Weekend in Cornwall

Mike Clements headed down to the VW Mecca that is Cornwall. This is what he and his clan got up whilst they were there.

With a half-term weekend ahead, we decided to head off to the fabled ‘Mecca’ of the VW Camper – Cornwall.  Given the time of year and destination, the weather was not to be depended on, so plans were put in place for some non-beach entertainment. From our Gloucester home, we had a little over 200 miles to travel and, by avoiding the commuter traffic around Bristol, managed this in four hours.  We initially plumped for a site on the outskirts of Truro, simply as it suited our first destination and that was Padstow.

Fish and chips

We had a mooch around Padstow harbour, the craft shops and some of Rick Stein’s superb fish and chips and were quite the envy of those sheltering from the rain as we ate ours in the comfort of our Camper on the side of the harbour. We then drove past Truro to our campsite at Carnon Downs (www.carnon-downs-caravanpark.co.uk).  The site provided all the amenities we required, but isn’t immediately coastal, so may not suit everyone.

After a breakfast of sausage sandwiches, we headed for the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek – an interesting place for rescued and injured sea life and we spent a great morning there. From there, we set off to the Lizard Peninsula and pulled on our anoraks for a tea stop at the Royal Naval Air Station at Culdrose, before continuing onwards to Kynance Cove, a beautiful hidden cove on National Trust land that is only accessible on foot via a long descent. It is well worth the effort though, and provides great rock pool investigating opportunities. From there, we headed back via Newquay and the surf landmark of Fistral Beach, though rather than drinking coldies in boardies we had hot chocolates in warm coats!

We then headed to the Innis Inn (01726 851162). It’s only a mile from the Eden project. The site is basic and has prices to match at £12 per night!

It has its own pub restaurant and you can try some fly-fishing. Whilst we were there we were the only residents but that suited us fine. We enjoyed the tranquillity of the rural surroundings and will certainly be returning later in the year.

Where we stayed

Carnon Downs Caravan Park
Carnon Downs
Truro, Cornwall
TR3 6JJ

Tel. 01872 862283

How much?
Carnon Downs campsite £25 per night per adult (electrical hook-ups included) Children £3 per night, dogs free.
Miles covered: 400
Fuel cost: £120
Total spend: £157

Must see
Eden Project (edenproject.com)
Padstow
The National Seal sanctuary

Rainy day options
Innis Inn (01726 851162)
Gnome World  (gnome-world.co.uk)
Fly-fishing at the Innis Inn campsite

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