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A couple of years ago we had an incredible family holiday in Crantock, just outside of Newquay, at a place called Trevella Park. It was a special holiday for all sorts of reasons, not least because our hypermobile two year old had only recently started to walk. Watching her tottering around on the beach, running towards the sea, is a moment I’ll never forget.
Two years on and we’re returning to Trevella. Last time we stayed in a safari tent. This time I’ll be coming up for eight months pregnant, so as much as I loved the safari tent, I’d rather be near my very own toilet for those frequent nightly toilet trips. We’re staying in a luxury holiday home which has a loo, proper bedrooms and a kitchen and living area. I’m a fan of camping, but the comfort of a static caravan rather appeals to my pregnant side.
So why am I asking for your help?
Well this holiday is going to be a bit of a milestone one. It’s our last holiday as a three, before we begin life as a four.
The thing I loved about Trevella when we last went there was the laid back atmosphere. It’s not the type of place where you’ll find children’s entertainers hyped up on Pro Plus. There are no kiddy discos or loud bars. Instead, it’s about enjoying free range fun, making the most of the beautiful beach, the stunning scenery and the incredible nature right on the doorstep (or tent step).
We’re going to be using the newly launched App for Cornwall during our stay, which offers suggestions of activities and events across the region, but I also need some other pointers.
I know Cornwall pretty well – I lived there for a year when I did my journalism training. But there are so many different (totally free) things to do and places to see that I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what the county has to offer.
We’ve narrowed down a potential list of (free!) things to do, but I’d like your help in prioritising them. The two activities that get the most votes will be on our “Definitely Doing List”. These are some of our favourites from the suggestions on the Trevella website:
- View a Cornish sunrise from the South West coastal path.
- Have a barbecue on the beach at Crantock.
- Take a kayak tour of the Gannel Estuary.
- Go crabbing.
- Go for a night time bug hunt.
- Go on a Ranger Trail.
As well as these activities, we’re keen to visit one of the following places too. But which one should we opt for?
- Crealy Adventure Park.
- Flambards.
- Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Last time we went to Cornwall we visited the Eden Project, which was amazing, so we’ll almost definitely go back there too. Plus we went to Lappa Valley back on our 2012 visit, as well as the Blue Reef Aquarium, which I know Frog will love even more now she’s that bit older. But we don’t want to spend the whole week rushing from place to place, so we need to pick just two or three to do. I just can’t decide which ones!
So, what would YOU do? Where would you go? Which of the activities and places on our “Possibles List” need to move to our “Definitely Doing List”?
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Big thank you to Trevella Park for inviting us back to review the site again this year. Can’t wait!
How exciting! We had our last holiday as a family of 3 in March and that was in Cornwall! We’re planning our first family of 4 holiday in Nov to Cornwall too! I highly suggest a visit to Mr Bs ice cream parlour in Hayle is a must – the one near the train station is perfect; eat inside if the weather isn’t great or sit on the benches over the road for great views of the estuary!
Oh I love Hayle but never been to Mr Bs – definitely adding to the list! Thank you. Cornwall is beautiful isn’t it? I love it. x
Sounds like you’re going to have a fantastic time! I live in Pentire, Newquay, just the other side of Crantock, definitely by favourite beach in the area.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are an absolute must! Trelissick gardens near Falmouth are also really lovely – you can Kayak right up to the private beach and kill two birds with one stone.
Have an amazing time.
Oh I know Trelissick gardens quite well – they’re lovely. Never been to Lost Gardens of Heligan, so we’ll have to make trip there, definitely.
We’ve just confirmed the Ranger activities for the summer Molly and there will be fishing for beginners, crabbing on Crantock Beach, nature walks, pond dipping, bat walks and big bug hotel building. Hopefully some of these will make your list!
They definitely will – although I’m not so sure about the bat walks *shudder*!
Hiya Molly,
For the past 9 years myself and my family and friends have visited Trevella camping in our own tents. For the most fantastic two week out of our year. We are now on count down getting ready for our two weeks of our summer hoilday.
The place in which you are going we tend to alternative flammbars and cearly we love it all. We also love to spend a day at padstow crabbing taking boat ride speed boat rides face painting and going to rick steins for food.
For none beech days we go to Holywell theme park which is free to go in and then you put points on a card which pay for rides. Good half day out for all the family.
Our favourite beech is parrenporth we love this village we get there early go around to the green parrot pub for brekky which is very reasonable priced. Which sets us all up for the day on the beech. Also there is a large mixed age group of us from 64 down to 1 and there is about 20 of us all little family’s. When you’ve had enough on the beach you can have a wonder around the shops.
For the best bits at night with the big children (men) go fishing on the two well stocked ponds and the ladies sit around camp chilling watching the children play and maybe enjoy a bottle of vino. X
No place like Trevella or Cornwall we live it x8weeks on Friday we will be there x
Oh there are some BRILLIANT suggestions there – thank you! Gosh it’s going to be tricky deciding on what to do. Definitely want to get some crabbing in. F has never been crabbing properly before and I think she’ll love it.
bit late to this one, but personally would steer clear of Flambards and Crealy, why go to such a beautiful place just to visit a crazy busy theme park type place?
Fish and chips next to the sea has to be on your list surely? I’d also add rock pooling as an essential activity.
You’re right – I’m not keen on crazy busy theme parks at the best of times, which is probably why we’ve never been! However, rock-pooling and fish and chips are right up my street…