restaurant is OPEN with tables available for those wishing to dine in the restaurant or enjoy a few drinks in the bar. These tables are currently available during the day on a walk-in basis but we do ask that tables for dinner are pre-booked in advance and due to restrictions on numbers, we cannot guarantee availability. Dining slots will be allocated on a 1 1/2 hour basis and we ask that guests kindly ensure they do not stay past their time. We are also taking part in the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme which means that diners can enjoy a fantastic 50% off, up to £10 per head, when eating in any Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 3rd - 31st August. 

The Seahorse will also be operating a takeaway service and again, these can be pre-ordered and paid for over the phone. Orders will be available for collection from the Seahorse and we kindly ask that only one person comes to collect their order. 

Opening hours, menus and phone numbers will be clearly displayed in your welcome pack as well as our website.  

Pentewan Plaice will be open for takeaway however social distancing measures will be in place and must be adhered to. Please look for the floor markings and advice displayed in the windows. 

The Hubbox are confirmed as opening – exact opening details, including times and dates are still to be confirmed. Please check their website, social media and our website too for the latest updates. 

Our on-site shop at Heligan will be open with our usual stock but social distancing measures will be in place, as with the supermarkets back around the country, with limits on numbers in the shop and it will be contactless payment only. 

Things to Do 

With the easing of government restrictions, we are pleased to confirm that the outdoor children’s play areas will be open as well as the Seahorse arcade, our boat launch facility will also be fully operational.

Our indoor swimming pools are both now open 7 days a week from 9am - 6pm. Guests are welcome to turn up and swim at their leisure however if numbers in both pools are at the maximum capacity then we will kindly ask that you either wait or return at a later time. Please be advised that there will be no changing room facilities available, swimmers must arrive 'beach ready' and wearing shoes which must be removed on arrival and placed back on feet upon exit. . 

Unfortunately, restrictions have not been eased on indoor entertainment or soft play areas and this does sadly mean that these will remain closed. 

We realise that there is much to take in and digest, the situation is constantly evolving and procedures may change before or during your stay. Please bear with us whilst we work hard to get things right and, as ever, we thank you for your ongoing understanding, patience and support - we look forward to you all breathing life back into the park once again! 

By Heligan on the June 08th, 2020 in

As many of you will be aware, we had been working hard on the brand new state-of-the-art facilities block and had anticipated that this would be open and fully functioning in time for the 2020 season. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, our timescales have been set back considerably and we regret to inform you that this will now not be ready until the end of September 2020. Regrettably, this means that we are not able to open Heligan Camping and Caravan park to any guests who are not able to provide their own self-contained facilities this July and August. Any guests who are booked into our static caravans or who will be staying in a self-contained motorhome or caravan will not be affected.

We understand that this is incredibly disappointing and frustrating for those of you who are affected and will have been looking forward to spending some time in the great outdoors, however our absolute priority is the health and well-being of our campers and it is important that we all work together to keep everyone safe and well.

What happens next?

We want to support you and your holiday in any way and our bookings team are working incredibly hard to contact all guests who are impacted by this set back. Any affected bookings will be able to transfer to available dates later in 2020 or equivalent dates in 2021 on the same pitch, at no extra charge. However, we completely understand that it is not always easy to plan so far in advance so should you wish to cancel your booking we will fully refund the cost of your stay.

To make things as easy as possible, our bookings team will be contacting every affected guest during the next week to discuss their options. For those requesting a refund, we will process these as swiftly as we can but we do ask that you bear with us if this takes a little longer than usual.

How do I know if my unit is ‘self-contained’?

When we refer to a guest needing to be staying in a self-contained unit we are referring to guests needing to provide their own toilets, washing/showering and washing up facilities. Sadly, there will be no facilities available at Heligan Camping and Caravan park at all so it is essential that these needs are taken care of within the guests’ personal touring space.

Will I still be able to empty my chemical toilet?

Yes, our Elsan point will remain open for the disposing of chemical waste.

We recognise that these are unprecedented times for us all and thank you for your patience and understanding as we adapt. Please rest assured that we are still here to help and remain on hand to deal with your queries via email or on the phone. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all back, it will feel better than ever.

By Heligan on the June 01st, 2020 in

Firstly, the team at Heligan Caravan & Camping would just like to thank everybody for their patience and understanding at this unusual time. We’re certainly missing having you all here, especially with this lovely weather, but are looking forward to having you join us soon.

The current government guidelines state that there is a possibility we will be able to reopen in some capacity during Phase 3 of the lockdown from 4th July. The team have been super busy not only keeping the park to its 5 star standard, but also working on how we can welcome you all back again. Whilst the government work on the guidelines for reopening, there is still a lot of uncertainty. However, we thought it was important to update you as much as we can on how things are looking at the moment.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that there will be some good news from the government soon so we have everything ready to go to reopen as soon as possible. If you’ve booked to stay in one of our holiday homes, we envisage that your stay will be largely unchanged with the exception of a few minor tweaks to check in times.

With regards to touring bookings, we are also looking forward to welcoming you back soon. However, until the government releases some guidance we are unsure at present whether there will be any restrictions in relation to our communal facilities or pitch spacing.

We know this is all still a little uncertain but will be updating you all again with more news soon as it’s important to us to keep you all in the loop. Once we receive the official guidance we will act accordingly and contact you directly.

Our bookings and reservation team are exceptionally busy and have been working tirelessly to ensure all our current effected holidays are being dealt with as quickly as possible. If you’ve booked for dates before 4th July you should have received an email from us outlining your options. Please make sure you reply to this email and where possible refrain from calling us. The team will reply to your emails as soon as they can so please bear with us!

There will hopefully be more news to share with you soon, but in the meantime please continue to send us your lovely messages and gorgeous photos on our social media channels. They have been lifting our spirits!

Take a look at some of our FAQ’s HERE if there’s anything you’re still unsure about.

By Heligan on the June 01st, 2020 in

*Please refer to our re-opening updates for the latest answers to FAQ's*

Are you closed and when will you be reopening?

In line with the current government guidance, we have unfortunately closed our holiday park to all visitors. Based on the current plan from the government to lift lockdown restrictions, we may be able to reopen from 4th July at the earliest. We are constantly monitoring the situation and will continue to review this date based on any announcements regarding travel and tourism.

What happens if I have booked a holiday before 4th July 2020?

If you have booked up to the 30th of June, you will have already received an email from us outlining your options. Anyone with bookings from 1st – 4th July will receive an email from us soon. You can either cancel your booking and receive a refund, or you can choose to transfer your booking to a future date. Once you have sent us your preferences via email you will receive a reply from our reservations team with either a confirmation of your new dates or details on your refund. If we don’t hear from you we will automatically cancel and refund your booking. If you want to move your booking but aren’t yet sure on your new dates, just let us know in your email and we’ll keep your credit on the system until you are ready to rebook.

What happens if I make a new booking but my holiday is cancelled due to Covid-19?

We completely understand that we are all living in unprecedented times and would like to assure our future guests that they can book their holiday with complete confidence. Should any new bookings be affected by Covid-19 we will offer a full refund or transfer the holiday up until 30th October 2021.

Are you definitely going to be opening on 4th July 2020?

We still don’t know for sure. We are using this date as a guideline and hope that there will be further information and guidance from the government over the next few weeks. This date is in constant review and we’ll endeavour to let you know of any changes as soon as possible.

I've sent you an email in response to your cancellation email and I still haven't received a reply.

As you can imagine it is extremely busy at the moment and we are working on a reduced staff so it may take longer than usual for us to get back to you. This may mean that your refund isn’t processed until after you were due to arrive, but rest assured we will make sure that everything has been confirmed and processed as soon as possible.

Is it easier to call you?

Where possible we ask for you to refrain from calling our reception team. We are receiving a high number of emails at the moment and our skeleton team are working through transferring bookings and processing refunds in arrival date order. This is quite a lengthy process so we would appreciate it if you could send any enquiries via email at the moment. The team will reply to all enquiries in due course.

Do I still need to pay my outstanding balance on a future booking?

We have currently suspended all final payments for current bookings until further notice. Once we have confirmation that we can reopen we will contact anyone with an outstanding payment with further details.

Will your facilities be open?

We will be guided by government advice on how to manage any restrictions to our communal facilities. Once we have further information on this we will share the details with you.

By Heligan on the May 18th, 2020 in Camping

Camping at home is a great way to keep your children entertained during lockdown. It’s a chance to introduce them to the experience, without the worry of being so far away from home. It’s also a perfect opportunity to test out some new equipment before exposing them to the elements. Then there’s no nasty surprises when your tent goes up in the rain for the first time!

We think it’s an experience everyone should try and now is the perfect time to give it a go.

Here are just a few little tips on how to make your home camp out an experience the whole family can enjoy together.

Preparation

Like with any camping holiday, preparation is key! Decide what you’re going to eat and drink and make sure you’re stocked up on supplies. Pack up your bags as if you’re going to leave the house, then there’s no temptation to head back inside if you forget anything.

Find the best spot

The best place to pitch your tent is on a clear, flat patch of lawn. Find a sheltered spot in your garden where you’re out of the wind and make sure you have enough room for your tent and all your gear.

If you have a campervan or caravan you might find the best spot is on your drive!

Create some fun garden games and activities

Think about what you want to do to pass the time. Some of our favourites include badminton, French boules and garden football, but once the sun starts to go down its fun to play board games or cards by torchlight.

Food glorious food!

Probably one of the most important things to do is prepare your camping food! It could be a barbecue dinner, or a campfire stew but if it needs kitchen preparation, make sure you do it in advance so you can enjoy spending as much time as possible outside and not in your kitchen.

Don’t forget breakfast! Pack a cool bag and create a traditional English fry up on your camping stove in the morning – a proper treat!

Make it magical

Bring as many blankets, fairly lights and lanterns as possible and make your tent a haven of cosiness! If you have a projector, you can create an outdoor cinema experience by hanging a sheet over your washing line. You can even use the side of your house and be the envy of all your neighbours.

You won’t want to go inside!

Stay Outside

This is the most important tip on our list - try as much as possible to stay outside all night. If you do, you won’t feel like you’re at home at all!

TOP TIP – these are all tips you can use again on your stay at Heligan Caravan and Camping once we are open to the public again. We can’t wait!

Thank you to Emma Sargent who sent over a photo of her gorgeous set up at home!

By Heligan on the May 11th, 2020 in

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE FOR GUESTS

Firstly, we’d like to thank you for your support and patience during this difficult time.

Since we took the decision to close our doors we have been monitoring the situation very closely and trying to keep our guests as updated as possible.

Further to the recent government announcement on Sunday 10th May, we have decided to cancel all bookings until 4th July. We are constantly being guided by the government advice and will update you as soon as we know any further information about guests arriving in July and August.

We will be in touch with bookers to discuss refunds and cancellations directly in arrival date order, all customers affected will receive a notification by email. 

Our Bookings Team are extremely busy at this time and working with a reduced staff, so please bear with us. We know it may be tempting, but please refrain from calling or emailing reception at this time and instead keep an eye on your inbox for information. We will not be collecting future/final payments on any existing reservations until we can safely re-open. Our reopening date will be in constant review so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for further information.

We recognise that this will be disappointing news and we would like to thank you for your patience, understanding and support in these exceptional circumstances.  We look forward to welcoming you back to Heligan Caravan and Camping Park, hopefully in the not too distant future.

By Pentewan Sands on the March 21st, 2020 in

URGENT INFORMATION FOR GUESTS

Firstly, we’d like to thank you for your patience. This has been and continues to be a difficult time for many.

As you will have been aware, with the fast-developing Coronavirus situation, and the various updates from Public Health England, we have made the difficult decision to close the holiday park as of 21st March 2020 until further notice.  

The safety and wellbeing of our staff and guests are paramount to us, but we have always strongly recognised our responsibility in our local community. We have been working hard to protect the jobs and income of our valued team over the past weeks, whilst also recognising the importance of supporting our local suppliers and economy.

We understand that we have many guests that were due to arrive with us very soon, so we will be contacting these guests, first to explain the situation and then to offer alternative dates or a full refund. Those that are due to stay with us in the coming months after this will receive an update from us in due course. Please bear with us whilst we do this.

We really appreciate the support of our customers and the local community in this extremely difficult time. Please know that we intend to open our doors as soon as it is safe to do so, so we can get back to doing what we do best, supporting local staff, the Cornish economy and providing a memorable stay for our guests.

Our Bookings Team are extremely busy with calls and emails at this time. We thank you for patience whilst we respond to messages and assist guests with their holiday plans.
We are monitoring the situation carefully and will provide an update if anything changes.

By Pentewan Sands on the March 21st, 2020 in

As the situation continues to evolve, we will keep you abreast of what we are doing from day to day.

At the time of writing, Heligan Camping remains open but pitches are being re-allocated to increase distance between units across the park. However, we are keeping the position under close review and will be following Government directives as and when they are issued.

 Our approach continues to be that:

• We are committed to the health & wellbeing of our staff and customers and will review Best Practice daily
• We are rigorously implementing the highest standards of transmission prevention throughout our premises including regular sanitization of all common hand-touch points

 Our staff Vigilant Health Mandate remains as follows:

Staff team will observe the 2-metre distance rule from guests & colleagues as much as possible, as recommended by the Government.

• The Company will robustly adhere to all Government advice on practice. 
• Hygiene facilities are available on arrival at reception and throughout the Park.
• The temperature will be taken of every employee entering our premises.
• Hand washing at all relevant opportunities. Every single member of our team has committed to thoroughly washing hands at least every 2 hours.
• Warm welcome, but no shaking of hands or physical contact with customers – to be extended outside of work too.
• Anyone with the faintest symptoms will self-isolate.
• Whilst there have been no known instances of staff or customer contagion, we are insisting upon a zero tolerance of any suspected symptoms amongst staff or customers on our premises.

We look forward to welcoming you to Heligan Camping very soon. This will eventually be behind us. Until then, try to look on the bright side of life!

With best wishes,

Managing Director

By Heligan on the March 18th, 2020 in

What you need to know:

Updated 18th March

 We are looking forward to welcoming guests to the park throughout the 2020 season.

 Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all our Guests, Team members and Visitors to Heligan.

 We are aware that the rapidly changing situation surrounding Coronavirus has been making people feel anxious, but we want to assure you we are doing all we can to support your holiday plans and to ensure the risk to our valued Guests and Team members on site remains low.

 Following the Government advice issued on 16th March we remain open to guests, however we are seeking further clarification from relevant authorities as to the potential restrictions in our normal service and operation.  As and when these changes to service are confirmed we will provide an update to affected guests.

 We fully appreciates that these are uncertain and unsettling times for everyone concerned, however the situation has resulted from extraordinary events that are out of our control, therefore we are unable to issue refunds to guests wishing to cancel holidays unless they have taken out our Cancellation Scheme at the time of booking; our standard Terms & Conditions will continue to apply.

 Our Bookings Team are extremely busy with calls and emails at this time.  We thank you for your patience whilst we respond to messages and assist guests with their holiday plans.

 We are monitoring the situation carefully and will provide an update if anything changes.

Your stay with us:

Our Team have been busy enhancing our hygiene procedures across our accommodation and facilities to ensure they are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness.

 We are increasing the frequency of cleaning of all public facilities on site and reviewed our cleaning products to ensure they are of the required standard.

 We will continue to review our procedures and operations so our guests will have the utmost confidence in our care.

By Pentewan Sands on the March 06th, 2020 in

Dear Customer,                                                                                               

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Please see below for information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Company’s approach to the situation. In summary, we ask customers, visitors and staff who have recently returned from high-risk areas (see below) to follow government guidance and, if they have any concern or symptoms, not to visit the Holiday Park for at least 14 days from their return to the UK. In that event, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know.

The Company is monitoring the UK government’s information and advice on Coronavirus. Up-to-date information can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public). This information is updated regularly and customers who are concerned are encouraged to check this site for the most current information.

The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from Low to Moderate but notes that the risk to individuals remains low. At the time of writing, Cornwall is almost free of the virus – let’s keep it that way!

In summary, the advice about returning travellers is that anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing cough or fever or shortness of breath, should stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if symptoms are mild.

Anyone who has returned from the following areas since 19 February, should call NHS 111, stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if they do not have symptoms:

• Iran
• Specific lockdown areas in northern Italy as designated by the Government of Italy including in Lombardy: Codogno, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo and San Fiorano; and in Veneto: Vo’ Euganeo
• ‘Special care zones’ in South Korea as designated by the Government of the Republic of South Korea including Daegu and Cheongdo
• Hubei province (returned in the past 14 days)

Anyone who has returned from the following areas since 19 February and develops symptoms, however mild, should stay indoors at home, avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS 111. They do not need to follow this advice if they have no symptoms.

• Northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini)
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Myanmar

Customers are politely asked to advise us immediately if they are diagnosed as having contracted Coronavirus or have been in proximity to someone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus.

Information about the virus itself and how to prevent it spreading can be found here (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/). In line with this advice, the Company asks customers and staff to ensure they are regularly washing their hands with soap and water, to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, and to dispose of any tissues when used. Extra hygiene measures will also be implemented and seen across the Park to reinforce these precautions & help keep Cornwall Corona-free.

We will update customers if and when this advice changes materially.

Kind regards

The Pentewan Sands Team

By Heligan on the February 10th, 2020 in Dogs, Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

Thinking about camping with your pooch? Ensure two- and four-legged members of your camping crew have a great time with these essential tips…

To camp or not to camp?
Just like people, some dogs are camping fans and others not so much. Know your dog and before you pitch up consider their character. If they’re comfortable around new people and new places, and enjoy being outdoors for long periods of time, there’s a good chance they’re going to love camping (yay!) – but if not, sadly it may be best to reconsider.

Find a pawsome campsite
Here at Heligan Caravan and Camping we love dogs and they love us - we welcome them with open paws. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome on our camping and touring pitches, and four of our holidays homes are dog friendly too. And on top of that we’re perfectly placed for canine fun with a choice of fantastic walks, dog-friendly beaches, places to eat and doggie days out on our doorstep. Find out more about why we’ve got the woof-factor here.

Get a health check
Once you’ve booked your pitch it's a good idea to take your dog for a pre-trip vet visit. At this appointment, you can make sure your dog is healthy enough for the trip, as well as ensure that their flea and tick medication is up to date. This is also the time to replace ID tags if needed.

Pack for pooch
Leash, harness, poo bags, towels for muddy paws…all absolute essentials for a happy camping trip. While packing your bags also consider where your furry friend is going to sleep. Will they be treated to a spot on your blow-up mattress or given their very own corner of the tent with a crate or cosy bed of blankets? If you can squeeze their usual doggie bed in your camping kit, there’s no doubt that they’ll love you for it.

