Posted on October 7, 2013
by Lynn
Usually I am very upbeat when I am blogging, but this is a difficult one.
For those who have been following our adventure, you will be aware that this has been our first season. We took a very big personal gamble buying “The Meadows”, and we have learnt so much from day one. We are so committed to the Campsite, and indeed people often comment that it has the feel of staying in an extension of our home! However, business is business, and can be tough at times especially for new ventures, and we want to be around for a long time yet.
Firstly, we want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to every one who has stayed with us this season, and made our time so enjoyable. The weather on the whole has been kind, and we have learnt so much, along the way. We did only have 12 weeks between purchase, and opening and so we always had our work cut out just to get open. Running a campsite, is a full on job, but a very enjoyable and rewarding one, and we have, by working very hard managed to run it as a small team of three (including Camp Dog Harvey). All feedback, that our guests have been kind enough to share with us, has been very much appreciated, as you are the experts.
The Pentewan Valley is a beautiful place to be, and the area is a wonderful one with lots going on. The two neighbouring parks have also changed hands this year, and most people are also familiar with Pentewan Sands holiday park in the village, so there is a lot of choice. All of these parks, are very geared up for “families”, and are run by a much bigger team.
Being a small site, run as a couple, we cannot compete, nor do we want to with our neighbours. We want to continue running the campsite, as a small, natural site further enhancing the natural features of the stream, and wooded area. With four “family friendly” parks, within a few paces of our site, and two more within just a mile or so, we feel we have to stand out and be different to survive!!
We have made a decision, partly with our “business heads” on, as we have really enjoyed families staying with us on the site. As from next season we will be a campsite/touring park for “grown ups” and “dog friendly”. This means we can offer something different in the Valley/wider area, and also continue running the site as a couple ( and Camp Dog, of course) . The latter is also very important to us , in leading a simpler life which is what we wanted to do.
We hope that our guests will try and understand our decision. Feedback was invited this season, and we had lots of requests for a “children’s play park”, and all options open to us have been considered.
I am in the process of updating our website, but need some assistance, on the technical aspects, so it may be another week or so. This is the major change, and there are a few other small changes. For this winter, there will be a lot of further improvement work carried out on site, and plans are already in place. There will be no “resting on our laurels”, but lots of walking of the South West Coastal Path is also planned.
News from Camp Dog Harvey
Back to being Site Foreman on 1 November.
My theory is that the above decision has been taken in the interests of my waistline only. Who will feed me all of my treats now?! Boot-camp starts on November 1st, and I am shaking under the desk at the thought.
For all of my past and present guests on four legs, I can personally reassure you that there are no real changes for you.
And so………..
If, we have not upset you, with the above news, and any grown ups (between 18 & 105), would like to book for 2014, then we are now taking bookings. You can either contact us here, or telephone Lynn, or John on 01726 844383. For any parents wishing to throw tomatoes, or similar at us then please try and see this as a positive. We know now that grandparents take a far more active role, and you now have a Campsite you can escape when the opportunity arises for a romantic weekend away. For those those families who stayed with us, and who fell in love with the area, which we do understand, our neighbours are much better experienced at running “family friendly” sites, and have special facilities for little people, and more people to look after them.
Posted on September 5, 2013
by Lynn
The Meadows Team (me Lynn, John and Camp Dog Harvey) are so enjoying having our Lottie Caravan on the campsite. Lottie’s guests have been enjoying her too, and have all had so much fun especially with the good weather they have enjoyed.
Lottie has attracted lots of interest from passers by including caravan enthusiasts, and just fans of all things “Vintage”. Indeed, our neighbours are convinced that the recent increase in knocks to the bollard in the middle of the road, and loss of wheel trims is entirely down to Lottie gazers!
I have had great fun keep adding to Lottie’s already well kitted out interior. This week I just could not resist these gorgeous Beach Hut Lights for inside. 
The outside deck area is also lit up at nights with fairy lights hanging from the sail.
