Most of us only need to hear the word Cornwall and our mind’s eye immediately fills up with images of gorgeous sandy beaches, fresh air, sunshine and a delicious Cornish pasty and an ice cream for lunch! When you come to stay in the county on holiday, you’ll realise all those things are true, but there’s so much more to see and do. If you fancy getting some of that bracing air and connecting with nature during a family trip to Cornwall, consider booking with one of these family friendly campsites — all come highly recommended by holiday makers.
Treen Farm Campsite, Penzance
It doesn’t get more south than Treen Farm, located just three miles from Land’s End! If you’re looking for the complete coastal experience, Treen Farm could be the campsite for you; it’s just a short walk or drive from some of South Cornwall’s best beaches. There’s surfing options at Whitesands Bay and Sennen, while the isolated sands of Pedn Vounder are not far away either. The South West Coast Path is a stone’s throw from the site, which sits in a field back from the cliff top but with spectacular views.
https://www.treenfarmcampsite.com
The Copper Pot Campsite, Callington
Want to keep your holiday eco-friendly as well as family friendly? The Copper Pot has been purposefully set up to be as low impact as possible. If you arrive to nearby Gunnislake by train, transport will be arranged to pick you up! Once at the campsite, which is located in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can hit the local walking trails or hire their bikes to get in the saddle and explore. Rental tents are set up before you arrive, all off grid with LED lighting; they’re a short stroll from a bathroom with compost toilets and hot showers.
https://www.thecopperpotcampsite.co.uk
Trewan Hall, St Columb Major
We think that this is the only campsite in the county set around a 17th century mansion! Nestled between Padstow and Newquay, the gardens at this 36-acre site are lush, as are the facilities; a 25-metre heated pool, a woodland playground, games areas and entertainment like concerts and live shows in their Long Barn in the summer season. The site is well placed if you fancy seeing some of the communities on Cornwall’s northern coast, with Rick Stein restaurants in Padstow and arcades, beaches and more in Padstow.
Cosawes Park, Truro
If you’re after simplicity, tranquility and wildlife, you’ll find it tough to beat Cosawes Park, hidden in a valley between Truro and Falmouth. This park is top of the list for those wanting top-notch facilities without the loud bells and whistles; the campsite banks on its gorgeous countryside and resident otter, owls, badgers, buzzard, woodpeckers and deer to win you over.
Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Bude
Wooda Farm offers a bit of everything; the family running the park describe it as ‘in the countryside, by the sea’, which pretty much sums it up. There’s loads to do on site, with pitch and putt golf, a sports barn, outdoor activities like archery and a fishing lake; though if you want to go to the beach, you’re only a mile and a half away from Bude. Children will love meeting the pygmy goats, chickens and lambs that live on the farm, while you’ll all be able to burn off some energy wandering the nature trails or challenging each other in the games room. If your family includes a furry friend, there’s even a special shower just for dogs who have gotten a bit muddy in the site’s extensive dog walking area.
Tregarton Park, Mevagissey
This is one of the larger parks on our list, with an impressive 125 pitches, but don’t let that fool you; this holiday park is set on a 17th century farm in remote surroundings on an estate that dates back to the 1400s. The site retains rustic charm, with traditional Cornish hedges and its rolling hills, but the facilities are bang up to date with motion operated showers, excellent disabled access and Wifi across the entire site. The swimming pool will help keep the kids busy and the site’s shop and takeaway means you should never run out of food either! Plus, you’re only a short drive from The Eden Project, one of Cornwall’s top attractions.
Mena Farm, Bodmin
If you fancy steering away from the crowds at the coast and fancy peace and quiet with your family, pitch up at Mena Farm. You could spend days on site rambling, building dens or with the farm’s animals, while at night the lack of light pollution means you’ll get some sensational stargazing opportunities. If your family takes your bikes on holiday, there are cycle routes running from the site, while the family-friendly Camel Trail is just five miles away at Bodmin. The Eden Project is not far away either, plus the site has a play area and games barn, a mini market full of essentials and a fish and chips delivery service!
Tehidy Holiday Park, Redruth
The trophy cabinet at Tehidy must be creaking under its own weight; in 2013 it was named best family campsite in the UK, won best small site in the UK the year before and since then has consistently been named among the best in the region. Just minutes from two stretches of heritage coast and golden sands, Tehidy is well placed for those wanting some sun, sea and surf. The site is minutes from the Mineral Tramways cycle path, while the large and well-equipped play area will keep youngsters entertained on site.
Tencreek Holiday Park, Looe
This lively park has a buzz about it all year round; a kid’s club, heated indoor pool, adventure playground and sports pitch will help to tire your children out, while the entertainment complex has bowling, darts, a cabaret room, bar and diner. Fancy eating in your tent or caravan? The fully-stocked food shop or café and takeaway will keep you well fed, plus the park is only a five minute drive from the coast at Looe.
https://www.dolphinholidays.co.uk
Ayr Holiday Park, St Ives
Around half a mile’s walk away from this picturesque park is the traditional fishing town of St Ives, now renowned for its focus on art. The park itself has wonderful coastal views overlooking Portmeor Beach and the gorgeous Godrevy Lighthouse. The facilities on site are top notch, with play area and games room, a wet room for wetsuits and plenty of hot water to warm up after a day in the sea.