Choosing food and water bowls that can be easily carried with you is a great idea while camping, especially if you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Invest in a set of collapsible bowls to save space and lighten your load. Of course, you will also need enough doggie food to last the duration of your holiday. 

You might also need a sun shade and many campers don’t pitch up without a tether and stake so that they can keep their dog secure but provide lots of room to move while staying hands-free.

Best behaviour
Camping is super exciting – for dogs as well as humans – so with all that extra fun and stimulation it’s important to remember that even the best-behaved dog, on a less than normal day, in unfamiliar surroundings, can behave a little out of character.

Be prepared for unexpected changes in your dog’s behaviour. Don’t let them jump up at people and keep them close by at all times. Never leave dogs unattended in your tent or holiday home.

Quiet please
Camping is all about enjoying the peace and quiet of the great outdoors so excessive barking and yelping in the early or late hours is a big no-no. Even if it doesn’t bother you, consider the people around you who are enjoying sundowners on the balcony of their holiday home or tucking into breakfast outside their tent. If your pooch is getting a little noisy try going for a walk or giving them a little extra attention to calm and reassure them.

Lead the way
Lucky pups staying with us and Heligan Caravan and Camping can enjoy masses of dog-friendly beaches and walks nearby where they can run free but we kindly ask that all furry friends are kept on leads on site.

Pick up doggie do-do’s
The top doggie rule always applies. Scoop it, bag it, bin it – each and every time!

No over feeding
You might think you’re being kind by treating your dog to extra BBQ meat and other rich treats that they wouldn’t usually have at home when camping but you’ll both regret it in the morning. It’s not fun being zipped up in a tent with a gassy pooch (however cute they are!) and no dog wants an upset tummy. Stay as close to their usual diet and feeding routine as possible to avoid any upset, plus it means there will be no mad rush to let them out to go to the toilet at impromptu times.

By keeping these tips in mind, camping with your dog can be fantastic fun and turn a great trip into an even better trip. Wagging tails all round!

Find out more about dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall here.

By Pentewan Sands on the January 15th, 2020 in

A note from our team: 

We are excited to announce that we are constructing a new amenity block which we anticipate will be complete and open by the end of September 2020.

This does mean that we will only be able to accept campers who are fully self-contained and able to provide their own facilities.

We appreciate your understanding while the building work is on-going and will make every effort to minimise disruptions during this time.

If you have any concerns regarding this, please feel free to contact us and thank you for understanding in advance.

Once again, thank you for choosing Heligan Caravan & Camping Park

Check out our sketch of the amenity block, here. 

By Pentewan Sands on the December 12th, 2019 in Dogs, Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Holidays

Looking for gift inspiration for a special someone who loves camping? Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, anniversary or just to say ‘you’re fab’, these pressie ideas from awesome Cornish businesses with big eco hearts are sure to make them smile.

Atlantic Blankets picnic blanket
Camping and picnics go hand-in-hand so you can’t go wrong by gifting a gorgeous picnic blanket - and as any camper knows, you can never have too many! Style savvy campers and, in fact anybody who has a penchant for cosy and soft, will love the beautiful blankets inspired by the ocean and designed in Cornwall by Atlantic Blankets. 100% wool with a waterproof belly, they’re perfect for shaking out for a picnic on the beach or for a spot of tent-side stargazing.

Seakisses dog bowl
For the campers with canine companions, this is a must-have accessory for people who love the beach, camping and their salty dogs. Unique and original, chuck your Seakisses Dog Bowl in the car for post-walk refreshments; made with bamboo fibre this product is wonderfully sustainable, lightweight and durable – perfect for camping!

B Skincare muscle rub
Containing warming ginger, pain relieving juniper, calming eucalyptus and lavender essential oils in a natural beeswax base, B Skincare’s muscle rub is great for soothing aching muscles after exercise. It’s just the ticket after a day spent treading the South West Coast Path or riding the waves – an essential washbag staple.

Fourth Element reusable water bottle
Every adventurer needs a canteen of water. The Gulper by Fourth Element is more than just your everyday water bottle though. The stainless steel double wall vacuum insulation means iced drinks stay cool for up to 24 hours and hot drinks stay hot for up to 12 hours. And thanks to the twist and sip valve and versatile lid, it’s built for drinking on the go. A present that will last and last!

Seasalt Cornwall wellies
Thanks to the great British weather and our legendary Cornish ‘mizzle’, whatever the time of year we’d always recommend packing a pair of wellies when heading camp side. For the ladies Seasalt Cornwall always get our vote. Made from natural rubber with extra comfy insoles, their brilliant wellies come in a variety of bright Cornish colours, from deep blue and bright turquoise to sunny mustard and gorgeous green – perfect for woodland stomps and wave jumping on the beach.

Finisterre waterproof jacket
The cold weather experts at Finisterre know a thing or two about keeping warm and dry and have got a nifty eye for style to boot. They’re our go-to for performance outerwear, covering insulated jackets to base layers and everything in between. And for camping we’re big fans of the Mistral Jacket. Waterproof, breathable and packed with high spec features, it’s built for purpose and is a year-round must-have with fits for both men and women.

Celtic and Co socks
Always a good pressie idea, you can’t go wrong with a pair of socks for the camper in your life – and the warm and cosier, the better! Pop them on when snuggling in a sleeping bag, layer them up when enjoying the great outdoors and always stick a few extra pairs in the bag in case temperatures take an unexpected dip. Renowned for toasty sheepskin boots, Celtic & Co have a colourful selection of socks but these aren’t just any socks, they’re supremely soft cashmere socks – what a treat!

Watershed backpack
The secret to happy camping is packing light. Only take what you’re going to use and pick items with multiple uses. Let us introduce the Shelter Backpack by Watershed. This neat 14 litre bag has a handy roll top so you can fill it to brim or conveniently pack it down once the tent is up and only a few essentials are needed for the day’s activities. We also love it for its big pockets and range of colours.

National Trust membership
We can guarantee that anyone who loves camping, loves exploring the great outdoors and with the National Trust caring and protecting a large chunk of it, the gift of National Trust membership is an easy win. Not only will the lucky recipient get the warm and fuzzies knowing that they are supporting the National Trust in protecting unforgettable places for future generations but they’ll also benefit from lots of perks. From free entry to over 500 special places to free parking at most National Trust car parks, this is a gift idea that just keeps giving.

Frugi snuggle suit
Let’s not forget little outdoor adventurers. Kids love the freedom of camping and whether they’re gearing up for their first adventure under canvas or are mini camping experts, Frugi’s inspired snuggle suits will be a pressie hit. Similar to onesies but made from super soft organic cotton jersey, they’re perfect for late night trips to the loo or for slipping into after a day at the beach. And in true Frugi style they come in cool and colourful prints, making them not only fun to wear but fun to unwrap too! 

The Camping Cookbook
So, this one isn’t Cornish but we’ve slipped it in because it combines two of our favourite things – camping and eating! The Camping Cookbook offers a unique compilation of superb recipes and practical advice designed for the practicalities of camping life. Perfect for anyone who doesn't want to give up the pleasures of eating well while camping.

Or how about surprising someone with a stay at Heligan Caravan and Camping? You’d certainly win the award as Top Gifter! Find out more and book the ultimate treat here.

By Pentewan Sands on the November 15th, 2019 in Camping, Holidays, Cornwall, Events, Activities, Lifestyle and Health

Places in Cornwall that are even better in the autumn and winter

Even when the sun isn’t shining and there’s a nip in the air, Cornwall’s natural beauty is hard to beat. In fact, there are some spots that we think are even better in the autumn and the winter, places that come into their own with a coating of autumnal leaves and just a handful of visitors.

Grab your coat and get exploring…

Tintagel Castle

If you thought Tintagel Castle was special in the summer, you’ve got to experience it at its wild and rugged best. With the ocean raging below and the elements out in force, the mythical spirit of this magical site really comes alive. As you explore the ruins of the historic castle with links to King Arthur, you can almost imagine the harsh reality of what it was like to live on this perilous headland hundreds of years ago. And the views? Well, they’re every bit as special tinged with grey as they are basking in sunshine.

Kynance Cove

With crystal clear waters and the most beautiful coastline, Kynance Cove on the secluded Lizard Peninsula is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. So gorgeous in fact that it has become a little honeypot drawing starry-eyed visitors from across Cornwall. But we’ll let you into a secret - wait until the autumn to visit. The summer sun-seekers have gone home, the ickle café is still serving up the most delicious of Cornish Cream Teas and it is blissfully quiet. Shh, don’t let anybody else know!

Truro

There’s always an excuse to visit the small but perfectly formed city of Truro but in the autumn and winter this Georgian gem cooks up a real buzz. The magnificent Cathedral casts a beautiful shadow over the cobbled alleyways and festival after festival sends ripples of excitement through the independent boutiques and trendy cafes. The perfect place to get a head start on the Christmas present buying madness!

Pentewan Beach

There’s no stopping Cornwall’s beaches; whether it’s flip flop bright or time for wellies, we just can’t stay away from golden sand and blue water. Take your pick from any one of Cornwall’s 300+ beaches for a blow-away-the-cobwebs-kind of walk but for us Pentewan beach with its cosy beachside hangout is always a winner. The laid-back Seahorse is just meters from the shoreline so is the place to delayer and watch the crashing waves over a seasonal hot chocolate (loaded with marshmallows and sprinkles of course!).

Tate St Ives

With to-die-for view across Porthmeor beach and studios flooded with light, Tate St Ives is the perfect place to be when the rain is lashing down. You’ll get a feel-good boost from the colourful artwork and the cosy café is a pretty bolthole when skies are turning grey. Whatever the time of year, Tate St Ives  is a bucket-list essential. 

Cotehele House

The National Trust team at Cotehele House in south east Cornwall are renowned for their love of the festive season. Their Christmas flower garland has been a star attraction since 1956 and when complete goes on display in the Tudor Hall encompassing thousands of flowers grown on the estate and stretching for some 60ft.

By Pentewan Sands on the November 15th, 2019 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Holidays

Best Winter Warmer Cafes

There’s something quite special about wrapping up warm and getting outside for a good old walk on a chilly winter’s day but we’ve got to hold our hands up; our fave part is always the well-earned café stop.

The cosiest atmospheres, tastiest comfort foods and warmest welcomes hide behind the doors of Cornwall’s indie cafes - here are a few of our favourites.

Within 12 miles of us...

Caerhays Beach Café – best for something a bit different

Sitting on the edge of Porthluney beach and in the shadows of the magnificent Caerhays Castle, this small but stylish, wood-clad café has got all the moves. The rustic menu, boozy hot chocolates and irresistible cakes are perfect warm-your-insides daytime fodder, while on special evenings the outdoor pizza oven and Churros hut gets everyone’s tummies rumbling. It’s a surprise find in a secluded spot and we’re big fans!

Short & Strong, Charlestown – best for a caffeine fix

These guys seriously know their coffee. It’s brewed to perfection and served alongside the most incredible selection of cakes (homemade chocolate and beetroot cake anyone?). The service is top notch, dietary requirements are well catered for and dogs are welcome. Oh, and it’s just 10 minutes from us. Need we say more?

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery Cafe, Lostwithiel – best for local produce

Grab a spot by the log burning fire and warm up with a hearty bowl of homemade soup. This is where winter days get cosy and food is deliciously homemade, local and freshly prepared. And well as bursting with Cornish flavour, this café lucks out in the location department too as it just so happens to be nestled amongst one of Cornwall’s most impressive garden nurseries. Be prepared to leave with something green and gorgeous tucked under your arm!

Slight further afield in Cornwall but well worth the trip

Gylly Beach Café, Falmouth – best for style

Thought beach cafes were all sandy floors and salt sprayed windows? No, no, no. This gem on Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth sets the bar for stylish interiors. It’s all sleek wood, funky furniture and magnificent views and don’t even get us started on the menu. You’ve just got try the legendary steak burger and the handcrafted wild yeast organic sourdough is to die-for. It comes fresh from the neighbouring glass-fronted beach bakery where the ovens fire up just a stone’s throw from lapping waves. How’s that for cool?

Poldhu Beach Café, Mullion – best for hot chocolates

When it comes to hot chocolate, Poldhu Beach Café on the Lizard Peninsula wins hands down. There’s hot chocolate, Special hot chocolate, Proper Job hot chocolate and Poldhutastic hot chocolate – and we haven’t even mentioned the five festive variations that come out for Christmas! If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a penchant for big, golden beaches, this is your heaven.

The Watering Hole, Perranporth – best for location

Beach cafés are dotted right along Cornwall’s coast but it’s the Watering Hole on Perranporth Beach that holds Kingpin status. Quite literally on the beach it rocks a chilled-out vibe and is the Cornish lifestyle personified. Come winter and terrace heaters keep the decking area toasty, while inside you’ll find the ultimate ringside seat for when a storm is brewing out on the ocean!

The Sorting Office, St Agnes – best for Cornish charm

Cosy, cute, Cornish, cool – this petite café buried in the heart of St Agnes is worthy of every compliment going. Great coffee, fresh pastries, delicious cakes and bucket-loads of character, it’s the perfect place to wriggle out of winter woollies and fill up on warmth and charm.

Heligan Caravan and Camping is open from January 3rd. Enjoy a winter break in Cornwall with us.

By Pentewan Sands on the October 07th, 2019 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Dining, Holidays

One pot wonders

“When you’re cooking outdoors, simplicity is key so this isn’t the time to try anything fancy…but, you don’t have to scrimp on flavour either!’ says Martyn. “One pot recipes are the hero of al fresco kitchens. Not only are they super easy but they go big on taste and small on cooking utensils, which means there’s less to wash up, which is always good news when you’re far from a kitchen sink.”

Sausage and Butter Bean Stew
Filling, nutritious and a winter staple, a stew is hard to beat and is the ultimate one pot wonder…

What you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 16 Cornish chipolata sausages – call into Lobb’s Farm Shop just next door to us for some of the freshest and delicious around!
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 8 garlic cloves, sliced
• 600ml chicken stock
• 2 x 400g cans butter beans, drained
• 75g butter

What to do:

1. Gently heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the sausages all over until brown, then remove and set aside. Add the onion to the pan and fry for 5-10 mins until golden and soft, then add the celery and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes more. Pour over the stock and bring to the boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, then add the sausages back to the pan along with the butter beans. Simmer for 8 minutes, then stir in the butter. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot with lots of chunky bread. Yum!

Mushroom Risotto
An all-round fave, risotto is incredibly simple to cook and is packed with energy-boosting ingredients to ensure you’re primed for action-packed days in the great outdoors. Customise this recipe to your taste by swapping the mushrooms for other veggies or add chicken.

What you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ¼ cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup white wine
• 4 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, and extra for garnish

What to do:

1. Prep all of your ingredients before starting. In a medium pot bring the stock to a simmer.
2. In a large skillet or pot add the olive oil and butter and heat until butter is slightly frothy. Add the onions and stir until translucent, about 8 minutes over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add the Arborio and toast for 2 minutes, you should hear a faint crackling sound. Add the wine and stir until completely evaporated. Add the mushrooms.
3. Add 1.5 cups of stock to the risotto. Season with salt and pepper and stir continuously until the liquid is almost completely evaporated. Continue to add stock 1/2 cup at a time, making sure to stir continually while each addition is absorbed. Continue until risotto is just tender.
4. Once tender, stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Divide the risotto into heated bowls and serve with a little extra freshly ground parmesan.

Martyn’s top outdoor cooking tips

A little extra thinking is required when you’re whipping up something tasty on the camp stove but a few nifty moves can save you time and stress advises Martyn…

• Measure ingredients for each meal ahead of time and pack in ziplock bags.
• Don’t forget the heavy duty aluminium foil. There are LOTS of uses for it, not least using it to protect the stove flame from gusts of wind!
• Cover pots whenever cooking outdoors. Food will cook quicker and save you on fuel but it will also help keep dirt and insects out of your food. No-one likes finding a misguided fly in their dinner!
• Never, ever try and cook inside your tent. It’s dangerous; tents are highly flammable.

How to be a cosy winter camper

You’ve ticked off hearty meals but what else can you do to be a happy camper at chillier times of the year?

Dress in layers

• You won’t get any points for making a fashion statement when it comes to keeping warm so think comfort. Wool socks, warm boots, thermal underwear, and a warm jacket are essential and don’t forget to bring gloves.

Make sure you’re snug as a bug in a rug

• Make sure you have a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature that you’re camping in – or warmer!

Keep an eye on the weather forecast

• If there’s high winds or heavy rain on the way, you’re going to want to know about it. Check forecasts before you pitch up but don’t forget to stay up-to-date once you’re in the throes of camping. Be ready for the weather to change quickly!

By Pentewan Sands on the September 18th, 2019 in Cornwall, Activities, Entertainment, Holidays, Events

Summer’s not over yet. September and October are some of the best times to visit Cornwall; the August crowds have disappeared, the sun is still popping its head up and the buzz is well and truly alive and kicking. Eke out every last drop of summer by making the most of Cornwall’s late summer happenings – they’re spirited, they’re delicious and they’ve got your name all over them. 

St Ives September Festival
With plenty of films, art exhibitions, drop in painting classes, frivolous walking tours and male voice choirs, St Ives September Festival is a fortnight long showcase of why St Ives is at the epicentre of all things arty. Join the celebration from 14 to 28 September and enjoy everything from folk to rock and stand-up comedy to live theatre.

Eden Project Arts Festival
Fire up young minds, get creative juices flowing and soak up the inspirational surroundings at the Eden Project Arts Festival. It’s back for a third year and over two weekends (14-15 and 21-22 September) will deliver a packed bill of performances, visual arts, music and family fun. In true Eden style it promises to be a fully immersive experience with hands-on workshops and exhibitions.

Looe Music Festival
A one of a kind three-day festival, that’s more of a friendly gathering where music and arts fill the streets in a whole town takeover. Looe Live sees over 100 performances take place on the main stages, on the streets and in venues across the whole town. Catch it from 20 to 22 September.

Truro Food Festival 
Big on flavour, big on colour and big on Cornish, Truro Food Festival sees Truro’s Lemon Quay transform into a foodie heaven for three days of eating, drinking, shopping and entertainment. A tasty celebration of the food revolution that has taken place in Cornwall.

Heligan Harvest
Say hello to autumn and enjoy a taste of heritage at the Heligan Harvest from 5 to 13 October. Alongside an exciting programme of talks, demonstrations and tasters, there will be a chance to meet and talk to the formidable team behind Heligan’s success in Productive Garden tours and kids will be kept busy following the Harvest Trail.

Falmouth Oyster Festival
A headliner in Cornwall’s foodie calendar, the Falmouth Oyster Festival (9 to 13 October) is timed to coincide with the start of the oyster harvesting season. It brings together cookery demos, craft stalls, fantastic music, children's activities and of course, lots of delicious seafood tastings. 