For a late addition to The Meadows Campsite, Lottie has had lots of guests over the summer. As it is starting to feel just a little chilly in the mornings, and evenings, I have just bought Lottie a little heater to keep her guests cosy.
The met office are still saying that September will be fairly dry on the whole, with temperatures above average, so very good for a Lottie Vintage Caravan break. We have one weekend break in September still available, and availability for the Monday to Friday breaks, starting this coming Monday.
If you would like to come and enjoy The Meadows Campsite, and this beautiful area, and camp in vintage style then Lottie Caravan is highly recommended. Please have a look at Lottie’s page for more information and pictures, and contact us by email here, or telephone 01726 844383 with any questions or should you wish to book. A fabulous place to rest your tired legs whilst enjoying a walking holiday in Cornwall.
The Meadows Campsite is a small dog friendly site, situate in the Pentewan Valley, close to Mevagissey, 
Charlestown, Heligan Gardens, and the Eden Project. We cater for campervans, tents (all shapes & sizes), caravans and motorhomes. September and October are great months for walking (south west coast path), cycling and having a good old mooch about. We are in a great location for exploring the south coast of Cornwall, but you can also be over in Padstow in around 30 minutes.
Note – there is only one Lottie, and we have not yet found her a sister, but we are very much looking.
Posted in:
Facilities At The Meadows,
Lottie our caravan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site
Tags:
Camping and Caravanning Pentewan,
Camping Mevagissey,
camping site near Eden project,
Dog friendly,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Eden Project,
heligan gardens,
meadows campsite,
mevagissey,
Pentewan Valley,
south west coast path,
the meadows campsite,
Walking holiday in Cornwall
Posted on August 6, 2013
by Lynn
The Meadows Team themselves (including CD Harvey) love their food, especially when on holiday. As well as advising our guests about local walks, cycle rides and beaches, we are very happy to “talk and advise” about food!!!
The Polgooth Inn
In Cornwall our Campers are so lucky with such a great choice of local food available, and so many fabulous restaurants and foodie pubs. A lot of our campers start their day with one of John’s breakfast baguettes. The most popular filling is the traditional British Bacon & Eggs. The Bacon is scrumptious and supplied by the superb Lobbs Farm Shop at Heligan Gardens. Eggs are freshly laid, if not by our girls then by other local Cornish girls with bright yellow yolks, and very very tasty. Our girls are feeling under even more pressure than normal, as the cakes we have been making are also being snapped up, and we have lots of guests at the moment to feed. Our deck is full this morning, with breakfasting, as our deck is soooo sunny in the mornings.
The topic is “catch of the day”
As we are by the sea it is so nice so have so much fresh fish available. Lots of our campers have been out on very successful mackerel fishing trips, and have been kind enough to let us sample some of their catch. Catches recently have been good, and one of the local Mevagissey fisherman very generously dropped off a whole big bag of mackerel fresh off the boat which I handed round the campsite. There were some lovely bbq smells that evening, as you cannot beat fresh mackerel on the bbq.
Anyone for a Crepe?
Thursday night is our regular evening for Blue Vintage, and our very lovely Crepe Lady Gill. The Crepes cooked fresh to order on the van, with sweet and savoury fillings have been going down a storm. The Meadows Special is Banana & Toffee. Blue Vintage also calls in when possible on a Saturday which is the main setting up day, with lots of tired people needing a Crepe to perk them up and save them cooking!!!
On the days the weather has been good, which have been more so than not, our campers love to bbq. As well as cooking their mackerel, our campers have been cooking up some real delights from Lobbs Farm Shop, as it is nice to have special treats on holiday.
Camp Dog waiting for his local to open
When the weatherman has been mean, and sent some rain over the Campsite, our campers have been heading off out to eat. Dodging the showers, lots of our campers enjoy the walk down in to the Village at The Ship Inn at Pentewan. In the daytime lots of campers enjoy the circular Mevagissey walk, stopping off for fish and chips in Mevagissey Harbour, and stopping again for a drink at The Ship Inn, Pentewan on the return leg.
