Posted on June 11, 2016
by Lynn
We have had a super couple of weeks of very warm and sunny weather, and with lovely warm evenings too.
Our guests have certainly been making the most of the fabulous weather, and getting out and on, and in the water. A number of our guests have taken up my recommendation of kayaking down the Fowey Estuary, and have thoroughly enjoyed this. Kingfishers and all sorts of wildlife have been spotted, and the less experienced guests have not found it too difficult. Have a look at Fowey River Hire for more information.
The sea must also have warmed up since we opened, and our Wild Swimmers had their first swim camp. There has been lots of sea dipping, and swimming both by dogs and humans. Our most popular coves for swimming seem to be Caerhays, Gorran Haven and Duporth.
Also out on the water Mackerel fishing trips are also very popular already, and we have smelt them cooking on the BBQ, so campers are being very lucky and getting a good catch.
John and I find every week to be a completely different week on the campsite, with a new group of campers. Our guests always seem to be a friendly bunch, and this is probably one of the most commented upon points about our campsite. With our pop ups, and our lovely sunny seated deck, guests love to share their experiences and enjoy a cocktail and fire pit together! There has been some impromptu (always the best), singing and guitar playing, and even The Cornish Maid gave us a lovely tune one evening.
The green stripy deckchairs are becoming the most used “communal” deckchairs out, being used for breakfast, pre-dinner beer and cocktails, and even for devouring pizzas and fish and chips around the fire pit. I have even joined in with my outdoor office, when my little shed was just a tad on the warm side, and so Harv and I moved outdoors.
Now so far, based upon guests’ feedback, these are the most popular places so far this season:-
- Caerhays Beach – for swimming and sunbathing, with a gorgeous cafe for drinks, ice and lunch. This cover is also popular for parking up with your campervan, with a sea view on a showery day, ready to make a sharp exit and put the kettle on !
- Duporth beach (close to Charlestown) – in recent fab weather times, it is like being in paradise.
- Knightor Winery – for wine tours, and lunch outside in the lovely terraced courtyard.
- Kayaking – for novices, the most popular is a trip down the Fowey Estuary to Golant with Fowey River Hire. Our more experienced kayakers, like Porthpean and have been seal spotting from here, and Pentewan and Polkerris are also popular.
- All our pop ups are going down a treat so far this season as already mentioned. Our campers feel very lucky to be able to sample one of top ten pizzas in the Country (as featured in The Times).
- Homemade (not by me) dog bandanas and bunting. Ours campers love getting in the spirit of things. In one day, I sold 13 bandanas, and so The Meadows must have the best dressed dogs in Cornwall.
- For food, our guests are loving The Hub Box, Sams on the Beach, The Kingswood Restaurant, and The Polgooth when there isn’t any food on offer at the Campsite.
- Heligan Gardens and Trewithen Gardens are looking fabulous at the moment as reported by our guests. The majority of our guests are enjoying walking up to Heligan and the £3.50 pp discount for doing so is getting them up the hill.
- As always the Mevagissey to Fowey has been on a lot of our guests must do things, and the welcome cooler air out at sea has gone down a treat.
- Walking – we have a new favourite. Our guests are all enjoying a circular walk from Mevaggisey to Gorran Haven SWCP, and then back via footpaths taking in a lovely wooded valley bringing you back out at Portmellon. If you want to do this walk, just ask us the way. Of course the Mevagissey circular walk remains as popular as ever, picking up Lobbs Farm Treats, and fish from Mevagissey harbour on route.
- Even during the heatwave, our fire pits have been very popular. Some days, delivery has required the use of the tractor and trailer with all fire pits, bbq and wood deliveries as the legs and wheelbarrow did just not cut it.
NEWS from Camp Dog Harvey – If I was on commission for bandana sales, I would be holidaying in Barbados this winter! Am always happy to pass my opinion on colour and style, and whether it makes your bum look big ;). I am counting down the days at the moment to my high season haircut, as I am starting to resemble a woolly sheep.
One of our regular guests arrived this week, with a new sign for me, and it is nice to see how seriously my role here is taken.
Arriving with us this week? – Falmouth is the place to visit. Between 17-19 June there is the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, and the Falmouth Classics Regatta. Our pop ups will all be popping up too!
BOOKINGS – we are at present pretty full for both hook ups and “proper camping” from now really well in to August. For late availability, you are best to give us a call to see what we can do. Our booking system is a flexible one, so we have people coming and going every day, which means we do have the odd gaps here and there, and cancellations do come about.
For those who don’t know, we are a smallish adult only campsite in South Cornwall, close to Pentewan and Mevagissey. We are a good campsite for walkers and cyclists and those who want to enjoy the gardens of Heligan and Eden. We are campfire and dog friendly, and we have visiting pop ups throughout the season.
Lynn x
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Posted on May 26, 2016
by Lynn
After you have ensured that you are not booking in to anything other than an “adults only campsite”, (we are dog friendly too) it is time to check out the best of what is on offer for grown ups.