By Pentewan Sands on the September 01st, 2019 in

Competition - Heligan Caravan and Camping Park and SeaKisses

Click HERE to enter 

Terms and Conditions:

• Prize includes a 4 night stay at Heligan Caravan and Camping Park, for up to 4 guests in a 2 bedroom holiday home (Silver or Gold banding)
• The prize is for off peak dates only and excludes stays between 10 - 13 March 2020 and 25 - 29 May 2020 
• Stays must be taken before 1 June 2020
• The prize is subject to availability and Heligan Caravan and Camping Park's terms and conditions
• No cash alternative will be given
• The prize does not include transportation to Heligan Caravan and Camping Park
• Once a booking has been confirmed, no changes are permitted
• If a booking is cancelled, no alternative dates can be arranged. No compensation and/or refund will be provided in these circumstances
• The SeaKisses Hamper will be worth £300 and the contents may vary to those photographed.
• By entering this competition, you are agreeing to both Heligan Caravan and Camping Park and SeaKisses to holding your email address on both mailing lists for the purpose of promotions and offers
• Closing date: 9.00am, 1st October 2019

By Pentewan Sands on the August 19th, 2019 in Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

Combine two of our favourite loves - walking and Poldark – and fill up on beautiful views and incredible history as you tread in the footsteps of Ross and Demelza.

Mevagissey to Charlestown – 7.6 miles
Just a mere few minutes from our front door lies one of the best Poldark inspired walks in Cornwall. The public footpath from Mevagissey to Charlestown packs in stunning views as it meanders along the coast to Pentewan (and our fab sister site) before passing the rocky cove at Hallane, Porthpean and Duporth beaches. But it’s the approach to Charlestown that puts this walk at the top of the Poldark chart. As the historic Grade II Listed harbour, complete with Tall Ships and characterful cottages, comes into view, scenes from the series almost jump into action before you. You’ll fall into step with Captain Poldark and Doctor Enys as they partner up in heroic adventures, spot Drake and Morwenna’s harbourside home and will be able to imagine yourself as an extra on the real-life film set.

Step-by step walk details.

Wheal Leisure walk – 3.7 miles
Get up close to two of the key stars of the hit series - Owles and Crowns near Botallack, aka Wheal Leisure, and Levant which plays the part of Tressiders Rolling Mill - on this authentic miners’ walk in the far flung west of Cornwall. You’ll see the dramatic landscape of Cornish coastal mining and get a sense of just how great the mining industry in this area once was.

Step-by-step walk details.

Wheal Coates tin mining circular - 1 mile
Although Wheal Coates tin mine on Cornwall’s north coast near St Agnes doesn’t feature in Poldark itself, such is its legendary status that it’s a must-do for every Poldark fan. The iconic landmark sits beautifully against a backdrop of the mighty Atlantic Ocean providing a picture-perfect snapshot of Cornwall’s mining history. It can be enjoyed on a short circular walk from Chapel Porth car park with the route stretching out along the coast path and weaving through old tin mine buildings. As the waves crash below and the seagulls circle overhead, you can almost hear the sound of pickaxes and in your mind’s eye see the miners of yesteryear go about their gruelling work.

Step-by-step walk details.

Highest peaks sweep – 5.2 miles
By taking on two of Cornwall’s highest peaks, Rough Tor and Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor, you’ll experience the landscape captured in Poldark’s dramatic horse-riding scenes. You’ll also pass prehistoric remains and will be in striking distance of the cottage used for the exterior shots of Ross Poldark’s cottage. And if that wasn’t enough, the walk overloads on mesmerising 360-degree views with both the north and south Cornish coasts in reach on a clear day.

Step-by-step walk details.

West Cornwall cove to cove – 2.3 miles
As one of Poldark’s most iconic film locations (remember that oh-so-memerable skinny dipping scene?), Porthgwarra fishing cove puts you in the thick of the Poldark action from the very start of your coastal walk. Take in the rook pools, atmospheric cliff tunnel and moored fishing boats before striking out along the South West Coast Path to Porthcurno. This short, and sometimes rugged, walk has eye candy aplenty with magnificent views at every turn and an abundance of wildlife. And things get even more stunning at exotic-looking Porthcurno which had location managers drooling with its clear, blue waters and golden sands. Explore the open-air Minack Theatre cut into the cliff tops and the superb Telegraph Museum, complete with secret World War II tunnels, before retracing your footsteps to Porthgwarra.

Step-by-step walk details.

Holywell and Perran – 4.5 miles
At over 4 miles long and with ‘challenging’ status, this walk is far from a leisurely stroll but, taking in not one but two Poldark locations, every step is more than worth it. It starts out in Holywell Bay which is famed for scenes of characters galloping on horseback and wadding through the shallows, and follows the South West Coast Path along the stunning north Cornish coast. Cliff top mine workings, the remains of a sand-engulfed church and incredible views provide plenty of interest, and in Perranporth a memorial bench which marks the spot where Winston Graham once had a writing chalet makes the perfect resting spot.

Step-by-step walk details.

By Pentewan Sands on the June 04th, 2019 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Dining, Holidays

You’ve got all the ingredients for a perfect picnic; the sun’s in the sky, Cornwall is being oh so stunningly beautiful and you’re in the mood for lazy lunching, but just what food should you pack and where should you go? Martyn, head chef at our sister site, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, has got all the answers…

What to pack for the perfect picnic

Upgrade your salad

Leafy salads will wilt before your very eyes, especially in the sun. Ditch the green salads and go for chunky crudités like celery sticks and cucumber wedges instead. Picnics are also the perfect opportunity to show off your repertoire of no-lettuce-salads; couscous salad, potato salad, pasta salad, quinoa salad…salads aren’t all about greens and they’re anything but boring!

Create a soggy free zone

No one likes a soggy sandwich so keep sauces and dressings separate where you can. Seal them in mini Kilner jars and add them just before serving. You’ll look like a bit of a pro with your on-trend kitchenware and won’t have to scrimp on taste despite being away from your cupboard-filled comfort zone.

Think quality not quantity

If you’ve got a bit of a trek to your perfect picnic spot or are picnicking as part of a walk or cycling trip, you won’t want to be weighed down with tons of food. Only pack what you know you’ll eat and most importantly, pack well. Picnics can be a real treat so up the ante and go big on quality. Visit a local farm store such as Lobb’s Farm Shop just a stone’s throw from Heligan and stock up on fresh, local ingredients.

Have a centrepiece

There’s a big difference between packed lunches and picnics. The first is a Tupperware-filled box for one while the second is a social feast-like experience that memories are made of. Opt for the second by throwing down a blanket and spreading everything out so that everyone can dive in and choose a bit of what they fancy. Like all good buffets the key to making this work is a showstopper centrepiece. It could be a quiche, picnic pie or summer tart - if it’s good enough to share, you’re onto a winner!

Perfect picnic spots

So, with Martyn’s foodie secrets in the hamper we’re ready to go. This way to the best picnic spots in our beautiful patch of Cornwall…

Mevagissey on foot

Strike out on the South West Coast Path around Mevagissey and you’ll have a pick of breath-taking picnic spots. There’s a smattering of picnic benches ideally placed overlooking the bay as you climb the hill towards Polstreath Beach, or pick a spot on the quiet shingle beach. In the other direction from Mevagissey towards Portmellon, settle down and take in the uninterrupted view from one of the many cliff-top fields - there aren’t many restaurants that serve up a view like this!

Kings Wood by bike

The Pentewan Valley Trail cycle route that runs between St Austell and Pentewan is overloaded with places to stop and refuel. If you fancy being joined on your picnic by local wildlife, make a beeline for the section that passes through Kings Wood - the serene atmosphere is a picnic hero.

Cornwall is your oyster

From Kynance Cove in far flung west Cornwall, to Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor, there are a million and one places in Cornwall worth a picnicking shout out. Jump over to the Pentewan Sands blog  to discover more top picnic spots in Cornwall.

Fancy a slice of the picnicking dream? Your Heligan escape awaits.

By Pentewan Sands on the May 14th, 2019 in Dogs, Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Events

We love the Lost Gardens of Heligan oh yes we do. It’s where we go to relax, where we go to be inspired and where we go to run free, let off steam and enjoy the best of nature. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is our happy place and we’ve got a million and one reasons why we just know it will be yours too – here are just a few…

1. It's a piece of history

Having been sensitively restored after decades of neglect following the outbreak of WW1 which took much of its workforce off to fight in the trenches, the Lost Garden of Heligan has become a magical window into a beyond age. Heligan is a living and working example of the best of past practices and unlike any museum is a sensory overload. See the Thunderbox Room where the names of the people who worked the garden in 1914 are etched onto the wall, smell the incredible array of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruits grown across the gardens and walk in the footsteps of Lords and Lady’s in the intricately laid-out Pleasure Grounds.

2. It’s AMAZING for kids

Big kids, little kids…everyone with an inquisitive mind and energetic vibe will be right at home amongst the Lost Gardens of Heligan’s 200 acres. Fire up imaginations in the Jungle, make learning fun in the Victorian Productive Garden, then play tag and climb trees in the ancient woodlands. Even more family fun is waiting to be had over at the East Lawn play area in all its wooden glory and we haven’t even mentioned the ridiculously fantastic events and special activities yet (more about that later!). Heligan is basically one big playground!

3. There’s animals galore

Farm animals are at the heart of the Heligan experience. Cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese…you name it and Heligan’s probably home to it. See them enjoying the land as it would have been farmed over 100 years ago and learn about Heligan’s sensitive take on land management.

4. There’s always something new happening

Heligan is never one to miss an excuse for an event or activity. Visit during the school holidays, on special occasions or practically anytime during the year and you can almost guarantee to have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into everything from crafts to musical workshops and bushcraft skills. There’s also regular garden tours, visiting wellbeing workshops (yoga in the garden anyone?), gardening talks, theatre shows and pop-up foodie evenings. Be sure to check out Heligan’s event calendar before you visit to max out on everything that’s on offer.

5. It’s a garden lover’s dream

If you’re green fingered (and even if you aren’t) you’ll be blown away by the enormous rhododendrons and camellias which have won the Lost Gardens of Heligan National Collection Holder status. See them bloom in a vibrant explosion of spring colour and take in the impressive historic plantings that date back 150 years. And there are wow features aplenty in the unique and expertly structured Pleasure Grounds where historic pathways link a collection of gardens each with their own atmospheres and specialities. You’ll leave with a head full of ideas guaranteed!

6. The food is fresh, fresh, fresh

Move over food miles, it’s all about food yards at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The delicious Heligan Kitchen and Bakery is a showcase of the amazing home-reared meat and produce grown on Heligan’s very own grounds. See the produce in the garden then taste it in the kitchen. Fresh, Cornish and utterly yummy.

7. It’s a haven for wildlife

Pull up a pew in The Hide and enjoy an intimate view of feathered friends exploring the Heligan Estate, watch the comings and goings of the Insect Hotel, keep up to date with the goings-on of many exciting creatures from Badgers to Blue Tits and so much more. Heligan is a wildlife paradise offering a tantalising glimpse into the lives of bugs, birds and a biodiverse landscape. Bring a pair of binoculars and a notebook and see how much you can spot!

8. It’s jungle-tastic

Become an explorer and discover Cornwall’s only jungle. Take an adventure through tropical gardens passing along raised boardwalks, snaking around ponds, past giant rhubarb, banana plantations and avenues of palms, then lose yourself in tunnels of towering bamboo. Totally unique for the area, the jungle garden is home to one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain. Stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns and across the Jungle floor, the rope bridge has got to be one of the top Heligan experiences so grab your camera and snap away as friends and family brave the high-rise challenge.

9. It gets tails wagging

If you’ve got a wet nose and waggy tail the Lost Gardens of Heligan will welcome you with open paws. This is where walkies come with masses of choice and there are new smells to discover at every turn. Most of the Estate is doggie-friendly with the exception of the Heligan Tearoom and Stewardry.

10. We’re super close

Have we mentioned that the Lost Gardens of Heligan is right on our doorstep? We’re so close that we’ve got our very own entrance gate. In fact, Heligan Campsite was once part of the original Heligan Estate – you can’t get closer than that!

Heligan Campsite is perfectly placed for visiting the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Find out more and book your stay.

By Pentewan Sands on the May 01st, 2019 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

A magical blaze of colour strikes Cornwall’s ancient woodlands in May. Carpets of bluebells pop up in spectacular style creating breath-taking views and a sensory explosion. Cameras at the ready, this way to the best places in Cornwall to see bluebells.

Enys Garden, Penryn

A head-turning spring show of bluebells sweeps across the open meadow of Parc Lye in the grounds of Enys Gardens. Dense and bursting with intense colour, they are so stunning there’s even an annual Bluebell Festival in their honour (4th – 12th May 2019) and have become an icon of the estate which is one of oldest in Cornwall. Beyond the visions of blue, there’s also a wider 30 acre garden and on special weekends, a tantalising chance to glimpse inside Enys House which is at the centre of a beautiful restoration project.

Lanhydrock Estate, Bodmin

Just 30 minutes from us an indigo dream awaits. At Lanhydrock nearly every inch of woodland floor turns blue, from the entrance to the estate right down to the Fowey River at Respryn Bridge. Combine your walk with a visit to National Trust Lanhydrock House and its formal gardens.

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, near Torpoint

On the very edge of Cornwall on the hidden Rame Peninsula with fantastic views across the Tamar River to Plymouth, the Mount Edgcumbe Estate is home to a 16th Century house and historic gardens. But in May it’s the park, a pristine, unspoilt Grade I listed landscape, that steals the spotlight. Stalks of nodding blue flowers jostle for space under the canopy of trees putting on a five-star performance best watched from the trails that weave around them.

Penrose Estate, near Helston

Set around Loe Pool, the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall, the National Trust Penrose Estate boasts a myriad of trails which are brought to live by a border of blue blooms in May. Running through farmland and woodland, the estate attracts everyone from cyclists to runners and families with strollers who mingle in the Stables Café, a favoured spot for post bluebell crooning.

Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin

Really popular with families, Cardinham Woods is one big playground – and lucky for us, it’s just a quick 35 minute car journey from our front gates. There’s a pick of cycling and walking trails which boast a year-round adventurous spirit but it’s late April to the end of May when they really come alive under a blanket of blue. Swing by the idyllic café and don’t leave without snapping a pic under the towering trees. 

Godolphin Estate, Helston

Every year a sea of violet and blue washes over the National Trust owned Godolphin Estate. Native bluebells thrive here not just in the woodland but also in the garden where wooded paths meander through the colourful and scent rich display. Call into the garden’s potting shed to fill up on info about the native bluebell species and its threat from the dominant Spanish variety commonly seen across Cornwall.

Tehidy Country Park, near Portreath

Another walk famed for its dappled woodlands and valleys of blue can be found in Tehidy Country Park which stretches for over 250 acres. Pick up one of the many paths and explore the tranquil setting which has been linked to Cornwall’s famous Basset family since the 11th century. The café here is also worth a mention and if you’ve got kids, keep an eye out for the friendly ducks at the pond in the middle of the park.

Pencarrow House and Gardens, near Bodmin

With its very own Bluebell Sunday (5th May 2019), you know you’re in for a treat when visiting Pencarrow House and Gardens in May. The ancient woodland in this 50 acre gem provide perfect conditions for a stunning blue carpet of blooms which reach for the sky alongside pungent wild garlic. And away from the flora, the house is equally impressive with over 500 years of stories to tell as the family home of the Molesworth-St Aubyns. There’s also a Grade II listed garden and Iron Age fort to boost the intrigue even further.

Experience Cornwall’s bluebell season in all its glory by joining us for a spring garden break starting from only £42 a night. See our tariffs for full options.

By Pentewan Sands on the April 24th, 2019 in Camping, Holidays, Family, Cornwall, Activities, Lifestyle and Health

Family vacations are an excellent way to have a memorable fun time together and bond with each other over shared experiences. However, since this means bringing your kids along, finding and planning a vacation to keep everybody happy and satisfied is not as easy as it sounds. The first thing to keep in mind is that, though like many parents you might dream of a relaxing vacation, kids get bored easily, so you need loads of activities to keep them busy.

The good news is that you can have both relaxation and fun if you choose the right way to plan your kid-friendly escape and find a perfect destination. So, if you’re ready to make your next family holiday unforgettable for everybody, continue reading. 

Find Activities Everybody Will Enjoy

Kids are adventurous and curious by nature. If you want to keep them happy during your holiday, you need to find activities that appeal to their sense of wonder about everything around us. However, the kinds of activities you choose depend on your children’s passions.

For instance, if your little ones are interested in wildlife, you should consider a holiday where hiking is possible, giving them the chance to observe nature and animals. In this case, you could add camping, zip lining, and even mountain biking if they are old enough, to your activity list. And if you have children passionate about watersports, a beach vacation will keep them busy and happy. However, when choosing the activities, you have to keep in mind the adults’ preferences, as well. To make it memorable, everybody has to enjoy the holiday.

Make Trip Planning a Family Experience

You are the adult, and you make the decisions. But, if you want to get your whole family excited about the upcoming vacation, you should involve everybody in the planning. Of course, you know your kids and are aware of their likes and dislikes, but asking them about the things they want to do and see will make them feel like they are part of the process.

And you know what this means, don’t you? Yes, planning trips together will get you closer and it will lead to engagement throughout the journey.

Choose the Perfect Destination

To make everything smooth, you can find destinations you’d love and you think your little ones would, too. Then, present your ideas and choose the best one together.

The world is full of fantastic options, and after you and your family decide on the things you want to do, you only have to find the places that offer your favourite activities.

For instance, if you love sunbathing and are fond of watersports, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park in Cornwall is a great choice. Not only does this breathtaking resort offer you the chance to indulge in adventurous sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, wakeboarding or water skiing, but it is also a Five Star Holiday Park with excellent family facilities. And, those of you who are more outdoorsy don’t have to stay in the Holiday Homes, since you can bring your tent, caravan or motorhome.

Besides enjoying the beach and the multitude of watersports available, you can have some fun at the indoor pools, take your kids to the play area or have fun together at the amusement arcade. And guess what? There is even a play area located on the park’s private beach. So, your kids can run around while you relax and enjoy the sun.

But these are just some of the things Pentewan Sands Holiday Park offers to adventurous families, and this is just one of the many places beach and watersports lovers can go to when travelling with their restless kids.

Another great place that can please your whole family is Heligan Caravan and Camping Park, magically located in the countryside, just two miles from the Cornish coast, right next to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Not only will you be far from the crowd, enjoying the beauty of nature, you can also choose between a self-catering holiday home, bringing your caravan, or pitching a tent.