For evening meals, especially larger party bookings, the Polgooth Inn is proving extremely popular indeed. The food is all home cooked, with vegetables and herbs grown in their own garden. The menu has a fab choice, with lots of fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Without any exception all visitors to the Polgooth have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we even have guests eating there almost every evening !!
The gorgeous Sams on the Beach
One of our guests who was camping alone treated himself to one very special meal as he was camping on a budget. After asking my advice of place, and what to eat (no pressure!!!) he trotted off to the Salamander in Mevagissey and feasted on scallops and John Dory. Our guest enjoyed feasting like a Mevagissey King, and the whole atmosphere of such a lovely small restaurant and service. Big thumbs up. Another fabulous place for a special meal is Sams, or Sam’s on the Beach. Booking at Sam’s on the Beach is advisable and for Sam’s there is a nice bar area upstairs to enjoy a drink whilst waiting as there is no booking at Sams.
The Meadows Team are still favouring fish and chips at The Fountain Inn Mevagissey, and as I type this Lottie Caravan’s guests have just shared with me their Fountain fish & chip experience last night. They also got to hear the Mevagissey Choir who were singing both on the harbour, and then in the Fountain Inn itself.
We also must mention Roskillys Ice Cream as today one of our guests was on to a caramel crunch tub before 9am!! It is gorgeous organic ice cream and our favourite is the Salt Caramel although unfortunately it only comes in a big tub, and it is not advisable to put the lid back on.
Food always tastes better when you are very hungry and so it is good that our guests are all so active. Most venture out for the day on either two feet, or two wheels, and if in the car there is often a boat or bikes on board.
Our “Lottie” Caravan
Keep fishing, eating, and generally being foodies whilst in Cornwall staying at The Meadows Campsite.
My new neckerchief
Whilst I am still Camp Dog, I am also living back up to my old name of “HRH”. My heinz 57 friend “Tubs” as in Tubs by name and Tubs by nature 😉 very kindly bought me a neckerchief. I had been admiring Tubs’ red one for a while, and now I have one the same in Blue for Blue Vintage, as Tubs is a member of the Blue Vintage Crepe Van Team.
I am still very busy in my role of Security, in particular continuing to guard the Roskillys ice cream.
We have lots of four legged friends on site for their summer holiday, and I have been sharing all of my knowledge on the local area, including the best beaches, river and wood walks, pubs that give you gravy bones, and as to the best breakfast baguette filling – if you are lucky.
Such temptations for Cd
I very nearly broke Camp Dog rule last week and fell in love, but I held back and remained professional, and we are “just good friends”.
Look out for our sign
For all those not committed to school holidays, September can be gorgeous, and we still have availability. To book a stay with us here at The Meadows small, and dog friendly campsite, Pentewan contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383. Lottie is also available for some of September and for October too. Have a look at Lottie’s page and see if you can be tempted for a special stay. We are so conveniently placed for Heligan Gardens & Mevagissey (walking distance), the Eden Project, Fowey & Charlestown.
Posted in:
Dog Friendly Pubs,
Eating Out,
Fowey,
Mevagissey
Tags:
Dog friendly,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Eating out in Cornwall,
Foodie,
The Eden project,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site,
the meadows campsite
Posted on June 22, 2013
by Lynn
The Meadows Team all like to be busy, and busy we are.
Our booking line has been very hot especially since we were featured in the “Camping”, magazine and we are nearly full for the peak weeks of the summer holidays. This is for advance bookings, but when we know a “scorcher”, is on the cards, the dry weather dependent pitches become available. It is always worth giving us a call, if you are last minute campers, and we will try and find you a spot to pitch. We have put in our order for buckets full of sunshine for this season, and this is on its way.