I have done lots of posts about walking (which I love), food (which I also love), and so for some other ideas if you are visiting soon:-
- Last year quite a number of our guests ventured out with Fowey River Hire this was for the guided canoe expeditions, and also hiring kayaks out. The feedback was excellent and indeed guests have even told us that they enjoyed it so much they have bought their own kayaks for this year. This years dates and times are out with regular expeditions and for more information prior to arriving check out their website. The Fowey Estuary really is a great place to try out kayaking and is not only beautiful, but the waters are far calmer than out on the open sea. If it is a guided tour, then my understanding is that there is usually a stop off at the pub in the pretty Golant village.
- Our guests seem to be a fit bunch, and so I am sure some of you would be up for cycling along the trail and country lanes to visit a few of the local vineyards. In one direction, there is Polmassick Vineyard and also very close by Bosue Vineyard. Both do tasting and tours, and at Polmassick cream teas are also available. A good cycle ride, but well worth it in another direction you will find Knightor Winery. As well as tasting and tours, Knightor has a lovely cafe & restaurant open in the daytime and evenings, and they host also feast nights which make for a great night out. Need a bike then contact Stuart at Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire
- Campers who venture out to Falmouth always seem to have a good day out, and Falmouth is one our favourite Cornish towns. There are lots of little independent shops, a huge choice of restaurants, and lots of little ferry crossings to the likes of St Mawes, Flushing and other boaty places. Head out there 17-19 June and you will see the Falmouth Classics Regatta. A little bit later in June 27 June-2 July it is the Pendennis Cup. Whilst out that way, it would be a good time to take a little diversion and head off to The Pandora Inn at Restronguet. This was last year voted the best pub in Cornwall and you will not be disappointed.
- My idea of a great car free day out would be an early start and catch the first ferry over to Fowey. On landing in Fowey, I would head off to Pinky Murphys for coffee. After a mooch around Fowey, I would walk round on the SWCP to Polkerris and feast outside at Sams on the Beach with a bowl of gorgeous Fowey River Mussels. Depending if time was in my favour, it would be the bus or ferry back. If time was in my favour I would walk back from Mevagissey via Lobbs Farm Shop and pick up some goodies for supper.
Not forgetting for the beer/cider lovers out there St Austell Brewery Tour, Skinners Brewery Tour, and Healeys Cider Farm. Well, I say tour, but of course it is tour and sample, as the two go hand in hand. If heading to Skinners you can catch the bus or train to Truro then nobody has to drive. St Austell Brewery is just up the road, but again on the bus route.
Food
I don’t think I can write a post without including food!!
For the foodies out there, our regular wood fired pizza and fish & chips start in June, and also breakfasts. Also on in June locally are
18-25 June 2106 St Austell Feast Week
21-22 June Fowey Mussel Fest
News from Camp Dog Harvey (aka HRH)
For all you handbag dogs out there I have passed on the bandana feedback and hopefully a selection of smaller ones will arrive in time for Summer. Great for the forthcoming heatwave as you can wet it and keep cool, in more ways than one.
What I have learnt this week from under the desk! New answer for “can you walk to the Eden Project from here” – technically, yes you can, and around it and back as someone did from here the other day. I was well impressed but now in my more mature years, I won’t be following suit ;).
Bookings – our diary is a very busy one, with only the odd gaps here and there, and a couple of cancellations available. This is except at the moment for “proper camping” between 3-10 June. There must be something really, really exciting going on elsewhere in the Country. However, if you are a spur of the moment camper, why not take up this opportunity of lots of space and book. This could of course all change very quickly if the anticipated 90 day heatwave transpires.
The Meadows Campsite is an adult only (and dog friendly) campsite/caravan site in South Cornwall, close to Heligan, Eden, Mevagissey and Charlestown. We love campfires, bunting, all things quirky and people from all walks of life.
To book call 01726 844383, or complete the contact form and you will get a swift response.
Posted in:
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heligan gardens,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Posted on May 3, 2016
by Lynn
Well, in our year one I think we had about 6 units on the campsite for the first bank holiday, and one of those was Martin Dorey with his Reporter hat on. That meant we very slowly eased our way in to the season, which was good really as we were complete novices.
This year was a completely different story and we had almost a full campsite. That made for a fantastic weekend, as with some great sunshine, as well as a frost, and with foodie/drinkie delights all was good. Being rather nesh myself, I was very impressed with the number of “proper campers” for our first weekend, especially those who woke to frozen tents. Hardy, there were as after waking to a frost, about an hour later about 30 of them were swimming in the sea in costumes NO WETSUITS !! A shout out to Pauline Barker the organiser of the wild swimming camp and what a lovely group they were. They had fire pit every night, a swim every day, and after there swim there was lots of ooh aaahing coming from the shower block at the delight of our lovely hot showers.
A lot of our campers travelled lightly for the weekend bringing, lots of layers of clothes and not leaving much too for room. Our wild swimming group, and also the rest of our guests on the campsite, were very pleased to make full advantage of the food offerings on site this weekend. These were courtesy of Kerno Fornow cooking up wood fired pizzas fresh to order, The Cornish Maid cooking up doorstep breakfast sandwiches, porridge and hot drinks and Lazy’s Travelling Bar, who did not have time to be Lazy !! I made the mistake of saying to The Cornish Maid “don’t think you will be busy so early in the season” to then watch a constant queue from her starting serving to the end of her service. Of course the brekkie had to get the swimmers from Porthpean to Charlestown & back!!