As you can probably imagine, the number of fun things to do available at this gorgeous park is incredible. Whether you and your kids love biking, walking, spending time at the beach or having a blast at a Theme Park, you can do everything here. You can also explore a maritime museum and a fascinating aquarium, go to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, and much more. This is a vacation paradise for all people travelling with kids. 

The Canary Islands are also great choice for ocean lovers who are searching for kid-friendly destinations. And so are many islands in Greece. But, what if you and your little ones are not into sunbathing that much, but you want to hike and admire wildlife? Maybe taking your family to the Scottish Highlands where you can go hunting for Nessie with your children is a great idea. Looking for a mythological monster might be fun, in addition to the whole hiking adventure, and thrilling activities available in the area.

The Scottish Highlands offer a few amazing routes with not only beautiful views and interesting flora and fauna, but also exciting things for kids, such as hiking volcanoes, kayaking, and exploring ruins. The Ayrshire Coastal Path which was declared one of Scotland's Great Trails by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Arran Coastal Way are just two of the trail options that welcome both kids and adults, promising to keep everybody happy and excited.

Again, these are some of the destinations your whole family would love, depending on the activities you all enjoy. And, as already mentioned, there are many more breathtaking places that can enhance your well-planned vacations with kids. Just find the right one for your squad.

Find out more about guest blogger Rebecca Brown, here. 

By Pentewan Sands on the March 18th, 2019 in Dogs, Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

Wagging tails at the ready, four-legged visitors are welcomed with open paws in many of Cornwall’s gardens, attractions and historic landmarks. Take our lead and enjoy a fab day out with furry friends in tow.

Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan

When you’re staying with us you don’t have to go far to find Cornwall’s number one doggie hangout. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a pedigree of the canine world and lucky for us, is right on our doorstep. Go from pitch to path in a matter of minutes and enjoy walkies amongst over 200 acres of amazing greenery. Canine chums will discover new smells galore in the Victorian Productive and Pleasure Gardens, will love the sub-tropical jungle and go mad for the ancient woodland. Woof-tatsic!

Wheal Martyn Museum and Country Park, near St Austell

For a big slice of Cornish heritage and an even bigger doggie welcome, Wheal Martyn Museum and Country Park is hard to beat. Set within 26 acres of woodland walks and amongst the preserved remains of two former Victorian Clay works, it tells the fascinating story of Cornwall's billion-pound China Clay industry. Discover how China Clay has shaped the world we live in today, explore ancient buildings and climb to the peak of the site where you will discover a spectacular view of a modern working clay pit with monstrous machines in action. There’s also nature trails, woodland walks and, bar the café, an almost full-site doggie welcome.

Tintagel Castle - reopening summer 2019

For an iconic day out with amazing views, Tintagel Castle is always a winner. Believed to be the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, the historic castle remains are perched spectacularly on a cliff top offering masses of intrigue and incredible wild coastal walks. The site is currently closed for ground-breaking building works and will reopen in the summer complete with a glorious new footbridge stretching from the mainland to the headland on which the castle remains are perched. Previously reached by a perilous walkway and hundreds of steps this is good news for visitors of the four-legged (and two-legged) variety!

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

Another castle and another dog-friendly favourite is Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. As the handiwork of Henry VIII, this coastal fortress has worked in tandem with St Mawes Castle on the other side of the Fal Estuary to defend Cornwall against foreign invasion since the Tudor times. A place of guns, cannons and fascinating stories, there’s exhibitions to explore, emotive re-enactments and masses of coastal eye-candy. And while you’re getting your fill of history, furry companions will enjoy trotting around the green and grassy site or stretching their legs in the well-trodden, dog-friendly moat.

Charlestown Shipwreck Centre

Dogs will love following in the footsteps of Garrick, Demelza’s much-loved doggie side kick in Poldark, by visiting Charlestown where the popular BBC adaptation is filmed. Wander along the quayside and ogle over the impressive Tall Ships in the Grade II listed harbour before heading to the dog-friendly Charlestown Shipwreck Centre. Here you’ll learn tales of triumph, treasures and tragedy in a fascinating delve into the shipwrecks which have met their fate along the treacherous coast. With tails wagging and mouths drooling complete your time in Charlestown by popping into Loveday’s Restaurant & Bar where the heritage of the building spills into every corner and dogs are welcome during the day.

Pinetum Park, St Austell

Another top dog is Pinetum Park in St Austell. With the largest collection of plants in the county, the varied 30 acres are full of character and perfect for energetic canines and their garden-mad human companions. From the wide open ‘Pinetum’ with its amphitheatre arrangement of conifers and pines, to the seclusion and intimacy of the Japanese Garden, there are visual treats at every turn and a wealth of wildlife including two beautiful black swans. 

Trebah Garden, near Falmouth 

There’s no limit to the amount of fun that visitors of the wagging tail and wet nose variety can have at the ravine garden of Trebah. The sub-tropical oasis leads to a private beach on the Helford River so paws can get muddy, sandy and wet! And when they’re done sniffing the flower beds and checking out the rock pools, pooches can refresh with one of the complementary dog bowls and relax in the dog-friendly area of the Planters Café.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Lizard Peninsula

If you’re looking for somewhere that’s both child and dog-friendly, we can’t recommend the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek on the Lizard Peninsula enough. As well as the chance to meet recuperating seals which have been scooped up from along the Cornish coast having been bashed about by strong winds and seas, there’s penguins, resident sea lions, otters and a paddock of animals to coo over. Kids love it for the marine encounters and awesome play park while dogs are won over by the woodland walks. Call by the reception and doggie visitors will be greeted with a tasty treat!

Eden Project, near St Austell

A day out at the Eden Project always gets a loud bark of approval. The china clay quarry turned visitor attraction is famed for its impressive Biomes which house exotic plants and mesmerising displays from around the world. The Biomes themselves are no-go zones for dogs but the outdoor areas and miles of paths more than make up for it and are an idea spot for walkies. There are also pooch-friendly sections of the outdoor seating area, masses of water bowls and poop waste bins, and a fab selection of doggie treats in the shop.  

Pencarrow House and Gardens, near Bodmin

Pencarrow with its wide and varied gardens is well-known for its love of dogs. From formal landscaping to ancient woodlands, there’s plenty to explore and for much of it dogs are allow off lead to run free. Take your pick from both long and short circular walks and enjoy the year-round displays of colour. Free range chickens and peacocks strut their stuff in the area around the outside of the house so leads are required here and unfortunately the house is a paw-free zone but there are designated shady parking areas for dog owners and lots of doggie facilities dotted about. 

It is best to double check dog-friendly policies before visiting and please remember to be a responsible dog owner at all times – dogs on leads and poop bags at the ready!

By Pentewan Sands on the August 07th, 2018 in Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

30 minute gardens

Green and gorgeous gardens are our speciality here in Cornwall. Colourful blooms, lush exotics and unique species love our peninsula location as much as we do. A massive 70+ gardens flourish across the county and nine of the best are just a mere 30 minutes from our front door…

1. Lost Gardens of Heligan - 0 minutes Our neighbour, name sake and best buddy; we sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the fabulous Lost Gardens of Heligan, in fact we’re part of the original Heligan Estate. Lose yourself in the 200 acres and discover Victorian productive gardens, winding paths laid out over two centuries ago and beautiful pleasure gardens. The Jungle takes you on a sub-tropical journey through bamboo tunnels and under majestic tree ferns, giant rhubarb and bananas, whilst the estate reveals a lost world of traditional and rare breeds, wildlife and ancient woodlands.

2. Caerhays Castle and Gardens – 15 minutes The 140 acre spring gardens of Caerhays originated from the work of plant hunters in China at the start of the 20th century. Caerhays bred the very first x williamsii camellias and is today the home of a Plant Heritage National Collection of Magnolias containing over 600 species and named hybrids from around the world. The gardens have an international reputation and are open in the spring when you can also visit the castle, walk in the grounds and enjoy the stunning beaches and coastal paths which make up the estate.

3. Poppy Cottage Garden – 20 minutes Small but perfectly formed, Poppy Cottage Garden is an inspirational plantsman's garden that feels like it could be yours. Seek it out on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula and discover an acre of effusive planting and themed borders in a series of individual garden rooms with central lawns, colour themed borders and sunny nooks. There’s also a small orchard, tea room and plant sales.

4. Pinetum Gardens – 20 minutes Relatively unknown and yet possibly one of Cornwall's loveliest gardens, Pinetum is 30 acres of well-maintained and manicured gardens, offering 12 different garden styles and nearly 6000 varieties of plants. A place of tranquillity, peace and remarkable garden scenery, the family-owned garden offers an intimate experience with a personal touch and has been lovingly created over the past four decades.

5. Trewidden Gardens – 20 minutes

Home to the same family for more than 300 years and an International Camellia Garden of Excellence - one of only 39 gardens in the world – Trewithen Garden is praised for its horticulture, Champion Trees and intriguing pathways. There’s rare shrubs, exotic fern collections, woodland glades, wildflowers and the longest lawn in Cornwall!

6. Eden Project – 25 minutes

This garden on magnificent scale needs no introduction. What was once a sterile clay mine is now a vibrant global garden, brimming with plants, sculptures and play equipment. The famous Eden Project biomes in which exotic plants and flowers from around the world thrive, have been lauded on an international stage since bursting onto the gardens scene in 2001, while the 20 acre outdoor gardens educate and delight in equal measure.

7. Marsh Villa Gardens – 25 minutes A small but richly interesting three acre water and woodland garden, Marsh Villa is the product of over 30 years of hard work. It has been transformed from its position on a former tidal creek into a part manicured, part wild, oasis of calm. There’s inspiring displays of herbaceous borders, a wide range of plants and flowers, and jungle walks. Call into the small self-service tea room and pop some money in the honesty box to brew yourself a cuppa and sample the homemade cakes!

8. Hidden Valley Garden – 30 minutes Another intimate three acre garden but uniquely different, Hidden Valley Garden is, as the name suggests, nestled in a secluded hidden valley. Track it down near Par and discover colourful herbaceous and cottage garden beds, Japanese and Mediterranean areas and a specialist plant nursery. There’s also a Fairy Well, fruit area and fernery.

9. Lanhydrock Garden – 35 minutes We’re cheating with this one as Lanhydrock is actually a 35 minute drive from Heligan Caravan and Camping but for a garden this spectacular we can overlook five minutes. Owned and managed by the National Trust, Lanhydrock garden is home to a magnificent late Victorian country house and is nestled amongst a 1,000 acre wooded estate.

With beautiful herbaceous borders, a fabulous formal parterre and colourful higher gardens filled with camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons, the extensive gardens enjoy year-round colour. The estate, with ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths, is well worth exploring too and don’t miss a chance to peek inside the house where you can discover two sides of Victorian life. From the kitchens, nurseries and servants' quarters, which offer a thrilling glimpse into life 'below stairs', to the luxurious family areas, elegant dining room and spacious bedrooms which reveal the comforts of ‘upstairs’ living.

Please check opening times before visiting as some gardens are only open for a couple of months each year.

By Pentewan Sands on the July 01st, 2018 in

Cheers to Cornwall

Raise a glass and say cheers to the fantastic local drink producers who are winning awards and putting Cornwall on the map for beer, cider, fizz, spirits and so much more besides. These are just some of our favourite Cornish tipples. Keep an eye out for them as you explore Cornwall or put them to taste test from the comfort of your pitch.

Best of the beers

Home-grown by independents right across the county; beer, ale and lager is in bountiful supply in Cornwall. Whether you try the sweet nectar of a micro-brewery or opt for the fruits of a Cornish heavy-weight that has hit the big time, whatever’s in your glass, the taste of Cornwall will be in every drop. Sharp’s, Skinners, St Austell Brewery, they’re all Cornish and proud while at the other end of the spectrum there are more small and mighty breweries than you can shake a stick at. We’re big fans of Rebel Brewery, Harbour Brewing Company and Keltek Brewery.

A glass of something sparkly

Camel Valley Vineyard positioned on sun drenched slopes in north Cornwall leads the wake of Cornish vineyards doing great things. They’ve got countless awards to their name and are served in all the top restaurants but we think a glass is best served with a Cornish coastal view. And the same goes for Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard in far flung Penzance and Knightor Winery and Restaurant positioned just up the road from us in the shadows of the Eden Project – grab a bottle of their finest to enjoy under the stars and add a touch of luxe to your camping experience. All three also fling open their doors for vineyard tours and tastings.

Proper Cornish cyder

Deep in the heart of the Cornish countryside near Newquay, Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm has been making the most of their orchards for over 25 years by producing an award-winning range of ciders, including the famous Ratler Cornish Cloudy Cyder. It also turns its hand to wine and spirits and is a great place to visit with tours available year-round, as well as farm yard animals to meet, orchards to explore and the most amazing Cornish Cream Teas.

The spirit of Cornwall

On the wild coast of north Cornwall a small, independent distillery has popped up and in just a handful of years has gone from zero to hero with the title of the world’s best gin under its belt. Specialising in handcrafting gin in tiny batches the good old-fashioned way, Tarquin’s Cornish Gin is all about keeping things authentic and its top-notch quality shows in every mouthful. Gin-lovers the world over are going crazy for it so it would be rude not to try it when you’re in its homeland.

By Pentewan Sands on the June 27th, 2018 in Holidays, Cornwall, Events, Food and Drink, Lifestyle and Health

Heligan to stage a story of war, love, loss and hope

Tissues at the ready for our neighbour, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, is gearing up to play host to WildWorks and their brand new emotionally charged show, 100: UnEarth.

At the Lost Gardens of Heligan from 3rd to 22nd July, 100: UnEarth is a story of war, love, loss and hope. It explores what happens when war is over; when people have to move on with their lives, whether that is a woman bringing up children on her own or a soldier attempting to return to normal life. It has been co-commissioned by Heligan and 14-18NOW, the UK’s arts programme, for the First World War centenary.

100 UnEarth Trailer FINAL from WildWorks on Vimeo.

With a love story at its heart, 100: UnEarth explores grief and tragedy and has a deeply moving ending. It takes inspiration from the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Shortly after returning home from war and reunited with his love Eurydice, a tragic accident occurs and Eurydice is killed. Vowing to find her and bring her home, Orpheus travels to the underworld with his band of soldiers. The audience will go along with them… if they are willing to.

The underworld is very busy following the devastating numbers of people lost at war.  There will be scenes of conflict and trauma that people in the underworld are reliving, both the First World War and contemporary conflicts, combined with scenes of the lives that people didn’t get to live.

Emma Hogg, Executive Director of the heart moving production, explains: “It is important to us that our work is based on authenticity. There are no WW1 veterans left to talk to so, we started talking to people who’d been through any conflict or who had been left behind. It didn’t matter what side you were on or which era – it will always leave scars on you. This work focuses on the impact of war on us as humans.

“We talked to people through Help For Heroes and the Royal British Legion and interviewed people who’d fought in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Falklands; people are still coming forward to tell us their stories.” 

The show starts at 7.30pm each night (6.30pm on Sundays) but there will be a pre-show of sorts at 6.30pm where WildWorks will establish the stories of the people in the village; those who didn’t come home and those couples who have to learn to share their lives again after four years apart.

Tickets are priced £24 (concessions available). Call the Hall For Cornwall box office on 01872 262466 or click here to book.  

By Pentewan Sands on the June 15th, 2018 in Cornwall, Dining, Holidays

Where to go to fill up on Cornish deliciousness

If you can’t treat yourself when on holiday when can you? Leave the diet at home and fill up on Cornish deliciousness. Homegrown, locally produced and expertly prepared, get ready for a feast of Cornwall’s foodie greats.

Cornish pasty

So great is the humble Cornish pasty, it’s bagged itself Protected Geographical Indication status so if it’s not made in Cornwall, quite frankly, it’s not Cornish. It’s practically law then that you can’t step over the border without trying one so follow your nose to the oh-so-delicious smell wafting out of every bakery and sink your teeth into Cornwall’s ultimate takeaway. Whether it’s a traditional steak or a quirky alternative enjoy it straight from the bag for a proper pasty experience. 

Nearby top picks:
The Cornish Bakery, Mevagissey
Malcolm Barnecutt, St Austell
Nile’s Bakery, St Austell

Cornish Cream Tea

Warm scones smothered in jam and crowned with lashings of Cornish clotted cream are what afternoon’s in Cornwall are made for. Delicious and wickedly indulgent, it’s best washed down with a freshly brewed cuppa from Tregothan Estate, Cornwall’s very own tea plantation. Just don’t get caught hiding the cream under the jam or you might just get exiled to Devon. #jamfirst

Nearby top picks:
Heligan Kitchen and Bakery
Tea on the Quay, Mevagissey

Cornish ice cream

Good news, every day’s an ice cream day in Cornwall. We just can’t help ourselves. Whether it’s a cone of traditional creamy vanilla goodness or a fancy creation, quality Cornish ice cream is yet another of our mouth-watering specialities. Kelly’s of Cornwall, Roskilly’s and Callestick are just some of our hero local makers but follow our lead and try them all then pick your favourite.

Nearby top picks:
This way to our inside scoop blog

Cornish fudge

We’re big fans of the sweet stuff here in Cornwall and Cornish fudge takes it to another level. Rich, velvety, crumbly or brittle,  just make sure you buy enough for all your friends and family back home – you know they’ll be expecting it! 

Nearby top picks:
Buttermilk Fudge
The Cornish Fudge Shop, Mevagissey
Middleton’s of Fowey

Cornish cheese

Where do we start? Cornish Yarg, Cornish Blue, Cornish Gouda…Cornish cheese is serious business. In fact, we produce the world’s best cheese - let us introduce Cornish Kern, a medium-hard variety made by Lyhner Dairies near Truro which was named World Champion Cheese at the 2017 World Cheese Awards. You get the picture; Cornwall is cheese heaven. Pick up a loaf and enjoy it on the beach or from your tent for al fresco dining with a touch of chic.

Nearby top picks:
Lobb’s Farm Shop

Cornish seafood

You could go to London’s finest restaurants to try Cornish seafood but why do that when you can stroll sandy-toed and salty-haired into one of our many beachside hangouts for a feast with a view of the ocean that it came from. Or even better again, catch your own and fire up the BBQ for an authentic Cornish experience. Crab, lobster, mackerel, pilchards, sea bass; Cornwall’s peninsula location quite literally feeds our soul.

Nearby top picks:
The Longstore, Charlestown
The Wheelhouse, Mevagissey
The Sharksfin, Mevagissey
Kingswood Bar & Restaurant, London Apprentice

By Pentewan Sands on the May 10th, 2018 in Camping, Holidays, Family, Cornwall, Activities, Lifestyle and Health

Our guide to rock pooling

When the tide is low there’s nothing quite like delving into rock pools for a healthy glug of traditional family fun with a side helping of eco learning. Clamber over rocks, pull up your sleeves and see what you can find. Here’s where to go, what to do and what to look out for.