Lottie set up & waiting for the sun to come out
Lottie is now on site, and has settled in very nicely, and welcomed her first guests this weekend. With everything set up for her guests, they were relaxing in the deck chairs within 5 minutes of arriving for their long weekend break. I have tried to think of everything cook wise, and for a fun break in such a special caravan, but being practical too. Lottie as a late arrival, has availability, for the season for both short breaks, weekends and weekly rental. It is possible to also book the “camping pitch” next door, and Lottie is decked out with crockery for 4.
Our “hard-standing grass” pitches have also been tested this week, due to the English downpours our campers have had to endure. “Grass protecta” gets a very big thumbs up, and for something that enables our site to look so natural, it really does do its job. We had some big motorhomes and caravans pitched, and they all pulled straight off when they departed!! The rain has been very heavy when it has come down, but in between the sun has shone and we have also had some lovely days, and evenings of sun. For our new arrivals coming setting up today and tomorrow, the forecast now is looking really good for the week ahead. We also look very green and our new plants are flourishing.
John (Camp Daddy) is getting prepared for his raft race, and the raft is nearly complete. In case you missed the last blog, John is a team member for the Mevagissey Feast Week Raft Race taking place at 7pm on 28 June. I won’t be able to watch as Camp Dog Harvey and I are welcoming some Campervans on site for a Pre-Prom photo session with some children, and some pretend bubbles!!! We also have lots of guests arriving Friday and Saturday camping here for The Eden Sessions. There has not been much training going on for the raft race just a lot of talking tactics!!! No picture allowed at the moment, as the construction is a secret until it is launched in the water.
News from Camp Dog Harvey
Camp Dog on duty
I sent two of our guests, off to Eden to test run the new “dog friendly” . I sent the two guests off as undercover agents, and they were in disguise as two 
sausages on leads ;). On their return back to camp, Eden got a very good report, as they had walked all around the gardens, been on the train, spent time in the visitor centre, eaten on the terrace, and found plenty of water spots. The two sausages on leads who I have to say were very lovely, had a great time, and can highly recommend the Eden experience for four legged pals out there. They did not feel they had missed out by not visiting the domes, but did say that they would not have minded too much spending an hour or so in the kennels there, should their owner who was on his own wanted to experience the domes.
It took me a few weeks to understand the concept of “sharing” my space with other four legged friends, but I have now got it!! We have now had lots of visitors here with four legs, and to date they are the most well behaved of all of our guests ;). They sometimes come in threes, such as three little Maltese terriers, three Jack Russells this week, three Collies at the same time, or twos as in the Sausages, Huskies, more Terriers, Two fluffy Bichons, and two just like me, but smaller versions. Today a Cockapoo has arrived on site, and she is very pretty indeed, but no romance, as I am such a professional!
We have also welcomed dogs from abroad, as the Germans and the Dutch also love their dogs, and they seem to love spending time in Cornwall, enjoying the trail, and our dog friendly pubs and beaches. On one hot day two dogs arrived in a camper van having come over on the ferry from France, got straight out and lay in the stream to cool off. I am keeping a close eye on a Terrier at the moment, who looks very cute. Apparently, he screams when he sees chickens, which could be quite entertaining!! As he is pitched away from the chickens, I am thinking of dressing up as a chicken and walking past, just to experience a screaming Terrier ;).
Outside of Camp Gates
This weekend it is the Beer and Mussels Festival at Fowey, which should be a great weekend. We hope some of guests will visit and tell us all about it.
Mevagissey Feast Week starts tomorrow(23/6), and the weather is looking very favourable. It is not too late to join us here to spend time in Mevagissey as there are lots of “foodie” events going on, and you could also cheer on the Pentewan Pirates for Friday’s Raft Race. We hope that our guests will be bringing back lots of goodies from the feast week, and that there will be some lovely smells wafting over the site from BBQs. As foodies, we shall certainly be finding time to pop down and pick up some treats. The firework finale should be great, and Mevagissey all decked out looks even more gorgeous than usual. You can walk or catch the bus to Mevagissey from The Meadows so you don’t even need to worry about parking.