Saturday night with the pizzas and Lazy’s bar working in tandem, glorious sunshine and all our fire pits going, there was one of the best atmospheres I can remember. John & I always say that The Meadows attracts lovely like minded people from all walks of life, and some extremely cute dogs.
Despite, being a bit slow for everything natural (like grass, plants, trees etc), we did look lovely when we opened. We made up for the lack of natural colour with extra bunting and fairy lights.
It has been good walking weather, and our early guests have almost all enjoyed the Mevagissey circular walk with a stop of at The Ship (why not)!
This means next bank holiday has a lot to live up to, as the benchmark has been set high. I am working on the next one to see what I can pull out of the bag with the support of our local lovelies.
Bookings – we have very little left for high season if electricity is a must, and “proper camping” pitches are getting booked up for those we book out in advance. If you still have us in mind for your summer holiday then you can book by completing the contact form, or giving us a call. We do keep a few casual electric and “proper camping” pitches for those touring around, and those who like to book last minute.
For first time visitors, The Meadows Campsite, is an adult only quirky campsite, and we are dog friendly. We are good for camping and caravanning for Mevagissey, Heligan Gardens, and we are also close to Eden. For walkers and cyclists, we are situate directly on the Coast to Clay Trail and for walkers this links up to the SWCP. We love campfires, nature, bunting and anything on the quirky side. We also love showing our guests the food and drink delights of this local area.
Look forward to seeing all of those booked in with us soon. Next weekend is set to be another busy one, and the weather forecast is looking very good – not a frost in sight!
Lynn x
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Posted on April 25, 2016
by Lynn
Being the last in the valley to open our gates this season, it feels like a big build up for us, especially for those last few days.
It is a joy getting ready in the sunshine, with the grass all growing, the bluebells out and Camp Dog Harvey sunbathing on the deck.
This is just a short one really to let you know that we are ready for you all. Good job too, as this weekend looks to be a busy one. Our “proper camping” is just about full and we just have a few electric hook up pitches left for the weather watchers! 🙂
We open our gates at 12 noon on Thursday bang on the dot, bunting up or not. This is always the last job we do and it has become a bit of a ritual. We are still doing practical jobs and I can see a big pile of stone for road repairs which is tomorrow’s first job. However, I have recently managed to sneak quite a few beautifying jobs in for John and I with painting bird boxes, and making curtains for signs (don’t ask).
This weekend – we have on offer for you
Saturday – in the evening from 5.30pm we have wood fired pizzas, courtesy of Kernow Forno. I am using my extensive powers of charm and persuasion to get one of our two pop up bars to attend and fingers crossed. Kernowforno were recently featured in The Times Newspaper no less in an article about the best pizzas in the UK!
Update – Lazy’s Cider Bar will be in attendance on Saturday evening. That makes the winning combination of pizzas, cider & campfires.
Sunday – for bank holiday Sunday, there will be a breakfast trailer on the campsite. This is the first visit and I understand it will all be local produce and very tasty indeed.
Firepits – there is lots of wood at the ready, and some new fire pits as well as our existing ones.
All are the above I am sure will be very welcome to the Wild Swimming Camp here this weekend. Good on you guys!
Camp Dog Harvey is all ready for his duties and indeed every time the office door is open he is straight in there. Nothing like a keen worker. Harvey took pick yesterday of his new bandana as we had a large delivery of homemade bandanas and bunting. This year he has opted for the pirate theme, and so chief security by day, and pirate by night.
Bookings – everything is back to normal now follow our recent jolly. You can book either by completing the contact form, or giving us a call (landline number is best). In case you do not know, we are an adult only and dog friendly campsite close to Mevagissey, South Cornwall.
Happy Camping and keep everything crossed for lots of sunshine.
Lynn
PS – you never know what you might spot here on the campsite. This was a deer visiting the other day checking out our meadow.
Posted on March 23, 2016
by Lynn
Spring has most definitely Sprung, and we have put away our working waterproofs for the time being.
We are on countdown to opening now which is fast approaching, but we have everything in hand, or at least we think we have.
It looks like for our opening weekend, we will have a regular group of “wild swimmers” staying with us for a training weekend. If it is anything like last time it is wild swimming by day, and warming up around a fire pit by night.
The “girls” like their pink house
The outside jobs, of which there are lots, are underway and the painting has begun. We like being colourful and so we do this job every year to keep a nice fresh feel to the place. There are even more things to paint this year. Our grass which is of course extremely important is being well tended to and is far higher maintenance than I am!! It has had a hard winter, but with sunshine and showers on the forecast ahead, it will soon start greening back up, and growing.
The pressure washer has had his Spring outing and the deck is all smartened up, and oiled. We just now need new tablecloths, repotting of our table plants, and of course the awning.
We have been doing a bird watch whilst working outside. In one days we spotted great tits, blue tits, long tailed tit, chaffinch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Nuthatch and an Egret. There are also Moorhens nesting on the stream bank which is nice.
Cornish hedge and wood stacks
The biggest job of the winter was our Cornish hedge being built, and managing all of the conifer wood. The former took much longer than anticipated, but we are extremely pleased with the end result. Our entrance looks extremely smart, and with the conifers gone you can better views up the valley. That is it for this year with wood, but our stacks do look very attractive if we say so ourselves.