Essential kit

Grab a bucket and you’re good to go. Rock pooling is gloriously simple and fuss-free. It’s also worth throwing on some shoes that you don’t mind getting wet to protect your feet while scrambling over rocks and to avoid slipping on seaweed. Rock pools are where Crocs get fashionable!

You might be tempted to take a fishing rod but they are generally discouraged as they can disrupt sensitive ecosystems - it’s much better to scoop your finds up in a bucket or to pick them up carefully.

Where to go

Beaches with fairly low yet rugged rocks are the best for rock pooling as they’re nice and accessible for little legs and there are plenty of pools to fill with sea water. Luckily for us, there are lots of beaches with just the right conditions not far from Heligan and Pentewan…

Pentewan Beach 

With its lovely sandy beach and high cliffs, Pentewan Beach is fantastic for rock pooling. As the tide recedes, the rock pools are exposed leaving behind a wealth of sea-life within them. There's also a handy identification board near the Hubbox to help you identify your sea treasures. 

Porthpean Beach

Enjoying a good spot in St Austell Bay between Mevagissey and Charlestown, this lovely sand and shingle beach is sheltered from the winds by high cliffs. Families love Porthpean beach for its shallow waters and rock pools that are teaming with life. You’ll also find useful facilities here such as toilets and a café, as well as kayaking hire should you fancy taking your marine exploration oceanside. 

Gorran Haven Beach

As the name of the village implies, haven means a place of shelter and at this beach you’ll find a safe sandy shoreline and a calm sea protected by the impressive 400-ft high Dodman Point peninsula.  The rock pools here are small but perfectly formed.

Porthcurnick Beach

You’ll find this National Trust beach just north of Portscatho on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. With all the ingredients for a great family-friendly beach, its edges are strewn with rock pools covered with striking multi-coloured seaweed.

Porthluney Cove

Sitting in front of Caerhays Castle, the position of Porthluney Cove is as impressive as its features. At low tide, you will find its west side awash with rock pools and there’s also a great little café, gorgeous golden sand and plenty of room for beach games.

And further afield in Cornwall but well worth the journey…

Castle Beach, Falmouth

This narrow little beach on Falmouth seafront is super accessible and for its size boasts extensive rocks that are revealed even when the tide has barely started to retreat. Families pour here for its safe conditions which coupled with all the must-have facilities make it a top rock pooling spot.

Treyarnon Bay, near Padstow

Huge expanses of golden sand here are flanked by vast rocky areas that are home to umpteen rock pools. There’s even a natural sea pool for those wanting to take their rock pooling to the extreme.

Polzeath Beach

Part of a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area, Polzeath Beach is renowned for its marine wildlife that can be found clinging to the rocks and hiding amongst the crevices. Popular with everyone from surfers to families, Polzeath Beach is well loved for its central location and everything-thought-of facilities.

What to look out for

You’ve got the right tools and are in the right place but what do you look out for? Well, in Cornwall’s rock pools you can expect to find a whole underworld of marine life lurking beneath…

Swimmers

Start by using your eyes to see what’s swimming about. You might see small fish such as a goby, butterfish or if you’re lucky a blenny, with its distinctive red eyes and red tentacles. Or perhaps your rock pool is home to a long and thin pipefish? There’s also a chance you’ll spot prawns but blink and you’ll miss them as they’re super quick and so transparent that you can see all their internal organs.

Dwellers

What’s that lurking at the bottom of the rock pool? It could be a beautiful starfish or (not so beautiful) sea slug, or is it a sea anemone that looks like colourful, underwater blooms?

Shy ones

You’ll have to do a bit of work to find these ones as they’re most at home hidden under a rock or tucked away behind a blanket of seaweed. Move carefully and you might just tempt a sea squirt or sea sponge to say hello and was that a crab scuttling out of view?

Don’t forget to check the rocks too and take note of the limpets, mussels and dogwhelk clinging to the side waiting for the tide to cover them.

The rules

When rock pooling ALWAYS remember that you are delving into a fragile habitat. It is a special place that should be left as it was found. Follow the Seashore Code to make sure you act responsibly and do your bit to care for the beach.

• Leave live animals and seaweeds where you find them
• Always replace overturned rocks – they are someone’s home
• Take your litter home with you or put it in a bin
• Take only photos, leave only footprints
• Be careful on the shore at all times; check the tides and keep away from the cliffs
• Report anything unusual washed up on the beach or spotted offshore

Keep an eye on the Cornwall Wildlife Trust website for details of regular Rockpool Safaris which offer a great chance to explore the secret lives of crabs, fish and other marine creatures with an expert in tow.

By Pentewan Sands on the May 10th, 2018 in Camping, Holidays, Family, Cornwall, Events, Activities

Get outdoors this May half-term

Woohoo, half-term is almost upon us, time to get planning and lining up a week to remember. Here’s what’s happening across Cornwall with an outdoor, feel-fantastic twist.

Heligan Wild Week, Lost Gardens of Heligan

26th May – 3rd June

With the promo promising ‘grubby knees guaranteed’ we know this is going to be our kind of event. Throughout the week there will be an energetic mix of outdoor play activities to encourage kids to let loose and free their wild side. Things kick off in the Wild Tribe Yurt where animal wannabe’s can pick whether to be an owl, frog, butterfly or fox, then with face paint on and self-made headdress in place, it’s over to the giant outdoor assault course and a test of hunter-gather skills. There’s also musical workshops and a chill out zone complete with camp-fire and hammocks, and of course, all this is on top of all the usual amazingness that awaits in Heligan’s 200-acre estate. What’s not to love?

Rockpool Explorer, St Michael’s Mount

27th May and 3rd June

Who’s up for a trip to St Michael’s Mount in West Cornwall? Yes, us too. We’d recommend visiting this iconic island that rises majestically from the bay any day of the year but head there on 27th May or 3rd June and you can combine your visit with a free Rockpool Ramble courtesy of the National Trust. With an expert from Great Scott! Outdoor Adventures as your guide you’ll have a rummage in the rockpools and meet the weird and wonderful creatures that live just off the causeway. Suitable for all ages. No need to book.

Foraging on Pendower Beach

28th May

Discover the edible treats hidden in hedgerows and lying on beaches by bagsing a place on the Cornish Wild Food foraging walk taking place on Pendower Beach on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula (adults £25, teenagers £10, children free). Part of the Fal River Festival, the three-hour experience will get you confident harvesting tasty wild edibles and will finish up with an all important taste test and cookery session. Naturally delish!

The Highway Rat Activity Trail, Cardinham Woods

Fire up little one’s imaginations and get their legs moving by setting them off on The Highway Rat Activity Trail at Cardinham Woods near Bodmin. The latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book to be brought to life on Cardinham’s forest trails, The Highway Rat tells the tale of a ravenous rat who craves buns, biscuits and all sweet things. Follow the panels, complete activities and interact with the forest as you head on a journey with The Highway Rat and all the characters from the story. Trail activity packs are available to purchase from the café for £3.

Invisible World’s, Eden Project

26th May – 3rd June

The Eden Project is all about celebrating and maximising the great outdoors and their May half term activities to launch the major new exhibition, Invisible World’s, are no exception. Discover amazing interactive exhibits, extraordinary artworks, hands-on experiments and exciting events which bring the invisible into view, uncovering the interconnectedness of life and the Earth’s environments at every scale. There will also be hands-on science shows, crafts and extra special performances.

Join a beach clean

Roll up your sleeves and spend a few hours helping to keep Cornwall’s beaches clean and beautiful. You’ll find organised beach cleans up and down the county and its worth checking out the National Trust website and others such as Clean Cornwall and Surfers Against Sewage for dates and details. Getting children involved in beach cleans when they are young is a great way to teach them the importance of picking up rubbish and nothing quite beats that “I’ve done good” feeling.

Our closest beach getting the half term spring clean treatment is Hemmick beach on 2nd June.

By Pentewan Sands on the April 04th, 2018 in Camping, Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

How to holiday greener

Camping is all about the great outdoors so keeping it clean and gorgeous goes hand-in-hand with our au naturel way of thinking and you can join in too. Follow these six easy steps to be a sustainable visitor.

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle

Pop your used newspapers, magazines, cans and plastic bottles in the recycling bins provided around the site and we will take care of ensuring they go on to live another life and don’t become landfill.

2. Be car free

Explore the local area without getting behind the wheel. We’ve got walking routes in every direction, a choice of cycle trails and a bus stop just next door to us in the Lost Gardens of Heligan car park. Jump on the Travel Cornwall 471 bus service to visit the nearby fishing villages of Mevagissey and Goran, or head to St Austell with its mainline train connections for car-free travel across Cornwall. The number 101 First Kernow bus service also heads out of St Austell and will drop you at the Eden Project where you can bag yourself discounted entry as a pat on the back for travelling by public transport.

3. Eat local

One of the best bits about going on holiday and visiting new places is the chance to get under the skin of a destination and experience life as a local. You’ll find character and authenticity at every turn in Cornwall and business after business offering a taste of the real Cornwall. Spend your days indulging on proper Cornish ice cream, pasties and cream teas, feast on seafood and sample local ciders and wines, then fill your bags with Cornish cheeses, biscuits and chocolate. Supporting local tastes as good as it feels.

4. Say no to plastic straws

Kids covet them, they’re essential for those with mobility issues and sundowner drinks wouldn’t be the same without them. We’re fans of straws but do they really have to be plastic? They’re used for an average 20 minutes, then discarded. We might not see them again but each one will be around for way longer than our lifetime and even worse, may end up in the ocean harming our marine wildlife or littering our shorelines.

So, what is the solution? Paper straws. They do the same job but are easier to recycle and manage sustainably. And thanks to The Final Straw Cornwall, over 100 and counting businesses across Cornwall have made the swap. Cornwall is on a mission to become a plastic straw free zone and along with our sister site, Pentewan Sand Holiday Park, we’re backing the campaign all the way.

The advice from The Final Straw Cornwall is simple; refuse straws when offered and ask businesses not to offer them.

5. Leave no trace

When enjoying the beach, coast paths or countryside just leave your footsteps behind. Discarding rubbish is a big no-no but brownie points go to those that pick up any that they see - pop a bag and some gloves in your pocket so that you’re always ready and make use of our recycling bins if you can.

6. Make your memento mindful

However tempting they may look don’t pick flowers and plants and be mindful when collecting pebbles and seashells to ensure you’re not walking away with a little animal’s home. Better still buy your holiday souvenirs from local shops, Cornish crafts and artwork make the perfect memento to your Heligan experience.

By Pentewan Sands on the April 04th, 2018 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities

The best places to see wildlife in and around Heligan

One of the many joys of being nestled amongst rolling countryside is that we’re close to nature, so close in fact, that we’re a natural home for an abundance of wildlife. Wake to sound of birdsong and spend your day watching life teaming around us. Here’s where to go and what to look out for.

Ropehaven Cliffs – fulmars and housemartins

Designated as a Cornwall Wildlife Trust nature reserve, Ropehaven Cliffs, just along the coast from us, is a haven for wildlife. Take a walk along the South West Coast Path, through the woodland above the steep cliffs, and look out for fulmars who lay their eggs on rocky cliff ledges. You may also be lucky enough to see house martins who feed high above the cliffs and keep an eye out for interesting geological features such as old slate workings and thin bands of limestone, an uncommon rock in Cornwall.

Kings Wood – rare butterflies and moths

There’s lots of love for Kings Wood.  Its springtime splashes of vibrant bluebell, along with heather and bilberry, has won it County Wildlife Site status, while butterfly and moth species that are rare to Cornwall have chosen it as their home. You’ll find it on the west-facing side of nearby Pentewan Valley with amazing views across the south Cornish coast. Explore it via the Pentewan Leisure Trail or for something more challenging take the narrower and steeper tracks.

Lost Gardens of Heligan – wildlife galore

Our beloved next-door neighbour, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, isn’t just a garden, it’s a total wildlife experience. Whether you are accompanied on your visit by your own personal robin or you are lucky enough to glimpse a kingfisher or a humming bird hawkmoth, the resident wildlife is as rich as it vast. Visit the wildlife hide in the centre of the 200-acre estate and encounter wild birds feeding right in front of you, watch live footage of Barn Owls and see the daily lives of everything from Badgers to Blue Tits unfold. There’s also an Insect Hotel, farmyard animals, educational activities, animal encounters – what hasn’t this place got?

Mevagissey Bay – marine wildlife

Dolphins, basking sharks, angel fish, sea lions, seabirds; the marine wildlife off the coast of Mevagissey Bay is wonderfully wide and varied. Join a marine wildlife boat watching trip for the chance to experience it and see marine wildlife thrive in its natural habitat. You’ll find boat trips setting off from nearby Mevagissey or hop aboard the 28ft RIB run by Cornwall Watersports based on Pentewan Beach. 

By Pentewan Sands on the February 07th, 2018 in Camping, Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

How to put the romance into camping

Oh boy, camping is seriously seductive; the great outdoors, twinkling stars and a cosy snuggle under canvas. Romance and camping are a match made in heaven. And the best news? It’s super simple and affordable.

Invite cupid along on your next camping trip and get the romance flowing with just a few thoughtful touches…

Find the perfect spot

Romance happens in the most unexpected of places but give it a helping hand by pitching your tent somewhere a little special. Coastal views, rolling countryside and lush woodland will all do the trick and if it’s secluded, even better!

Our spacious pitches are nestled amongst mature shrubs and gorgeous woodland, so you’ll never feel crowded and over at our sister site, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, pitches are available right on the beach – now that’s romantic.

Double up

Move over single sleeping bags, romance calls for double measures. Invest in a twin sleeping bag and get ready for cosy camping cuddles.

Let there be light

Set the scene by hanging some LED fairy lights around the tent entrance or from a nearby tree, it looks really magical against the night sky and is an instant romance starter. Try to make it a surprise for your other half to see them go weak at the knees.

Have a posh picnic

It might not win you a Michelin-star but add a few luxuries to your camping cool box and your meal will be just as romantic. Pop some Cornish seafood on the BBQ, pour a glass of bubbly (remember to pack plastic wine glasses) and let the taste sensation happen.

We’ve got a small but well-stocked onsite shop for any forgotten or last-minute extras and we’re right next to the fantastic Lobb’s Farm Shop which is brimming with the best of Cornish food and drink. Candle lit restaurants, you’ve got nothing on us!

Go astronomical

Give your relationship a cosmic boost by snuggling up under a blanket of stars. This is what camping does best and with limited light pollution in our neck of the woods, we’re the ultimate spot for stargazing. Simple, romantic, memorable – tick, tick, tick.

Make a day of it

For a truly romantic experience think beyond the campsite. Spend the day exploring secluded spots, walking hand in hand and taking in the breath-taking scenery. Step outside our campsite and you’ll find all this and more with the South West Coast Path on our doorstep. Even in the summer months it feels blissfully remote and is perfect for romantic souls looking for some ‘me’ time. 

Put the spark into your next camping trip at Heligan Caravan & Camping; discover our couple’s holidays.

By Pentewan Sands on the January 10th, 2018 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Holidays, Events

Reasons to visit Cornwall in 2018

We could spend all day telling you why you should visit Cornwall (it’s our specialist subject!) but what has 2018 got in store specifically? Well, it’s certainly shaping up to be a goodie.

There’s an impressive events line-up

If the annual events calendar wasn’t enough (Porthleven Food Festival, Fowey Regatta Week and Port Eliot Festival to name a few) 2018 will bid a welcome return to some old favourites that have been missed in recent years.

First up will be The Man Engine Resurrection Tour that kicks off across Cornwall at Easter. Revived from 2016, a 11.2-meter-tall mechanical puppet will once again roam across Cornwall in a celebration of mining history. Then in September, the World Bellyboard Championships will see vintage swimwear-clad folk flock to the shoreline of Chapel Porth in a nostalgic showcase of surfing heritage.

Poldark fever strikes again

How we’ve loved the first three series of Poldark with heartthrob Aiden Turner giving the beauty of Cornwall a run for its money. Series four is said to be hitting screens in early summer and we’re betting it will spark another wave of adoration for Cornwall’s mining heritage. We’re just a stone’s throw from some of the film locations, so see it on screen then come and visit for real. 

Good food is getting simple and even more delicious

Getting dressed up to nines and enjoying the fine dining treats of a top restaurant has its time and place but when you’re camping it’s all about keeping things simple. The growing trend for authentic, laid-back cooking is right up our street so we’re loving all the small, pack-a-punch food-on-wheels ventures popping up and making our yummy patch of Cornwall even more delicious.

You’ve got to experience the vintage charm of The Thirstea Co which serves pasties and cakes from a super cute van named ‘Earl’ on The Roseland, and there’s nothing quite like tucking into a wood fired pizza from Slice who luckily for us pull up in nearby Charlestown every Tuesday evening. We’re predicting (praying!) that more of these small and perfectly formed mobile eateries are heading our way in 2018 and we can’t wait.

New exhibitions coming our way

June and July will see an epic theatrical experience pop-up in Bodmin to transport visitors back to the action of the First World War. The Trench, born from an exciting partnership between Cornwall’s Regimental Museum and Collective Arts, will follow in the brave footsteps of men from Bodmin who fought in war. Upon enlisting at The Keep you will take an all-encompassing journey on the steam train to the trenches on the Lanhydrock Estate before concluding your experience at the Regimental Museum where you will learn your fate. Will you be one of the survivors?

The Titantic will also enjoy a turn in the spotlight in 2018 as the headline exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. Head there from March to see artefacts never seen before in the UK, hear stories from the momentous sinking and see a full-size reconstruction of Lifeboat 13.

This is your year to visit Cornwall. Join us for the fun and book your 2018 holiday at Heligan Caravan and Camping Park.

By Pentewan Sands on the November 27th, 2017 in Dogs, Camping, Caravan, Cornwall

The Health Benefits of Camping

At Heligan Caravan and Camping Park we’re big believers that the simple way is the best way. We’re all about being at one with nature and revelling in the beauty of our surroundings. It’s a feel-fab camping style with a serious health kick.

Here are just a few ways that camping is good for both the body and the mind…

It helps sleep

Yes really! Fresh air and a break from screens and artificial lights is the ultimate prerequisite to a good night’s sleep. Throw in the fact that increased exposure to natural daylight helps to reset the internal body clock and suddenly snuggling up in a sleeping bag under canvas offers a whole extra luxury. 

It makes you unplug

Even if you can pick up WiFi or can tap into a good 3G signal while camping, being in the great outdoors will distract you from notifications and pinging phones. By taking five from the constant stream of media content you’ll redeem a sense of perspective and free your mind.