All gardens around here are looking particularly lovely, and have appreciated the recent rain. Heligan is always worthy of a visit, with or without dogs. Whilst there be sure to pop in to Lobbs Farm Shop.
Walking parts of the SW Coastal Path in particular the area around Black Head is highly recommended and easily accessed from the Pentewan Valley Trail. Food tastes so much nicer after a good walk, and we know lots of great dog friendly walks.
If you want to book a stay at The Meadows Campsite in the Pentewan Valley, contact us here, or telephone the team on 01726 844383. We cater for motorhomes, caravans, and tents of all shapes and sizes. Dogs are also most welcome, and they come along for free. If you do not have a tent or caravan, and would like to camp out in Lottie, then please call or email us to check availability and to book. We are great for camping and caravanning close to both Pentewan & Mevagissey on a small sheltered site, and we are very friendly.
Posted in:
Attractions in the area,
Facilities At The Meadows,
Lottie our caravan,
New owners at The Meadows,
Renovation Work,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
Walking around St Austell
Tags:
Camping and Caravanning Mevagissey,
Camping and Caravanning Pentewan,
Camping Mevagissey,
camping site near Eden project,
caravan site near eden project,
Dog friendly,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Dog friendly pubs,
Dog friendly walks,
Foodie,
Fowey,
Pentewan Valley,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site,
Walking around St Austell
Posted on June 13, 2013
by Lynn
News Flash from Camp Dog Harvey
Thank you to all my four legged friends who visited the famous Eden Project last month for the pilot weekend. You did all us four legged friends proud, and were all on your best behaviour and it was gold stars/gravy bones all round.
Eden are now welcoming us all as from Saturday 15 June, and being dog friendly, but we must all obey the RULES!!! Provided we all do this then we can enjoy a fabulous day out with our owners, as of course we are part of the family and do not see why we should be left out.
It makes sense to digest and learn the Rules prior to your visit to Eden. We don’t want any one spoiling it for others, especially me who now has to wait until the end of season before I can visit a place which I have heard so much about.
The Eden Project Rules:
Thou shall:
1. Be kept on a lead at all times.
2. Be with their owners at all times.
3. Only be walked on paths
4. Be kept away from play areas
5. Not go in to any buildings, other than the Visitor Centre.
Please also ensure your owners do not forget their “pooh bags”!!
Eden are now showing their “dog friendly” side, and in return for best behaviour we get:-
1. Water bowls – not sure it will be my favourite Evian, but we can do tap, to visit such a special place.
2.Our own special undercover dining area on the terrace outside the Eden Bakery. Ensure your owners remember your pack-up. Mine will consist of 2 gravy bones, and one boneo.
3. Shaded parking areas in four of the car parks. The shelters in the Orange car park have a water tap, and stewards will supply us with water to the other three car parks. Your owners needs to park in either Melon, Orange, Lemon, or Cherry car park.
I would love you to come and stay here at “The Meadows” Campsitevwhilst you are in Cornwall to visit Eden, and tell me all about it so I know what to expect when I get to go. You may also visit the fabulous Heligan Gardens whilst you are staying here, which is Dog Friendly, and you can walk there from the site, along the Pentewan Valley Trail.
We (that is me Camp Dog Harvey), Lynn and John are very “Dog Friendly” and you are all most welcome here at “The Meadows”, so get your owners to ring up and book you in. The Meadows is a small, sheltered campsite in the beautiful Pentewan Valley, and look out for our sign with the caravan on the top.
We cater for motorhomes/campervans, tents (all shapes & sizes), and caravans. We will also have our own Vintage Caravan Lottie from tomorrow which is available to rent, and is also dog friendly. Dogs come along to The Meadows free of charge, so your owners have no excuse, so ensure you do not get left behind as of course you are a very important member of the family!!!