Bookings – we must be doing something right, as we get busier year on year. Already almost all of our hook ups are booked out from mid June until mid August, except for the odd few nights here and there. This has caught us by surprise. There is still quite a lot of room for “proper camping” (none electric), for both tents, camper vans and those caravanners with their solar panels on board. You can contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383.
We are a campsite close to Mevagissey and Pentewan, just for adults and very dog and campfire friendly. If you like walking, cycling, or just exploring then we are in an ideal location and just a mile from the South Coast.
News from Camp Dog – this is my favourite time of the year. Being a little on the nest side, I tend to stay indoors on work days until the weather is good enough for sun bathing on the deck. The last couple of weeks I have been outside and it has been lovely.
As it is staying lighter later, we have also been out after work down to Caerhays Beach, and also the lovely Vault beach. These are two of my favourite beaches. We also made it down on a Sunday morning to the Caerhays Beach Cafe. It is great there for sitting outside, and I hear there are some great evening events planned for the summer season with guest chefs, music, and comedy.
It is so lovely to see in the booking diary so many doggies booked in already, including a lot of Cavs. I am already booked in to the groomers, and I have one last stay at my “up country” health farm prior to opening.
Other Meadows News
Apologies if you got caught up with the blip in our “contact” enquiry system. This was a temporary blip of which we were unaware as it was selective with those it did not transmit.
Posh Pasties & Cider – just mentioning this again as we think this is a great new addition to what will be happening here this season.
Well we are counting down to opening, and we hope that those booked in already are counting down too. We know one of our guests has even got a holiday countdown app on the go!
Happy Easter
Lynn
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Posted on August 13, 2015
by Lynn
With only two pairs of hands, oh and four paws there is always a job to be done running a campsite. Whilst I have been quite good getting my camera out whilst out and about on the campsite, this has not followed through until today as a Blog post.
Well, before we knew it, August was here, and now we are almost half way through August too. Quite fairly, I suppose all our guests seem so far seem to be getting a mixed bag of weather. There has been lots of sunshine, a little bit of rain (well quite a lot on a couple of occasions), and some hot days, and some not so hot.
The very big up side of this summer’s weather is that it is great weather for “doing”. Our recent guests have certainly been doers, and have been out and about on land and sea. Kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding is extremely popular. We have had quite a few guests kayaking between the lovely Porthpean and Carlyon Bay. Of course Carlyon Bay has Sams on the Bay and now a fish bar too, so a great stop off place.
Walking – it has not been too hot for long walks, on a lot of days. A lot of guests are big walkers, and we agree that you see so much more on two legs. The current favourite walks are:-
1. Number 1 – the Mevagissey Circular Walk, heading there joining the trail at our gate, and then returning via the SWCP, and of course also via The Ship Inn, Pentewan and back up the River. A lovely day walk. This one I expect will always stay at number 1.
Number 2 – another great circular walk to the gorgeous Charlestown. Again this walks starts at our gate, joining the trail going in the other direction linking up to the Coast Path. The return leg is via footpaths from Porthpean, and then through the hamlet of Roseweek, and finally back down the river home. Another great, walk, but this is a workout walk as it involves a lot of climbs, but with great views and coves along the way.
Tip –take your swimmers and great spots for a dip are Hallane Beach, and Duporth Beach. Porthpean is a great stop off for a refreshing drink, and Charlestown for lunch.
Another tip – should you be flagging at Charlestown then you could hop on the bus and be dropped off just outside.
Chapel Point & Colana Beach
Number 3 – Starting off as walking 3, and then continuing on the SWCP to Gorran Haven, via Portmellon, Chapel Point (gorgeous) & Colana Beach. There is a circular route back via The Barley Sheaf, Gorran Church town through a lovely valley in to Portmellon, or you can catch the Gorran Bus back. to camp.
Number 4 – This can be car free, by either walking or busing to Mevagissey. Our guests have done a combination and a lot have borrowed one of our walking books for this walk. Catch the Ferry to Meva to Fowey Ferry, then hop on as a foot passenger to Boddinick and follow signs for the famous Hall Walk. Our walking books all add an extension on to the SWCP taking in Lantic Bay (gorgeous). The walk finishes at Polruan and The Luggar Inn is highly recommended for food, especially fish. Cross back over to Fowey on the Polruan ferry and then either bus, or ferry back to Mevagissey. Fabulous day walk, and fantastic views. Some of our guests got to see the huge Cruiser Liner in Fowey at the start of this month. There is never any shortage of boats to look at.
Other highly recommended “doing” days:-
1. Heligan Gardens, of course. At the moment it is great if you can get tickets and combine the gardens, with Kneehigh Theatre, with a pre-theatre Bar and BBQ. Bring a torch as you can walk there and back on the Trail. This show is getting extremely good reviews by all.
2. Kayaking on the Fowey Estuary to the gorgeous Golant. This is not as strenuous as kayaking on the open sea, but don’t be fooled!! All guests who have done this have loved it. We have the full programme of river expeditions in our office, and booking numbers, so go on you know you want to………….
Chris from Aquila. Actual pictures not being accepted at present!!!