It tops up your vitamin D levels

Being outdoors means exposure to the sun which means increased production of vitamin D which means, well, all kinds of health benefits! Your immune system will love you for it for starters, as well as your teeth, bones, muscles…

It’s good exercise

We’re not going to lie, camping can be hard work. All that tent pitching, hunting for firewood and walking to the toilet block gets the blood pumping and burns off the calories. But it’s the kind of exercise that is heaps of fun, in fact, it doesn’t even feel like exercise, we just call it outdoor living!

It helps you to reconnect

There’s nothing like sharing a tent with someone or cooking with friends around a campfire to spark conversation and smiles. Camping is sociable. It’s about shared experiences, laughing together and being happy - and isn’t that the best route to feeling healthy?

For more information and ways to stay at Heligan Campsite, visit our Ways to Stay pages. 

By Pentewan Sands on the September 28th, 2017 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall

Would you be interested in the opportunity to be able to escape to Heligan Caravan and Camping Park and enjoy unlimited access throughout the season, with the flexibility and freedom of visiting whenever you like?

Then you may be interested to hear that we currently have two seasonal touring pitches available for the 2018 season, and they could be yours.

Simply call us today on 01726 842 714 or 01726 844 414 to find out more and discuss your options  

By Pentewan Sands on the September 21st, 2017 in Camping, Holidays, Family, Cornwall, Events, Activities, Food and Drink

6 reasons to love autumn holidays in Cornwall

Cornwall is the bee’s knees whatever the time of the year but we have to admit to having a bit of a soft spot for the autumn. Getting out and making the most of the crisp air and beautiful colours is good for the soul, so resist the urge to hunker down and fall in love with Cornwall in the autumn.

Walks show their colours

There’s something quite satisfying about wrapping up warm and facing the elements on a blow-away-the-cobwebs kind of walk. Whether you hit the South West Coast Path for mighty views or take cover amongst sheltered woodland, at Heligan Woods you’ll find a pick of stomping grounds. Our favourites are Cardinham Woods and the stretch of coast path around Gribben Head which are both little more than 30 mins from us and particularly good for autumnal colours and wildlife. Just bring your walking boots or a sturdy pair of wellies and you’re all set!

Pubs get cosy

Roaring fires, big squishy sofas and a menu to warm your insides, traditional pubs come into their own in the autumn and if you combine them with our previous point, you’ve hit a real winner. Snuggle up at The Ship Inn perched on the harbour side in Mevagissey or try the Pier House in historic Charlestown – they’re what we call ‘proper Cornish’ and come with bags of character.

The summer dog ban on most Cornish beaches is lifted

Dogs are our best friend; we welcome them year-round and luckily, so do many of the beaches on our doorstep (check out our woof-factor blog for details) but sadly it’s not true of every beach in Cornwall. Hooray then for the autumn when many beaches that were off limits to four-legged visitors during the summer months become the perfect place for a spot of fetch. Waggy tails all round!

The weather and sea is still warm (ish!)

Thanks to our position on the Gulf Stream, Cornwall is blessed by a year-round mild temperature and we’re normally last in line to feel the chill. More time then to make the most of the great outdoors and if you own or have hired a wetsuit, that includes the sea!

The crowds have gone

As you’ve been drawn to our quiet campsite we’re guessing that you prefer things toned down rather than high tempo so we know you’re going to love Cornwall in the autumn as much as we do. The crowds of the summer have dissipated so getting around is a breeze, beaches are gloriously quiet and there’s rarely a queue to be seen. Bliss!

Feasting is the done thing

If there’s one thing in Cornwall that’s synonymous with autumn, it’s food. We love celebrating it and from the Great Cornish Food Festival (22 – 24 Sept) to the Falmouth Oyster Festival (12 – 15 Oct), late September and October is the time to do it. Michelin-starred chefs showcase their talents alongside local producers and the great and the good of the foodie scene come out in force so join the party and tuck in.

Family walk to the beach credit Matt Jessop

By Pentewan Sands on the July 21st, 2017 in Camping, Holidays, Family, Cornwall, Food and Drink

Where to go for incredible ice cream

You’re on holiday – it’s ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner, right? Oh yes and you’re in luck because there are loads of great places to grab an ice cream near our campsite. Here’s the inside scoop on where to go.

Tall Ships Creamery, Charlestown

These guys seriously know their stuff when it comes to creamy goodness. They’re masters at churning the best of ingredients into the most delicious chilled flavours and with a home on Charlestown harbour (Poldark fans take note) have named their awesome flavours in honour of the area’s piracy and seafaring past. Try the award-winning Lemon Heave Ho or Rollocking Rhuburb Crumble & Cornish Clotted Cream, or keep it simple with Cornish Vanilla Gold. Whatever you chose, a mouthful of pure bliss is guaranteed.

She Sells, Mevagissey

Oh how we heart She Sells in Mevagissey, specialists in traditional french crepes, indulgent sundaes and a huge selection of ice creams. Find it right on the harbour front and expect to be wowed by the incredible choice complete with sprinkles, flakes, wafers and lashings of delicious sauce. Go with an empty stomach and forget the diet!

Callestick Ice Cream at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

There are a million and one reasons why love being neighbours with the Lost Gardens of Heligan and their amazing ice cream is one of them. They’re one of many stockists of Callestick Ice Cream which is lovingly created from a herd of Friesian cows over on a farm near Truro but Heligan being Heligan have also added their own unique spin. They’ve teamed up with Callestick to create an exclusive frozen yoghurt which captures the spirit of the garden. It’s rippled with honey and is generously sprinkled with walnuts. It gets a big thumbs up from us!

Enjoy a cone of Callestick’s finest while exploring the garden or if you just fancy a quick stop, the cafe and ice-cream shop are completely free to enter.

Harbourside Ice Cream, Mevagissey

The queue that can normally be found snaking out of the Harbourside Ice Cream Parlour in Mevagissey is testament to the melt-in-your-mouth brilliance of Kelly’s Ice Cream. The Parlour dedicates its scoops to Kelly’s Cornish goodliness and serves up all the traditional flavours, as well as inspired flavour combinations such as blackcurrant cheesecake and cherry pie and custard. Race you to the queue!

Roskilly’s, Mevagissey

Cementing Mevagissey’s position as ice cream kingpin is Roskilly’s Parlour which presents the makings of Roskilly’s Organic Farm on The Lizard.  As Cornish as ice cream comes, Roskilly’s offers up over 30 mouth-watering flavours with everything from salted caramel and mocha to ginger fairing and banoffee.

Visit our Ways to Stay pages to book your holiday in Cornwall

Children eating ice cream on the beach credit Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall

By Pentewan Sands on the July 20th, 2017 in

Too-good-to-miss events

There’s always something happening in Cornwall. Whether it’s a cool music gig, foodie festival or family shindig, the what’s on scene is as gloriously wide as it is varied. Here’s our pick of events that you’re not going to want to miss…

Charlestown Regatta Week

22 – 28 July

For good old family fun join the townsfolk of nearby Charlestown for their annual regatta. Live music, competitions, pasty demos, raft races, water sports and classic favourites such as the grand carnival and flora dance procession all set to the backdrop of Charlestown’s magnificent Georgian harbour.

Port Eliot Festival, St Germans

27 – 30 July

Described as a literary festival come supped up garden party, this ultra-hip festival is set in the stunning surroundings of Port Eliot stately house. Grab yourself a day ticket and you’ll be rubbing shoulders with celebrities, models and a wild and eclectic mix of writers, poets, musicians, food lovers and party animals.  

Falmouth Week

4 – 13 August

Experience the maritime town of Falmouth at its absolute best during this 10-day spectacular. As impressive yachts compete out in the bay get caught up in the shoreside entertainment complete with live music, street markets, children’s entertainment and even an appearance from the might Red Arrows.  

Boardmasters Surf and Music Festival, Newquay and Watergate Bay

9 – 13 August

As the UK’s biggest surf, skate and music festival, Boardmasters has earned itself legendary status. Watch the surf, skate and BMX action at Fistral beach in Newquay and move to Watergate Bay for eight stages of music, rides, food stalls, bars and barrel-loads more. With Stormzy, Jamiroquai and The Vaccines on the bill, it’s gonna be a goodie!

Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week

13 – 19 August

Seriously stylish Fowey turns up the fun in this week-long festival with activities both on and off the water. See sailors showcase their thing in the regatta, join the carnival parade, eat and drink yourself silly and be part of the harbour throng as the impressive fireworks throw a myriad of colours over the sheltered waters. There’s also another chance to catch the Red Arrows!

Newquay Fish Festival

8 – 10 September

Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or newbie to the culinary treats of the sea, the Newquay Fish Festival is a foodie feast that you’re not going to want to miss. Sample the best fish to land on Newquay’s shores, be inspired by cookery demos and enjoy a generous side helping of entertainment and family fun.

Great Cornish Food Festival, Truro

22 – 24 September

Welcoming the great and good, as well as the small and fabulous, of

Cornwall’s culinary world, this three-day festival of Cornish goodness is one

big excuse to tuck-in and indulge. Meet local hero and Michelin starred chef Nathan Outlaw when he opens the festival, sample delicious treats and learn about the magnificence of Cornwall food and drink. Yum, yum!

Looe Music Festival

29 September – 1 October

Three days of superb live music, manic entertainment and a smattering of culture. Stages pop up everywhere from beaches to street corners and with over 90 bands on the line-up it’s set to be one big, hip-swinging party.

Falmouth Oyster Festival

12 – 15 October

An autumnal feast for the senses timed to coincide with the start of the oyster-dredging season, Falmouth Oyster Festival is this year celebrating its 21st birthday. Expect a four-day feast of cooking demos, live music and craft stalls and a chance to try the star of the show, oysters!

Click Here to find out more about staying at Heligan Campsite

By Pentewan Sands on the July 19th, 2017 in

Herzlich willkommen im Heligan Ferienpark

An der Sued-Kueste Cornwalls, mit Blick auf die wunderschoene Mevagissey-Bucht liegt der fuenf-Sterne Heligan Ferienpark und Campingplatz.

Teil des alten Heligan-Guts, von der Natur umrahmt, der Park ist das ganze Jahr lang ein traumhaftes Ferienziel.  Wunderbare Farben im Herbst und die Wunder der Natur werden der ganzen Familie angeboten.

Daneben liegen die bekannte “Verlorene Gaerten von Heligan”, (The Lost Gardens of Heligan) wo Sie in etwa 100 Hektaren Gaerten, Waelder und Tierwelt wandern koennen (Eintrittspreise auf Anfrage).

Egal, ob Sie zelten wollen, mit dem Wohnwagen anfahren oder eine unter unseren gut ausgestatteten Ferienwohnungen mieten moechten, Heligan ist die ideale Lage fuer Entspannung, Zeit mit der Familie und die Chance, ganz Cornwall zu entdecken.

Im Ort steht ein Supermarkt sowie auch Waschsalon zur Verfuegung. Wanderwege fuer die Hunde und eine Spielanlage fuer die Kinder sind auch vorhanden.

Wohnmoeglichkeiten

Wir haben grosszuegige Campingplaetze fuer Zelten und Wohnwagen sowie auch einige Ferienwohnungen. 

Seit 2006 wurde uns die Fuenf-Sterne-Auszeichnung gegeben – ein Zeichen, dass wir auf die Qualitaet des Parks sowie der Anlage stolz sind.  Sogar Ihre Haustiere duerfen auf den Campingplaetzen sowie auch in einigen Wohnungen mitgebracht werden.

Touring- und Campingplaetze

Alle Plaetze sind geraeumig, fast alle mit Strom angebracht.  Einige haben auch festen Kiesboden.

Ferienwohnungen

Unsere moderne Ferienwohnungen sind geraeumig, mit viel Platz rundherum.  Sie haben die Wahl – zwei oder drei Schlafzimmer, alle Wohnungen mit Zentralheizung, Doppelverglasung, Kochherd, Eisschrank, Dusche, Fernsehen und Mikrowellenherd.

Kopfkissen und Daunendecken mit Bezug, Bettlaken (je eins pro Bett) sind im Preis inbegriffen.  Frische Waesche werden jede Woche angeboten.  Handtucher und Geschirrtuecher soll der Kunde aber bitte mitbringen.

Anlagen

Der geheizte Duschblock bietet mehrere Duschen und WC sowie auch behindertengerechte Kabine (Wet room) an.  Heiss- und Kaltwasser sind immer vorhanden, im Preis inbegriffen.  Ueberall im Park sind auch Wasserhahnen zu finden.

Geschaeft:  ein kleiner “Minimarkt” befindet sich im Park, mit eine Auswahl an Essens- und Trinkensmoeglichkeiten sowie das Wesentliche fuer Ihren Campingkomfort.

Heligan Kitchen:  Im Restaurant, das zu den Lost Gardens gehoert, koennen Sie Ortsspezialitaeten, Hausmannskost und auch ein ueppiges Fruehstueck bestellen.  Eintritt ist frei, sodass Sie das Restaurant geniessen koennen, ohne die Gaerten besuchen zu muessen.

Lobbs Farm Shop:  neben dem Restaurant finden Sie eine grosse Auswahl an Cornischen Produkten – Fleisch, Kaese, Fruechte, Gemuese und Sahne – perfekt fuer’s Grillen!

Empfang:  Wenn Sie weitere Fragen zu den vielen Aktivitaeten oder Sehenswuerdigkeiten in der Naehe haben sollten, dann wenden Sie sich bitte an unser Personal am Empfang.  Wir sind aber ein kleines Team und von Zeit zu Zeit ist der Empfang geschlossen, waehrend wir woanders im Park arbeiten.  In dem Falle sehen Sie aber eine Mitteilung an der Tuer, wo wir zu finden sind.  Unsere Wagen sind auch deutlich zu erkennen und wir sind jeder Zeit bereit, Ihnen zu helfen.

WiFi:  zu einem kleinen Aufpreis zu erhalten.

Entdecken Sie die Gegend

Heligan Ferienpark an der Suedkueste Cornwalls ist fuer Entdeckungsreisen ideal gelegen. Ueberall finden Sie schoene Sandstraende und Sehenswuerdigkeiten, um Ihre Ferien zu ergaenzen.

Gleich nebenan sind die bekannte Lost Gardens of Heligan und sehr viele schoene Wander- und Radwege, sodass Sie das Auto zuhause lassen koennen.  Ueberall, der Kueste entlang, sind wunderbare Wanderwege, wo Sie kleine Orte und Strandbaeder entdecken werden.

Einige Minuten mit dem Auto entfernt liegt Mevagissey – alte Hafen mit engen Gassen, malerischen Geschaeften und Kunstgalerien.

Besuchen Sie das weltberuehmte Eden Project mit echtem Regenwald unter riesen Glaskuppeln.

Oestlich vom Park, etwa 10 km. entfernt, liegt Charlestown, historischer, traditioneller Hafen mit alten Schiffen – oefters im Fernsehen oder im Kino zu sehen.

Anfragen und Buchungen

Wenn Sie in unserem Online-Buchungssystem nachschauen, haben Sie die Moeglichkeit, den gewuenschten Campingplatz bzw. Ferienwohnung selbst zu waehlen, je nach Verfuegbarkeit, selbstverstaendlich.  Wenn Sie aber lieber mit unserem Team sprechen moechten, dann rufen Sie uns doch bitte an – Rufnummer 0044 1726 842714 – unser Personal wird Ihnen gerne mit Ihrer Buchung helfen.

Ruf.:  0044 1726 842714

Email:  [email protected]

Adresse:  Heligan Caravan and Camping Park, St. Ewe, Cornwall PL26 6EL

By Pentewan Sands on the July 13th, 2017 in

We’re getting excited about the Rogue Theatre performing at the Lost Gardens of Heligan this summer.

The multi award winning Rogue Theatre will be weaving their magic at Heligan this summer. The Lost Gardens Summer Ball is an exuberant, bewitching, and fun exploration into a world whose magic was lost in time, but not entirely forgotten!

An immersive theatre adventure that weaves along the beautiful paths of Heligan and into the story world of The Land of Fae. And there, The Woodland King and The Moon await to share thrilling and fantastical tales that will come to life upon the stage. And at the end, we can dance together (if you want to, you are invited) it is a ball after all!

For families, adults and children of all ages who hear the call of the wild!

The Rogue Theatre will be performing on the following dates:

12th - 15th, 19th - 22nd & 26th - 29th of July and 9th- 12th & 16th - 19th of August

For more information, or to book tickets online visit http://heligan.com/events/heligan-events/rogue-theatre-wild-woodland-ball/

By Pentewan Sands on the June 15th, 2017 in

Heligan’s got the woof-factor

A holiday just wouldn’t be a holiday if you had to leave your four-legged members of the family at home. Long walks, fun on the beach, alfresco dining – Fido’s fave things to do are what camping is all about. Dogs are our best friend and we welcome them with open paws!

Follow our lead (ahem) to top doggie things to do at our dog-friendly campsite in Cornwall…

Sniff your way around the Lost Gardens of Heligan

If you’ve got a wet nose and waggy tail, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is a pretty exciting place to be. It’s right on our doorstep and is top dog when it comes to dog-friendly gardens in Cornwall. There’s miles of routes to explore, smells galore in the Victorian Productive Garden and ancient woodland paths that owners will love as much as pooches. The Heligan Tearoom and Stewardry are no-go zones for furry visitors but otherwise Heligan is the stuff that doggie dreams are made of!

Time for walkies

With 300 miles of gloriously dog-friendly South West Coast Path you’re never far from canine stomping ground in Cornwall but, lucky us, one of the most drool-worthy stretches is within stick throwing distance of us. The circular 6.2 mile walk from Mevagissey sweeps by the Lost Gardens of Heligan, takes in prehistoric tin mining works and, most importantly for doggie chums, passes Polstreath Beach which welcomes dogs year-round. There’s even pooch friendly refuel spots in Mevagissey (try the Fountain Inn or the Ship Inn).

For a gentler stroll head for the Clay Trails network and take your pick from the nine short trails that weave their way through mining heritage. Our favourite is the Pentewan Valley Trail which follows an old railway and links the coastal village of Pentewan with St Austell. While Pentewan Beach is off limits to dogs the woodland paths are perfect for walkies - they’re popular among cyclist too so we’d recommend keeping dogs on leads.

Drool-worthy places to eat and drink

Having a dog in tow doesn’t mean that it all has to be takeaway fish and chips and Cornish pasties (although we’d recommend those too!). Lots of our nearby pubs and cafes are just as dog-friendly as us. For traditional pub grub with a side order of doggie treats we love The Ship Inn in Pentewan and the Rashleigh Arms in Charlestown. For incredible Cornish seafood and an even more incredible view The Sharkfin in Mevagissey is a winner, while you can’t beat the Kings Head in the perfectly formed hamlet of Ruan Lanihorne for dog-friendly drinks.