3. Camp Daddy organised our first adult only Meadows eCampsite xcursion this month. This was an early evening and very successful mackerel fishing trip. The fishermen and fisherwomen thought positively as all BBQs were out on hire by pre-order that night. Thank you to Chris from Aquila as our guests thoroughly enjoyed the fishing and the fish supper. We had our fish in a red thai fish curry which was delicious.
4. Eden Project, and with the annual pass you can do it in two sessions. Tip – get there for opening time, and get out by lunchtime!
5. Regattas – we have already had Charlestown’s Regatta, and it is currently Falmouth Regatta Week, but there is still Fowey Regatta to be enjoyed.
Pictures – here are some taken over the past few weeks.
ooooops, I appear to have a picture uploading issue. At present new pictures are not being accepted, which is such a shame :(. Will speak to the technical department, and try again later.
Bunting update – a new bunting queen, and a very good one has been found. Laura came to stay with us and I particularly admired her homemade bunting, and home made windbreaks. We now have a good selection in our little shop, although it is selling fast. There is camping bunting, and campervan bunting, and nautical bunting, amongst others. The first batch sold out quicker than our Roskilly Salt Caramel Fudge, which is to the bunting Queen’s credit.
We love seeing all the bunting and other decorations including flags and fairy lights on the campsite. All the decorations and fires burning in the evenings make the campsite what it is. Our guests make a real effort, and all this enhances our campsite, so thank you for joining in!!
Foodie Events – our guests are all loving the food on offer here at The Meadows. Pizzas, fish and chips, and gourmet burgers are all well received. Anna’s cocktails are also very popular indeed, as well as the good Old Rosie Cider, which I steer well clear of with my early starts.
Of course, we also have some excellent eating places near by. The Polgooth Inn, and The Kingswood remain our guests favourites, and if you don’t mind a drive then Sams on the Beach and the Salamander (busable) are also extremely popular.
Bookings – if you are planning a late summer holiday, to tie in with our Indian Summer, then we do still have a little bit of space, although not much. For hook ups, then except for our casual pitches, we are full until the middle of September. For “proper camping” (none electric), we are full until around the 7th of September. In very good weather times, we do offer some late availability, but this is usually taken by those calling a day or so before hand, or just turning up.
We are an adult only campsite, close to Mevagissey, Pentewan and Heligan Gardens. We are a great campsite for those who like walking and cycling in the day, and campfires, relaxing, and food in the evenings. All well behaved dogs (and other pets) are welcome.
Walkers & Cyclists – just a reminder that you don’t need to advance book and you can just turn up. We will always find you a spot, and the pitch price is discounted by 25%.
News from Camp Dog Harvey – there has been a lot of temptations in my office this season, but so far I have managed to resist. I did also start to flag a little in July, but revived myself with my very short back and sides. There has been some lovely visitors to the campsite, and Wink (the one eyed pug) was one of my favourites. I was also very pleased to see the return of the trio of cavaliers who stayed last year. As well as dog, cat, parrot and tortoise visitors there has been lots of wildlife spotting on the campsite. We have had a family of hedgehogs, barn owl, very large slow worm, and so many different birds, moths and even baby bats. One of our guests was lucky enough to watch a barn owl flying over the site, as most guests only hear them.
Finally ……………..Well, for those whose holiday has been enjoyed, thank you very much indeed for choosing to stay at The Meadows. Thank you also so much for all the lovely reviews, message and pictures that you have taken the time and trouble to post/send. These are great for newbies thinking of booking to stay with us. For those who have their holiday still to look forward to, we shall see you all very soon.
Lynn (on behalf of The Meadows team of 3)
Posted in:
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Harvey's Walking Journal,
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Walking around St Austell
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Posted on July 2, 2015
by Lynn
One of the best things about running a campsite is that we get to meet people from all walks of life.
When we made the decision to change to a campsite “just for grown ups” we did this not with our business hats on, and not because we don’t like kids, we do! We made the change to offer something different in an area with lots of campsite choice. We have always wanted to run the campsite, as a couple with the very personal touch.
This is now our second season as “just for grown ups” and it is being well received. Lots of our guests have children, or work with children but when they are holidaying as a couple want to be around other grown ups, chilling and relaxing. This also means they can enjoy a sleep in sometimes, and a light night around the fire pit.
From our point of view, it works well, as even when we are full, which we are a lot, with usually only two on a pitch we have the time to chat with our guests, and help them get the most out of their stay in the area.
With no little ones to wake them up early in the morning, we find there is no early morning mad rush for the shower block. Indeed it is often just before lunchtime that the facilities are at their busiest – Oh yes it is…………..!! I will qualify that to say that we do often have a very early brigade on too who usually beat me in there for my early morning clean.
We have had a few groups camping with us recently, all having a great time, and all observing our “camping etiquette”. We get a big mix of ages, and there is always a very chilled, relaxed, atmosphere on site, and that is not just when the cocktails and cider is being served! We had a group of Exeter students here celebrating the end of their exams and they enjoyed campfires, bbqs with goodies from Lobbs Farm, walking the SWCP, and even some kayaking around the beautiful local coves. Lots of our small groups have arrived under their own steam, and so have also benefitted from our discount.
Mevagissey Feast Week – is on this week, and is a week full of lots of fun events, and lovely food. The fish feast was especially good, and we have seen some wonderful looking’s lobsters being cooked up here on the bbq. The music events are also proving popular, and it is great for our guests being able to hop on the bus, or walk in, and so avoid the very busy car parks.
We are also keeping our eye on the Caerhays Cafe for news of pop up events, as with the weather warming and drying up at last these just make for a great evening out with music and food on the beach, and films too. Indeed The Atlantic Fryer is having to give one Monday a miss here – boo hoo so on 3 August our guests will have to enjoy fish and chips on Caerhays Beach instead.
Lots of our guests have been heading off to the Eden Sessions to see Paolo Nutini, Elton John, Motorhead, the very lovely Paloma Faith. If staying here during the Eden Sessions it is always worth doing a check a couple of day before as they often have late returned tickets and it really is a fab venue.
Did someone say pussycat????!!
This week we have had a family arrive on the campsite who will be staying with us until the end of our season. We have mum and dad, two cats, two cockatiels and a parrot!! The parrot is I am sure going to keep their neighbours, and other guests entertained once he has settled in to his holiday abode.
Other Meadows news
This weekend it is the Padstow Vintage Rally, and also the end, and of course including the grand firework finale of Mevagissey Feast Week.
It is is also worth noting that The Miracle Theatre Company will be doing an open air performance of The Magnificent Three on 11 July up at Heligan Gardens should you be with us then.
Of course there are still The Charlestown and Fowey Regattas for our guests to look forward to, and The Asylum up at Heligan with Kneehigh Theatre Company.
Fish and Chips (Mondays), Wood Fired Pizzas (Tuesday) and Cocktails are going down a storm with our guests so far this season. They will be continuing through the season and hopefully in September too (subject to numbers).
This year “proper camping” is seeming to be even more popular, although with some of the gadgets we charge “proper” is being tested!! Our “proper camping” areas are fully booked now through until September, unless you are of course arriving under your own steam and we will then always find you a place.
Reviews – thank you so very much indeed for all the lovely reviews we have received this season, and for all the pictures you have sent us. There has been some great pictures of our resident woodpeckers.
Thank you also for the extra special effort being made dressing your units. It is such good fun seeing all the fairy lights, bunting, handmade windbreaks, and so much more…………… This really seems to be a campsite full of very happy people, and we love it. Our bunting stock has been depleted and our bunting boys are very busy making bunting for summer weddings. This means if there is any one out there who is a handmade bunting queen we would be very happy to stock it in our little shop this summer so please do get in touch.
Of course The Meadows Team likes to join in with the oh so important finishing touches, and so we now have lots more bunting on our stream bank, and blue fairy lights on our office. We also have so many pots on our deck area and herbs which guests are welcome to help them selves to.
News from Camp Dog
Nothing much to report, as I am far too busy following up a rumour that two pussycats have been spotted on site………………… I will just say that I am very impressed with the long walks that some of my four legged guests have been subjected to by their owners recently, as I know these hills. Good on you getting out there and exploring, and working up an appetite for your sausages and burgers on the bbq. Those only doing half a circle, and returning on the bus have been spotted!!
Top places for doggies this month – Duporth & Vault Beaches, both quieter as you have to walk some of the way. For food, the terrace at The Kingswood, who are now doing lovely lunches too Wednesday to Sunday, and of course The Polgooth Inn, both are in walking distance of The Meadows.
Heatwave – for mad dogs who like sunbathing Caerhays cove is the favourite place for a beach day, with the sea there being on the calm side so good for a cooling dip.
Well, that is all for now folks, and we look forward to seeing lots of you very soon.
Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey x
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Posted on May 18, 2015
by Lynn
As lots of you are asking, this is just to give you an idea of local delights on offer here for the season. Nothing is set in stone, and of course people have other long standing commitments so will miss the odd night or two. We are very sorry if it is bad timing, for you. If you don’t get to sample everything, we hope you get to try at least one!!
Anna’s cocktail & cider van – Saturday was the trial run for Anna. Whilst expecting just to be serving cocktails to John & I, and her hubby, instead Anna did a roaring trade. There was a fab atmosphere with lots of campers chilling on the bean bags which were so comfy. The Mojitos, Tom Collins, Sea Breezes, and Dark and Stormy cocktails went down a treat. Anna will be here for bank holiday on the Saturday and on many more nights throughout the season.
Kernow Forno – Subject to them getting the staff, we hope to see pizzas being cooked up on this bank holiday Saturday evening to accompany the cocktails. This will be confirmed as soon as possible and I will update the blog. Tuesday will once again be our regular pizza evening, and Kernow Forno will be cooking up between about 5.30pm and 8pm. Start date to be confirmed, but it should be June.
KERNOW FORNO – pizzas now confirmed for this Bank holiday Saturday and serving between 5.30pm & 7.30pm.
The Atlantic Fryer – new for 2015, and we expect to be very popular Fish and Chips on a Monday. The reviews are fabulous for Ross and his team, and just like wood fired pizzas who does not like fish and chips. Beef dripping, local fish…………… ooh my mouth is watering already. First night is 1 June.
and for dessert………………..