Beach days for sandy paws and salty hair

Our quiet campsite in Cornwall enjoys a pick of dog-friendly beaches. Whether playing fetch, digging holes or a spot of doggie paddle gets tails wagging, our nearby beaches have got it covered. Mevagissey, Portmellon, Gorran Haven, Hemmick, Porthluney Cove and Portholland all get the woof seal of approval and welcome dogs year-round.

Explore the Eden Project’s outdoor garden

Is there anything that the Eden Project doesn’t get right? It seriously wows on every level and is more than worth barking about. Lead wearing canine chums are welcome to explore the mile upon mile of paths in the outdoor gardens and while the biomes and undercover areas are off limits, the paw-fect Visitor Centre and dog-friendly outdoor terrace of the bakery nicely top up Eden’s doggie credentials.

Visit our Ways to Stay pages for more information about our Dog Friendly Campsite in Cornwall. 

By Pentewan Sands on the June 12th, 2017 in Camping, Holidays, Family, Cornwall, Food and Drink, Lifestyle and Health

WIN ONE OF THREE FANTASTIC PRIZES

We're delighted to be teaming up with the wonderful SeaKisses to offer three wonderful prizes. Simply enter your details below to be entered into our free prize draw.

Famed for their beautiful seaside style and nautical themes, SeaKisses products will put instant beachside happiness into your life. Visit seakisses.co.uk to find out more about this beautiful range of Cornish inspired gifts. (opens in new window)

With their headquarters in Pentewan village, SeaKisses products are beautifully made in Cornwall and beyond. Equally at home in your home or beach bag, these products make excellent gifts for anyone yearning to be beside the seaside.

1st Prize: Director's Chair - Surf Talking 

2nd Prize: Life is better in Flip Flops Beach Towel

3rd Prize: Enjoy coffee and save the planet with this fantastic Seakisses Travel Mug

For your chance to WIN one of these beautiful SeaKisses products, simply enter your details below to be entered into the free prize draw. 

Visit seakisses.co.uk to find out more about this beautiful range of Cornish inspired gifts. (opens in new window)

Closing date: 8 July 2017

Terms and Conditions:

All names and email addresses will be entered into a free prize draw, only one entry per person (we will not accept automated entries). The draw will be made by Pentewan Sands Holiday Park on Monday 12 July 2017. The winner will be notified by email within 7 days after the draw. The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. 

Entrants must be 18 or over to enter, and must not be an employee of any of the businesses involved. By providing personally identifiable information when entering this free prize draw, SeaKisses and Pentewan Sands Holiday Park may use it to provide you with ongoing information about their products and services. You may receive communications from each business, although you can unsubscribe at any time, if you wish to do so. None of the businesses providing the prize or Pentewan Sands will rent, sell or lease this personally identifiable information to other companies or individuals.   

All names and email addresses will be entered into a free prize draw, only one entry per person (we will not accept automated entries). The draw will be made by Pentewan Sands Holiday Park. The winner will be notified by email or phone within 7 days after the draw. 

If due to circumstances beyond our control, the business is unable to provide the stated prize, they reserve the right to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value. 

By Pentewan Sands on the June 07th, 2017 in Dogs, Camping, Caravan, Cornwall

Heligan’s got the woof-factor

A holiday just wouldn’t be a holiday if you had to leave your four-legged members of the family at home. Long walks, fun on the beach, alfresco dining – Fido’s fave things to do are what camping is all about. Dogs are our best friend and we welcome them with open paws!

Follow our lead (ahem) to top doggie things to do at our dog-friendly campsite in Cornwall…

Sniff your way around the Lost Gardens of Heligan

If you’ve got a wet nose and waggy tail, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is a pretty exciting place to be. It’s right on our doorstep and is top dog when it comes to dog-friendly gardens in Cornwall. There’s miles of routes to explore, smells galore in the Victorian Productive Garden and ancient woodland paths that owners will love as much as pooches. The Heligan Tearoom and Stewardry are no-go zones for furry visitors but otherwise Heligan is the stuff that doggie dreams are made of!

Time of walkies

With 300 miles of gloriously dog-friendly South West Coast Path you’re never far from canine stomping ground in Cornwall but, lucky us, one of the most drool-worthy stretches is within stick throwing distance of us. The circular 6.2 mile walk from Mevagissey sweeps by the Lost Gardens of Heligan, takes in prehistoric tin mining works and, most importantly for doggie chums, passes Polstreath Beach which welcomes dogs year-round. There’s even pooch friendly refuel spots in Mevagissey (try the Fountain Inn or the Ship Inn).

For a gentler stroll head for the Clay Trails network and take your pick from the nine short trails that weave their way through mining heritage. Our favourite is the Pentewan Valley Trail which follows an old railway and links the coastal village of Pentewan with St Austell. While Pentewan Beach is off limits to dogs the woodland paths are perfect for walkies - they’re popular among cyclist too so we’d recommend keeping dogs on leads.

Drool-worthy places to eat and drink

Having a dog in tow doesn’t mean that it all has to be takeaway fish and chips and Cornish pasties (although we’d recommend those too!). Lots of our nearby pubs and cafes are just as dog-friendly as us. For traditional pub grub with a side order of doggie treats we love The Ship Inn in Pentewan and the Rashleigh Arms in Charlestown. For incredible Cornish seafood and an even more incredible view The Sharkfin in Mevagissey is a winner, while you can’t beat the Kings Head in the perfectly formed hamlet of Ruan Lanihorne for dog-friendly drinks.

Beach days for sandy paws and salty hair

Our quiet campsite in Cornwall enjoys a pick of dog-friendly beaches. Whether playing fetch, digging holes or a spot of doggie paddle gets tails wagging, our nearby beaches have got it covered. Mevagissey, Portmellon, Gorran Haven, Hemmick, Porthluney Cove and Portholland all get the woof seal of approval and welcome dogs year-round.

Explore the Eden Project’s outdoor garden

Is there anything that the Eden Project doesn’t get right? It seriously wows on every level and is more than worth barking about. Lead wearing canine chums are welcome to explore the mile upon mile of paths in the outdoor gardens and while the biomes and undercover areas are off limits, the paw-fect Visitor Centre and dog-friendly outdoor terrace of the bakery nicely top up Eden’s doggie credentials.

Click here for more information about our dog friendly campsite. 

By Pentewan Sands on the May 29th, 2017 in

On the Poldark trail in Cornwall

We’re big fans of the BBC One hit series of Poldark. The Ross, Demelza, Elizabeth love triangle, family feuds and underhand antics, played out against the hardship of Cornish mining, have had us gripped but in our eyes Cornwall is the real star of the show.

Filming for the first three series saw cameras roll across Cornwall with mines, gorgeous beaches and atmospheric towns all taking a turn in the spotlight. Lucky for us, we’re not far from the action and are perfectly positioned to step into Ross and Demelza’s shoes. Here are our top picks on where to go on the Poldark trail…

Visit our 'ways to stay' pages to find out more about staying at our quiet campsite in Cornwall.

Charlestown

Just six miles along the coast from our quiet campsite by the sea is Charlestown, one of the key Poldark film locations. This historic Grade II Listed harbour, famed for its collection of tall ships and traditional appearance, lives its everyday life as though it has come straight out of the pages of Poldark. It features on screen as both Truro and Falmouth and often pops up when Ross visits his bank manager, Caroline Penvenen goes shopping or Captain Blamey boards his packet ship.

And it’s not just Poldark location managers that have fallen for Charlestown’s charms. The harbour is a regular in the limelight so much so that it boasts an acting CV worthy of any A-list star.

It’s a lovely little spot for a little wander and now is a great time to visit as The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre which sits on the harbour side has recently been brought by the owner of our neighbours, the Lost Gardens of Heligan. It is having a bit of a spruce up and as part of a collaboration between The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre and the Historic Port of Charlestown, for the first time in its history the inner harbour and The Phoenix, an authentic 17th Century tall ship, is open to visitors.  Experience life on and off deck and step back in time to the age of sail.

Bodmin Moor

Within an hour’s drive from Heligan Caravan and Camping Park you can also strike out on the wild and rugged Bodmin Moor in search of the cottage used for the exterior of Ross Poldark’s cottage, Nampara. The bleak and windswept landscape also crops up as the backdrop to some of the horse-riding scenes which see Ross and his fellow characters galloping their way around Cornwall.

We recommend a walk to Rough Tor and Brown Willy, the two highest peaks in Cornwall as on a clear day the spectacular 360-degree views stretch as far as the north and south coasts.

Holywell Bay

The National Trust beach of Holwell Bay near Newquay with its iconic Gull Rock is another recognisable Poldark film location. It’s just 40 minutes from us and wins love for its golden sands and blue seas that are never short of surf action. Find a quiet spot among the dunes or tread the South West Coast Path.

West Cornwall

Other key Poldark film locations can be found in west Cornwall. It’s about an hour and a half from us but Poldark fans and beauty hunters should make the effort.

Walk the coast path from the impossibly gorgeous Porthgwarra Cove, made famous by that oh-so-memorable skinny dipping scene, to Porthcurno which alongside other locations stars as Nampara Cove. One of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, Porthcurno is home to the open-air Minack Theatre.

West Cornwall is also where the exterior mining scenes were shot with Owles and Crowns Mine near Botallack starring as Wheal Leisure and Levant Mine as Tressiders Rolling Mill. Levant Mine is open to the public and is well worth a visit to learn about the Cornish mining heyday as well as the incredible hardship endured by miners.

Visit our 'ways to stay' pages to find out more about staying at our quiet campsite in Cornwall.

For more information on Poldark’s Cornwall, visit visitcornwall.com/poldark

Image Credits: 

Porthcurnick Beach: Matt Jessop and Visit Cornwall
Porthluney Cove: Matt Jessop and Visit Cornwall
Porthpean: Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall 

By Pentewan Sands on the May 11th, 2017 in

We’re off to the beach - but we’re not going far. These beaches in Cornwall are all on our doorstep and they’re all stunningly gorgeous. 

Porthluney Cove – 6.5 miles

If sandcastle building is your thing, you’ll be in your element at Porthluney Cove (aka Caerhays Beach). Sitting in front of Caerhays Castle, an impressive manor house complete with turrets and intricate windows, there’s plenty of inspiration for budding builders and their sandy creations. It’s also great for rock pooling and swimming, and ticks off all the must-have facilities.

Porthpean beach – 3 miles

We’re big fans of Porthpean beach which enjoys a good spot in St Austell Bay sheltered from the winds by high cliffs. Families love it for its shallow waters and rock pools, while the kayak hire and short one mile stomp along the coast path to nearby Charlestown win favour among the more adventurous. The small promenade has a café where you can pull up a deckchair and spend an hour gazing out to sea or, if you’re anything like us, grazing your way through the ice-cream menu. 

Hemmick Beach – 7 miles

This little cove near Mevagissey is just the cutest. It’s a hidden spot and demands a 10 – 15 minute walk from the nearest car park but we think you’ll agree that it’s more than worth it. Those that seek it out are rewarded by fine sands and an empty beach, as well as impressive views past Dodman Point. There are no facilities but that’s the joy of this beach, go prepared and lap up the peaceful existence.

Par Sands – 10 miles

At over half a mile long and backed by sand dunes Par Sands is the type of beach that families adore. It’s south facing, gloriously flat, golden and well equipped with toilets, car park, café and pub. But what stands out for us about this beach is that it lies on the Clay Trail cycle route which links up with the Eden Project and Wheal Martyn Museum to offer a fab day out – bike riding, top attractions and fun on the beach all rolled into one. 

Porthcurnick Beach – 14 miles

Swoon, this National Trust beach is a real heart stealer. It’s just north of Portscatho on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula where slick sailing boats bob in the water next to traditional fishing boats. With its many rock pools and small stream, it’s ideal for children while the Hidden Hut cafe has found Porthcurnick a natural home on Cornwall’s foodie map. You’ve got to go!

Lantic Bay – 20 miles

This one is slightly further afield and requires a bit of effort to get to but boy is it worth it. Lantic Bay near Fowey is easily one of Cornwall’s top beaches but thanks to its secluded location is blissfully quiet, even in the summer. The nearest car park is one mile east of Polruan but is 20 minutes on foot from the beach itself. The soaring view on the approach will blow you away and once down on the sand and single beach it’s all about chilling out and enjoying the calm. Perfect for kids looking for ‘hidden’ treasure or for couples stealing a spot of together time. 

Visit our 'ways to stay' pages to find out more about staying at our quiet campsite in Cornwall.

A word of caution - the beaches listed here do not have lifeguard cover, please be mindful and stay safe when entering the sea.

Porthcurnick Beach: Matt Jessop and Visit Cornwall
Porthluney Cove: Matt Jessop and Visit Cornwall
Porthpean: Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall 

By Pentewan Sands on the March 28th, 2017 in

Glorious Spring Gardens - Easter Eggstravaganza

Cornwall is famous for its wonderful gardens and in spring the gardens are rich with glorious camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias under which primroses, bluebells and wild violets shine.

Many of Cornwall’s Gardens run family activities over the Easter holidays; here’s a run-down of some of our favourites:  

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

1 – 17 April. This Easter, The Lost Gardens of Heligan has created a range of activities to keep the little ones busy. Help them find the escaped Tamworth piglets to win a chocolaty prize, meet the newly born lambs and piglets and learn more about the wider estate and important work that is carried out to keep heritage practises alive. If you still have a spring in your step, enjoy a host of family fun games or visit the Easter marquee and try your hand at a range of crafty springtime activities!

The Eden Project

1 – 17 April. This year, Easter at the Eden Project is going even more egg-streme! Enjoy some crazy egg-themed games, including a new take on netball (nest-ball!), the tricky ‘pickled eggs’, and a giant ‘egg-scramble’ course complete with ball-pool team challenge. Elsewhere, compete with friends and family at hook-a-duck, take part in trails for all ages, track down some elusive golden eggs, or bounce your way down inflatable slides – with prizes and treats awarded to successful egg hunters.

Plus, the new Weather Maker experience allows you to discover fascinating facts about the relationship between rainforests and world’s climate whilst being high up on the new forest canopy walkway.

Trebah Garden

Trebah Garden is a beautiful, sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to their very own secluded beach on the Helford River. In spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias and with adventure play areas, children's trails and special events all year round, Trebah is a very family friendly garden. This Easter there’s a range of events, including the Family Wildlife Day on the 7 April in association with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and Easter Drop in Workshops on the 11 and 13 April. Find out more at trebahgarden.co.uk

Caerhays Castle Gardens

Join the Caerhays Castle Garden Easter Trail from 14 – 17 April and take a journey of exploration around the gardens, completing the Easter quiz along the way before collecting a prize chocolate egg as a well-earned reward.

Picture credit: The Eden Project 

By Pentewan Sands on the November 21st, 2016 in

SeaKisses is owned and run by Jo Brown and Sue Hawken who believe that nothing much beats a warm cup of tea in a sheltered spot on a beach. 

SeaKisses is about celebrating the best of that coastal lifestyle – and bringing some of those seaside feelings back inside. They aim to capture the essence of coastal living with beautiful and useful products that make your life easier or just make you smile. Whether you live within a stone’s throw of the sea or whether you live up high in a city, Seakisses products are memories of what you love and where you might one day want to end up, by the seaside. 

After all, life is better in flipflops! 

Seakisses stock a range of Cornish gifts available throughout the year. 

Here are some of our current favourites: 

The Poldark Mug - Limited Edition

He rides horses, he scythes, he gambles his fortune, he breaks hearts, and he has principles. What more could you ask for in a man? Indulge in a quiet Poldark moment whilst you enjoy your cuppa, we won’t tell… Now you can do this in some style with our lovely SeaKisses mugs also available in three other designs – Mackerel, Wild Seas, and Smooth Sailing. Chunky enough to chuck in a bag and take outside.

Dishwasher Friendly. These Limited Edition mugs come packaged in a lovely box, labelled and gift wrapped if required.

The Pentewan Typographic Print 

This print was a special commission from our friends at Pentewan Sands Holiday park. A perfect way to remember your holiday.

Christmas Cards

Seas and Greetings to one and all. They are square - 15cm x 15cm - with plenty of room to write a decent message and they come in two different designs.

Wild seas, surfing santas, winter walks and Christmas campers…..just some of the things that make Christmas in this part of the world so special. 

We will be lighting the Mousehole lights and toasting our friends all over the world. If you can make it here we would love to see you, if not, we wish you all the best

Available in packs of 5. 

For more information, visit www.seakisses.co.uk

By Pentewan Sands on the November 09th, 2016 in

We're delighted to announce that Heligan Caravan and Camping was awarded Bronze for best Campsite in Cornwall at last night's annual tourism awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony was held at The Headland Hotel where businesses from Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly have been celebrating record wins in this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards.
Now in their 15th year, the awards saw an increase to 195 entries entering 25 different categories. The awards celebration was enhanced by anentertaining presentation from lyricist and cricket enthusiast Sir Tim Rice who shared anecdotes from his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Elton John.

Awards organizer Robin Barker introduced the evening saying: “It always amazes me that this industry continues to innovate and excel. When I was first involved in tourism in Cornwall back in the early 90s, most leading businesses had never heard of ‘sustainable tourism’, it was the era when many were still arguing against the need for en-suite facilities, and the internet was described in a report by a tourism IT expert as having a “rather limited market segment”. “That was in 1997 … and now look at us! The excellence and innovation shown by the winners is literally stupendous.”

By Pentewan Sands on the October 10th, 2016 in

We're over the moon to have found out that we are shortlisted for Camping and Caravanning Park in this year's Cornwall Tourism Awards. Results will be announced on the 3rd November at a prestigious awards evening at The Headland Hotel, where we will find out whether we have won Bronze, Silver or Gold. This is our first year of entering the awards and we're absolutely delighted to have reached the finals. 

Congratulations to all the team here at Heligan Woods Campsite, we now have the wait untill the 3rd November to find out what we have won.

By Pentewan Sands on the September 09th, 2016 in

The Eden Project has announced a weekly club for parents and under-fives set in Eden’s magical wild perimeters, where they aim to celebrate the great outdoors through games and stories, quests and hunts, making and creating, and campfire cooking.

The new club for parents and carers and their under-fives is designed to help children and their families play and learn together through outdoor games and activities. 

Each week they'll be meeting in the beautiful ancient fields and woodland on Eden’s outer estate for an hour and a half, where they will get you and your child involved in games and stories, quests and treasure hunts, making and creating things, and even campfire cooking activities.

Little Eden is for children of pre-school age (aged 18 months to five years) and their parents or carers. You’ll be part of a group of up to 15 children - with the idea being that you accompany your child throughout the session. 

Little Eden takes place on Thursday mornings from 10am until 11.30am, from 15 September 2016 until 20 October 2016. 

For more information, visit the Eden Project website. 