Our freezer is very well stocked up with the scrumptious and very Cornish Roskillys Ice Cream
Other Meadows News
Well, we cannot say we have had a slow start to the season, and for the majority we have been fully booked, even with mixed weather. Our returning guests are enjoying seeing the changes we have made and the general development of the campsite, with the new flowers & plants, pitch signs and our new camper van pitches.
One of our returning guests even turned up with a gift for us of a new hand made and hand painted reception sign, which we love.
Well, we are all ready for a busy bank holiday weekend, and fingers crossed for lots of sunshine. We are sure whatever the weather it will be lots of fun and our campers will be happy ones.
Bookings
For late availability (the 14 days ahead) you are best to give us a call to see what we have. Also if you are now looking for June, July or August, give us a call and we can get the diary up and look what gaps we have here and there, as there are not many. For those who don’t know we are an adults only campsite close to Pentewan and Mevagissey, South Cornwall. We are very well placed for visiting The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Eden and for walking the SWCP and cycling the Coast to Clay Trail. We are also a dog friendly, and indeed generally friendly campsite, with a nice relaxed atmosphere on site.
Our Caravans Lottie and Mabel – they have their own calendar, and so if you are thinking of a stay check our their page and then get in touch. The girls are very popular and their first guests of the season have all had a great time, bbqing on the deck and then getting cosy.
Lynn
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Posted on May 8, 2015
by Lynn
The Meadows – for camping close to Mevagissey
Most of our visitors for the 2015 season are now booked in, and counting down to their holiday. With a bit of good planning and thinking ahead, you are sure to get the most out of your jolly.
Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your Cornish camping trip, especially for all those Cornish virgins out there:-
1. First and foremost, buy a map of the local area. The ordnance survey explorer maps are great for “exploring”, and also a great tool for planning walks, cycle rides and scenic drives. For us, covering Mevaggisey, Truro, Falmouth and the Roseland, Map 105 is the best one. We do sell here the little yellow maps which are very popular and may be enough if you are just on foot/bicycle.
2. Have a look at the What’s On guide for Cornwall, and check out what is happening in the county during your stay. It is so easy to get around the county from base camp, The Meadows, and so worth the drive for something special. There are some great country fairs and vintage rallies, such as The St Ewe Country Fair and the Bocconnoc Steam Rally.
For the month of May, I have done this research for you, and here are just a few of events happening, and most of these are near by.
May –
Helston Flora Day – today, and so one to think about for next May!
Fowey Festival of Words and Music 9-16 May
Port Elliot Dog Festival – 9/5. This has to be lots of fun.
Eden Classic Cycle Ride – 10 May. A chance to cycle around the whole of the Eden Project.
Lostfest – a one day Festival, with lots packed in with stalls, foodie, cider/cornish ale, music and just generally lots of things happening to make for a full day of fun. This is in Lostwithiel.
Not an event, but always a wonderful place, Heligan Gardens and the fabulous little piglets.
My understanding is that the film set at Portholland will be in place until around the end of this month. Good idea to park at Caerhays and walk around to it on the SWCP.
3. Check out any offers for the Gardens of Cornwall, in particular those local to us, Eden and The Lost Gardens of
Heligan. Last year Gardeners World did a great offer, and the gardens themselves had a great offer for those visiting both. You should also look at arriving at the gardens under their own steam as there is often a reward for doing so.
4. Whilst away on holiday, this is a time to check out the lovely Country pubs that a stay cation is so great for. One of our favourite books, for ensuring you are heading for a great pub is to check out those in the area in Aistair Sawday’s Special Pub Book, or the Sawday website. For those bringing their four legged friend, doggie pubs is also a great app to have on your phone, although Cornish Landlords and Landlies are far more accepting of dogs than other areas of the country, and it is unusual for a dog not to be welcome.
5. Check out your camping gear before you get here. This will avoid spending the first day of your holiday visiting the camping shops to replace, buy things you have forgotten, or that you broke last time, and intended to replace, but never got around to it.
Catch mackerel with Chris from Aquila
6. This high season we hope to be offering food on two evenings of the week, but we know our campers like to cook up their own delights. Holidays are a great time to try out new dishes, and being a fishy area Paella is a good one, and of course freshly caught (by you) mackerel on the bbq. Bring some recipes with you, and have on board all your essential ingredients. For campervanners we like the list The Campervan Cook Martin Dorey did in his book, and we have tasted his cooking, and it is good!!
Other Meadows News
We had a great turn out for May day bank holiday weekend, even though the weather was not the kindest. However, early campers are we find a hardy bunch, and they all had their bbqs and fire pits going and did not let a bit of the wet stuff spoil their first camping trip of the season. We had dogs in coats and hoodies, adults in hats and scarves one minute and tee shirts and shorts the next.
Cosy up in Mabel
Lottie and Mabel Caravans both were blessed with guests for the weekend who cozied up in them as they both have heaters, and thick duvets and so guests keep toasty warm.
The meadow flower is growing nicely, and at bank holiday a lot of the secluded pitches were occupied, and once again, those furthest in were the most popular.
Poldark – nearly all our visitors so far have made a visit to Charlestown to check out the harbour that featured in Poldark. We even had guests walk there on the SWCP on one of the blustery days, which was very well done indeed.