By Pentewan Sands on the September 01st, 2016 in

This Autumn there’s lots going on at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Get back to nature with an experienced forager and explore the wild side of the Heligan Estate. Discover how to identify wild plants for culinary use and learn about their fascinating history. Or join head Heligan Tour Guide David Hogg on an in depth tour of the Gardens.

The Heligan Harvest is back again with a cornucopia of events lined up, and the Harvest Feast Night on Saturday 8 and 15 October is one not to be missed.

Families will be pleased to hear that the Heligan Halloween will be taking place during the school half term - creep down the Halloween trail through the woods and stumble upon spooky ‘going’s on’ that may give you a fright, or a delight!

For more information on any of these Heligan Events, please visit http://heligan.com/events/heligan-events/

By Pentewan Sands on the August 17th, 2016 in

September Garden Tours

This September at our neighbours, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, experienced Heligan Tour Guide David Hogg invites you to join him for an in depth tour of the Gardens.

These relaxed and informal tours will be held on Mondays at 2pm and Thursdays at 10:30am and 2pm.

Tickets will cost £20 for adults and £18 senior and include garden entry and a hot drink. To book your place please call Visitor Reception on 01726 845100.

For more information, visit http://heligan.com/events/heligan-events/september-garden-tours/ 

By Pentewan Sands on the August 01st, 2016 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Holidays

Walking Heligan to Mevagissey 

Starting at the Heligan Woods Campsite there is a circular trail walk which makes an interesting addition to a day visit to the beautiful harbour town at Mevagissey. 

It's dog, cycle and child friendly and there's always the option to get the bus back if you eat a few too many ice creams!

Whilst close to the main road entrance to Heligan take a look over towards St. Austell and see the huge spoil heaps known locally as the “The Cornish Alps”. On the return route follow the signs for Mevagissey and you will eventually come back to the 5 bar gate you entered from there simply re-trace your steps to Mevagissey.

Alternatively, there is a sign posted route off to the left which descends down into the Pentewan Valley and picks up the Pentewan Valley Cycle trail. From there the choice is to turn left and walk the trail back to St Austell or to turn right and walk the trail back to Pentewan.

By Pentewan Sands on the June 02nd, 2016 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities, Charity, Holidays

We’re pleased to announce that we are working with Cornwall Wildlife Trust as our 2016 Charity of the Year!

Heligan Woods Campsite announces business partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Heligan Woods Campsite is delighted to announce a business partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the leading local wildlife charity working to protect Cornwall's wildlife and wild places. 

The five star campsite next to the Lost Gardens of Heligan on the South Coast of Cornwall aims to run a number of events to raise awareness about Cornwall's wildlife through education, events and volunteer opportunities and to help children have fun with nature through Fox Club, the junior wildlife club aimed at primary aged children.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is a registered charity established in 1962 by a group of highly committed and forward looking individuals to safeguard Cornwall’s habitats and associated wildlife. The Trust fulfils a unique role in that it is concerned solely with Cornwall and all aspects of conserving the county’s wildlife.

As concern for wildlife and the countryside has grown, Cornwall Wildlife Trust has gone from strength to strength. Now, with more than 17,000 members, over 1,000 active volunteers and 110 Business Members the Trust can build on the secure base that it has established.

Over the past few decades, a great deal of change has taken place in Cornwall’s countryside. Happily, in conservation terms Cornwall remains one of the richest and most diverse counties in Britain and, through its work since 1962, Cornwall Wildlife Trust has worked, and will continue to work to ensure that this status is maintained.

General Manager of Heligan Woods, Graham Brown, said: "We’re delighted to welcome the Cornwall Wildlife Trust as Heligan Woods' new charity business partner. The organisation carries out vital work protect Cornwall's wildlife and wild places and we look forward to supporting their activities through fundraising and awareness events.”

For more information visit http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/

By Pentewan Sands on the March 10th, 2016 in Caravan, Cornwall, Holidays

NEW for 2016 we’re pleased to offer wheelchair friendly accommodation with our new holiday home. With wide-access, low threshold doors, full wet room, portable helper frame and wide single beds, this home is designed specifically to provide wheelchair users and their families with a safe, easy access, relaxing holiday. 

For more information, please visit our Wheelchair Friendly page. 

By Pentewan Sands on the October 14th, 2015 in

October Half Term in Cornwall

We're pleased to announce that we’ve put everything into October Half Term this year and as such, we've added even MORE fun, games and entertainment to make our October Half Term Gala Week Entertainment Schedule even BIGGER and BETTER than before!

You can view our family activity and entertainment schedule on our October Half Term pages and with everything from Spangles the Clown to Fireworks and a Halloween Spooktacular there really is nowhere better to be this Half Term.

If you’re venturing out during your stay, we’re pleased to recommend two excellent Halloween events in the area:

HALLOWEDEN

Dare to be scared at Halloween at the Eden Project this October Half Term. Go on a mystical journey through the Biomes and create a special magic potion to protect and ward off the spooks.

Other highlights include: Meet some amazing owls, get your face painted, visit the Wishcraft Tent, view amazing pumpkin creations, watch a spooky shadow puppet play of Hansel and Gretel and travel through the tunnel of terrors. 

Key info

Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2015

Find out more > http://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/halloweden-october-half-term-cornwall

HELIGAN HALLOWEEN

This October Half Term, Heligan’s magical and mysterious woods will play host to a spooky Halloween Trail. Brave adventurers are challenged to creep along the lost trail to uncover the spooky goings on – will you receive a fright or delight?

Other highlights include:

Discover the Halloween Yurt where you can gather around the fire to enjoy enchanted tales, spooky art activities in the craft tent, create your very own willow wand, draw ghosts and creepy spiders using chalk and Heligan charcoal as well as the opportunity to make a herbal dream pillow – to scare away the spooks! You’ll also be able to marvel at the wonderful display of Heligan grown pumpkins and step inside the pumpkin booth to peek out and be part of our pile of pumpkins!

Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November

Find out more > http://heligan.com/events/heligan-events/heligan-halloween2015/

It's not too late to join us for October Half Term!

By Pentewan Sands on the April 01st, 2015 in

1 April 2015

HUBBOX at Driftwood Beach Bar is Now Officially Open 

Located on the beach here at Pentewan Sands, the venue offers laid-back beach style with the HUBBOX's signature interior design. 

Jonny Findley, HUBBOX operations manager, said: “HUBBOX at Driftwood Beach Bar will be serving our trusted line-up of award-winning burgers and hot dogs as well as added breakfast options like American malted waffles and traditional Cornish breakfasts with our own little twists.”

HUBBOX was recently named one of the top 100 eateries in the country by a leading national magazine, and has become one of the South West’s leading casual dining venues.

The new restaurant at Pentewan Sands is designed to be a very relaxed and casual eaterie, with the chain’s well-established winning menu available all day.

Linden Reynolds, Pentewan Sands food and beverage manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with HUBBOX on this new venture and look forward to bringing the legendary taste of HUBBOX to the beach at Pentewan.

“Pentewan Sands Holiday Park is a popular, privately owned holiday park located on its own private beach just outside St Austell and we’ve been welcoming customers from Cornwall and further afield for many years. The site is already popular with local residents who use the family facilities and swimming pool at The Seahorse and we look forward to welcoming our current customers, as well as many new faces, to the new HUBBOX at Driftwood Beach Bar.”

We popped down to check it out... 

     ​

Click here to view a menu (opens in new window). 

By Pentewan Sands on the March 31st, 2015 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Entertainment, Events

Kneehigh Theatre brings Michael Morpurgo’s story of the D-Day training operations to The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall this summer

Showing 25 July to 23 August 2015

This summer Kneehigh’s world-renowned Asylum theatre space will return for a fifth season to Cornwall’s The Lost Gardens of Heligan with 946. This is an exciting new production that tells the little known story of the rehearsal of the D-Day landings, and of the 946 people who were killed during Operation Tiger at Slapton Sands in Devon in 1944.

946 is a collaboration between Kneehigh joint Artistic Director, Emma Rice, and Michael Morpurgo adapted by them both from Morpurgo’s book The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips. 

946 explodes everything we thought we knew about the D-Day landings. With the kind of storytelling sorcery Kneehigh is famous for, 946 uses music, puppetry and Kneehigh’s unique brand of craziness to tell this tale of war, prejudice and love. At once, tender, political and romantic, this production speaks to all ages, revealing the secrets the US and British government tried to keep quiet.

Emma Rice and Michael Morpurgo workshopped the production of 946 with a team of performers at the theatre company’s famous barns on the cliff tops at Gorran Haven near St Austell. This is the first time that the War Horse author has co-adapted one of his own books for stage, and Morpurgo says of the experience, “There is no theatre company that tells stories more imaginatively, more unexpectedly than Kneehigh. 946 is a story that emerges not just from the legends and the rocks and the landscape, but is based on historical events that took place in and around Slapton as the Americans trained for the landings in France a year later. I have witnessed first-hand the way Kneehigh weaves a tale and makes it live on stage for us. For my story to play a part in this is simply a joy.”

Emma Rice says of 946, “It’s about English village life, the beauty of it, the danger of it and the capacity for it to change. The other thing I love about this is that my mum gave this story to me and said it was something she longed to see Kneehigh do.”

946 is directed by Emma Rice, with a cast including Mike Shepherd, Craig Johnson, Giles King, Patrycja Kujawska and Katy Owen, composition by Stu Barker, design by Lez Brotherston and lighting by Malcolm Rippeth.

Kneehigh has enjoyed huge critical success in recent years with UK and international tours of Tristan & Yseult, Brief Encounter, Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs), and are currently touring a version of Rebecca which is being produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers.

946 will be staged in the Asylum, Kneehigh’s award-winning, purpose-built tent and nomadic theatre space, described by the The Guardian as, ‘a place predisposed to magic’. In Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of Heligan for the fifth year, the Asylum seasons are a chance for people of all ages to enjoy theatre at its most spellbinding and charismatic. 

-- ENDS --

Notes for Editors

Contact:

Philippa Perry m: 07774 264826, e: [email protected]  or
Dann Carroll at Kneehigh e: [email protected]  tel: 01872 267910

•Booking, Performance Schedule and Prices

Tickets on General Sale from 26 February 2015, priority booking opens on 19 February 2015

All performances take place in the Asylum Tent, The Lost Gardens of Heligan,

Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EN.

25 July – 23 August 2015

Tuesday – Saturday Evenings, 7.45pm

Friday & Sunday Matinees, 3pm

Online booking: www.hallforcornwall.co.uk and search ‘Kneehigh Asylum’

Phone: 01872 262466

Hall for Cornwall Box Office (Lines open 10am – 5pm, Monday –Saturday. Phone booking closes 3pm on the day of each performance).

In person: Pop into the Hall for Cornwall Box Office on Lemon Quay in Truro

(9.30am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday).

A £1.50 handling charge will be added to each transaction.

Prices

                                                Show Ticket                  Show and Garden entry

Earlybird Adult                          £19                                £25

Earlybird Family                        £58                               £74

Adult                                        £24                               £30

U26s &

Concessions**                          £14                               £18

Over 65s                                   £22                               £28

Family                                      £62                               £92

*Earlybird tickets are available for performances from 25 July – 9 August only and bookable until 19 April 2015 inclusive.

** NUS, JSA, ESA & PIP. Proof of eligibility is required.

Pay What You Like performance on

Sunday 26 July, 3pm

Reserve your place online at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

BSL performance on 19 August, 7.45pm.

• Kneehigh

Kneehigh are a UK based theatre company with a local, national and international profile. For over 30 years they have created vigorous, popular and challenging theatre and perform with the joyful anarchy that audiences have come to expect from this ground-breaking company. Kneehigh tell stories. Based in Cornwall in breath-taking barns on the south coast they create theatre of humanity on an epic and tiny scale. Kneehigh work with an ever-changing ensemble of performers, artists, technicians, administrators, makers and musicians and are passionate about their multi-disciplined creative process.

www.kneehigh.co.uk

• The Asylum

In 2010 Kneehigh launched The Asylum, a beautiful and flexible nomadic structure, which means they now have a venue to call home as well as being one of the leading touring theatre companies in the UK. The Asylum returns to Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of Heligan in 2015 for its fifth season.

Visitors to Kneehigh Asylum 946 will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the gardens and have supper at the Heligan Restaurant, with produce from the garden and estate. Inside the Asylum tent there will be a fully licensed bar and hot drinks and cakes – open before and after the show and at the interval.

946 is presented in association with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre and is based on The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo, published by Harper Collins Children’s Books.

By Pentewan Sands on the March 17th, 2015 in

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park are really pleased to confirm that they will be partnering with HUBBOX to serve their trusted line-up of award-winning burgers and hot dogs from the laid-back Driftwood Beach Bar. 

The HUBBOX will be introducing some of their signature interior design and serving breakfast options as well. 

HUBBOX was named as one of the top 100 eateries in the industry by Casual Dining magazine described as and crowned overall winner of the National Burger Award. 

The HUBBOX at Driftwood Beach Bar will be open from 1 April 2015. 

More information coming soon... 

Here's what other people say about HUBBOX:

—

“One of the coolest restaurant interiors around the world.” 

Guardian

“Top ten places to eat out in Cornwall this summer”

Huffington Post

“An industrial, ‘American dirty diner’ with an upcycled look and feel.”

Let’s go out again, Gestalten

By Pentewan Sands on the March 17th, 2015 in

What's on in Cornwall this Easter! 

There are lots of family events taking place in Cornwall this Easter and we’ve handpicked some of our favourites to help you make your stay even more enjoyable.

From eggs-ploring to eggs-citing activities for all ages, we’re looking forward to a cracking great time this Easter!
                                                                                  

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell

Become an Eggs-plorer at Heligan

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 2 miles

Saturday 28th March – Sunday 12th April 2015. Become an eggs-plorer as you search for the special Heligan eggs around the Heligan Estate. What does a swallow egg look like? Where do woodpeckers like to create their nests? Discover the size of an emu egg! At the end of the egg hunt, you’ll be rewarded with a yummy Easter treat! There are also special Easter craft and arts workshops which will be held in the Egg HQ yurt! Make your own bunny headdress and hop on over to the egg decorating station and create an eggy masterpiece.

www.heligan.com
 

KidzWorld Cornwall 

EGG-citing children’s activities await

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 6 miles

Sunday, 5th April 2015 2:00pm to 4:00pm, Bring your kids to an EGGS-clusive fun-filled day that will challenge their navigational skills as they set out to find their Easter Eggs lost in the ground of KIDZWORLD. EGG-citing activities and prizes awaits you. Prize for the Best Bunny Costume too! Come on join the fun in KIDZWORLD Cornwall.

http://www.kidzworldcornwall.co.uk
 

The Eden Project, Bodelva

The Great Eden Egg Hunt

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 8 miles

Saturday 28th March – Sunday 12th April 2015. Travel the world without leaving the country, as you follow clever clues and find awesome eggs and amazing tales in the Rainforest, Mediterranean and the great outdoors.

www.edenproject.com
 

Newquay Zoo, Newquay

Spend Easter at the Zoo

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 19 miles

Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April 2015. Hunt for eggs around the Zoo whilst collecting clues, report to Easter bunny HQ to hand in your collection where you will be rewarded with a special present.

www.newquayzoo.org.uk
 

Caerhays Castle and Gardens

Easter Weekend Treasure Trail

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 8 miles

Why not celebrate Easter at Caerhays Castle and Gardens this year? Children and adults alike can enjoy exploring the beautiful gardens which are filled with the finest magnolias, camellias and springtime blooms, and join in the garden Easter Trail taking place on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday.

www.caerhays.co.uk
 

Dairyland, Newquay

The Famous DairyLand Easter Egg Hunt

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 14 miles

Friday 3rd – Monday 6th April 2015

Join Boris and Dazy in a search for hidden chocolate treats – plus, take time to explore DairyLand as a family to find the hidden chicks!

www.dairylandfarmworld.com
 

Cornwall's Crealy, Wadebridge

Chocolate Treats at Crealy

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 21 miles

Friday 3rd April – Monday 6th April 2015

Do you dare to ride The Beast, venture on the back of Cornwall’s favourite Sea Dragon, Morgawr, get close to the crocodiles in Croc Corner Reptile House, or explore the magical Swampy and Dina Land? With thrill rides, hundreds of animals and acres of outdoor play, imaginations can run wild at Crealy! Plus, they are offering a free Easter egg to every child from the 3rd – 6th of April.

www.crealy.co.uk
 

Flambards, Helston

Learn to fly at Flambards

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 34.9 miles

From Saturday 28th March 2015

A spectacular new ride, which is one of the largest and fastest of its kind in Europe, is set to be unveiled at Flambards Theme Park this Easter. Experience the feeling of flying through the air after being lifted more than 13 metres in to the air on swinging chairs suspended from the top of the carousel!

www.flambards.co.uk

Land’s End Landmark

Easter Wonderland at Land’s End

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 53 miles

Monday 30th March – Sunday 12th April 2015

Jump down the rabbit hole and into the Easter wonderland for some literary nonsense and entertainment from beyond the looking glass.

www.landsend-landmark.co.uk

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

Hammer Time at the NMMC

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 28 miles

Friday 3rd April – Monday 6th April 2015

Why have a chocolate egg when you can cast your own chocolate Thor’s hammer over the Easter weekend at the NMMC?

www.nmmc.co.uk

Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen

Crafts Galore at Geevor

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 52 miles

Sunday 5th April 2015

Geevor Tin Mine has lots of eggciting surprises in store for you this Easter! The `EGG´STRAVAGANZA starts on Easter Sunday with a trail, crafts, face painting and panning for gems.

www.geevor.com

Trebah Gardens

Eggs with Legs Trail

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 30 miles

Saturday 28th March – Thursday 30th April 2015

As the Garden comes to life after its winter rest so too have some mysterious eggs. Since being found on the island of Mallard Pond, the Trebah eggs have started to warm up in the spring sunshine and have sprouted legs. They have been spotted running amok in the garden and have hidden themselves in various locations. Follow the trail counting the number of eggs hiding in each location to win a chocolate prize. Trails cost £2 to include a chocolate egg prize, normal entry applies.

www.trebahgarden.co.uk

Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin

Peppa Pig Appearances PLUS Easter Eggs

Sunday 5th April – Monday 6th April 2015

Everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggy is coming to the railway. Peppa Pig will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day. PLUS children can participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt and there will be face painting & balloon modelling!

www.bodminrailway.co.uk

The Monkey Sanctuary, Looe

Hang Out at The Monkey Sanctuary

Distance from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park 30 miles

Sunday 5th – Monday 6th April 2015

Hang out with the monkeys Easter Sunday and Monday, 5th and 6th April, when there will be lots of fun things to do for all of the family. Join in with the Easter Egg Hunt at 12 noon and find Murray the Monkey for the secret password to win a prize.

www.monkeysanctuary.org