Buses
Following the sudden ending of the Western Greyhound busy company, we are now getting used to the new local bus services. This service First Service 24 is proving very popular and reliable John has even made a new bus stop sign as before it was a very Cornish bus stop and nobody wants to upset the bus driver by standing in the wrong spot.
It is great news that we now have a bus going to Gorran Haven, and also to Polgooth, handy for the Polgooth Inn.
Checking everything out from the bank of bluebells
News from Camp Dog Harvey –
Bank holiday was great for me, not too hot for working, and lots going on for me to look at. I also managed to fit in some nice walks along the river to the village checking out the bluebells, campion, a dipper, yellow wagtails and some swifts along the way.
My girls’ eggs were very popular over the bank holiday weekend and sold out quickly. At present I am trying to increase productively, but so far this is not going well.
Bookings
It is great that we appear to be popular, and we like being on the smaller side, but this does mean we cannot accommodate all who want to stay. For the coming bank holiday, we are fully booked now on our main pitches, so all we have are our casual pitches and “proper camping” (none electric). However last bank holiday, we did have a few cancel at the 11th hour so we are always worth a try for cancellations and telephoning is best. For first time visitors, we are an adults only campsite, and dog friendly, close to Mevagissey, South Cornwall. We make a great base for a walking or cycling holiday in Cornwall.
For the rest of the season, give us a try and let us know if your dates are flexible in any way, as we try to be ourselves.
Look out for our camper van signs
You can call 01726 844383 or contact us by email .
For those who are booked to stay with us at Bank holiday, we are hoping that there will be fried eggs in the sky this time. As usual if the weather is not so kind John and I will take full responsibility as Campsite Owners.
Happy Friday
Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey
Posted in:
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Attractions in the area,
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Walking around St Austell
Tags:
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heligan gardens,
just for adults,
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Walking holiday in Cornwall
Posted on May 1, 2015
by Lynn
Well, we are now in to day two of our third season, and the fun has already begun. For our first evening our guests enjoyed fire pits and bbqs, with campers making the most of the evening sunshine.
Our guests were so keen they were waiting outside the gates before they were open. At that point, we were still up a ladder doing the most important job that always gets left until the last minute – bunting!
We cannot be more pleased with how the campsite looks. As guests who have stayed with us previously will know, we have had a lot to do since arriving here three years ago. The last two winters, we have concentrated on major and mucky site work, and so we have always been disturbing what was already there, to get to where we are now.
This year, we have been concentrating more on general maintenance, and there is always a lot of that, wood, and general beautifying of the site.
Here are just a few pictures taken a couple of days before opening – prior to bunting and butterflies!
Cool Camping
The new Edition is out, and what a fab book. There is a lovely new cool campsite in Cornwall featuring in it on page 34. For anyone who tours this is a great book to have on board. We keep a copy for our touring guests in our deck reading, and it has been used lots in the past.
News from Camp Dog Harvey
I love it when we open the gates, as there is always so much going on. It is just so exciting for the first few weeks, that I give up my position on the back of the settee and am usually found on the deck or in the office. My first guests are all enjoying themselves, and we have a party of 3 dogs who yesterday enjoyed my favourite circular Mevagissey walk.
Other Meadows news
This weekend does not look like a weekend of sunbathing on the beach, and so here are our spring suggestions for enjoying this part of Cornwall:-
1. Time it in between any rain showers and walk in to Mevagissey on the Pentewan Trail for a good old mooch around the harbour, followed by fish and chips at either The Fountain, or The Sharksfin. Options for the return journey back are on two feet the other way via SWCP, the good old bus, or the quicker walking route of back the way you went!
2. Head out to Caerhays and Portholland and check out the film set, as it won’t be there for too much longer.
3. The most popular place on a wet day, and so expect to share with lots of others is Eden. Better in my view to visit on a sunshine and showers day as there is lots inside, and also lots outside too. The food is great there to. You might be tempted to purchase tickets for one of the fab Eden Sessions acts and make a return journey to Cornwall in early summer as there are some fab acts lined up.
4. Be prepared in case it should rain, but head off anyway for a stunning spring walk on the SWCP to Charlestown, and if you have been watching Poldark (has any one not) then the harbour will look very familiar. There are some lovely eating places, little beaches, and caves and there is a shorter route back as this is a good walk. The SWCP is a mass of wild garlic, pink campion, primroses and cow parsley.
This weekend we should see our fair share of sunshine too this bank holiday, and the extended forecast is looking good too.
Bookings
Well they are coming in thick and fast, and we cannot believe how many people are looking for “just for grown ups”. If you have not stayed with us before, then we are an adults only campsite, and dog and other pet friendly. We are a campsite close to Mevagissey and Charlestown, and we love campfires and bunting. You can book by email or telephone 01726 844383. If you like walking and/or cycling and then we are an ideal site.
Hi di hi and ho di ho from The Meadows Team – Lynn, John and Camp Dog Harvey x
Posted in:
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Renovation Work,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site
Tags:
Adult only caravan site,
Campfires,
Camping and Caravanning Mevagissey,
camping cornwall,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Eden Project,
just for adults,
Pentewan Valley,
SWCP