This is a great site, if we say so ourselves for camping close to Mevagissey & Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall. There is also lots of great walking around St Austell Bay, and I am happy to put my tour guide hat on, and show you some of my favourite walks, and dog friendly pubs.
To book contact us here, or telephone Lynn or John on 01726 844383/07712599745.
Posted in:
Attractions in the area,
Facilities At The Meadows,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Tags:
Camping and Caravanning Mevagissey,
Camping and Caravanning Pentewan,
Camping Mevagissey,
camping site near Eden project,
caravan site near eden project,
Dog friendly,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Dog friendly walks,
Pentewan Valley,
The Eden project,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site,
Walking around St Austell
Posted on May 27, 2013
by Lynn
This weekend has been fabulous at The Meadows Campsite, thanks to our guests, and also to the weather. The small team of three has worked very hard, but it has been most enjoyable looking after our lovely guests of which we had quite a few.
The weather has been so kind most of the time, and we have had buckets full of sunshine. Yes, it has been a little chilly at night, but our campers are very hardy, and came well prepared, and have been very snug in their units. Our hot push button showers have passed the campers test, and in particularly were very welcomed on Sunday morning after our campers woke up to see jack frost had visited overnight.
Our fire pits have also gone down well this bank holiday weekend, for a birthday celebration, and just those enjoying the clear sky in the evening sitting out, relaxing and enjoying “camping” life. John has been up and down the field a lot setting up the fire-pits, so they were ready to light, delivering the barrows of wood and collecting and cleaning the fire-pits out in the morning ready to set up again for the next night. We were well prepared as a lot of chopping had taken place beforehand and our wood store was pretty full, and one job for this week is more chopping for restocking.
All of our guests have enjoyed getting out and about on foot and on bikes this weekend, enjoying the beautiful area, and the sunny weather. The Pentewan Valley Trail, in particular the part up to Heligan Gardens has been walked and cycled a lot, as have the gardens themselves, and the coffee and cake enjoyed at Lobbs Farm Shop Cafe. This walk really is a lovely walk from The Meadow up to Heligan and gives lovely views, and really adds to what is a fabulous car free day out.
One of this weekend’s visitors
The prize goes to this VW for being our most gorgeous visitor this bank holiday.
Almost all of our guests have also had at least one outing to the beach this weekend, and a drink at The Ship in the centre of Pentewan Village. The keener walkers have walked the round walk to Mevagissey along the trail, and then back via the south west coast path and this is the current favoured walk. The four legged walkers have been keen to try out Camp Dog Harvey’s recent recommended walk and scamp down to Hallane beach. All of Harvey’s new friends that persuaded their owners to take them there, gave it the “paws up”, and most also stopped off at Harvey’s local for a pint before walking back to camp.
Guests enjoying breakfast on our sunny deck
This weekend has made us feel quite European, as we have welcomed Swiss, Italians, and a few German families as guests here at The Meadows. John’s food seems to have gone down extremely well, in particular with the German families who have been enjoying breakfast baguettes on the deck, home-made cakes with Cornish clotted cream, and our home-made wild garlic pesto. The pesto was so popular, the first batch had gone by Saturday morning. We made a second early morning trip to Hallane and picked more wild garlic for another batch.
Our “girls” have felt the pressure this weekend, keeping the supply of eggs going just for the breakfast baguettes. It was also great ice cream weather, and our choice of Roskillys Ice Cream flavours seems to have been a good one, though we shall soon be ordering more.
As there was a big German football match on Saturday, and our pub were hosting the quiz so the tv was off, we happily gave up our lounge so some of our German guests would not miss it. We had supporter for both sides, and crowd control was not required.
This is our first season, and we really appreciate campers giving us a try for the first time, supporting us and for all the positive feedback we have received. John’s breakfast baguettes delivered to the unit were the most popular of our “extras” this weekend, and the favoured filling by far was good old bacon & eggs. Lobb’s farm shop bacon really is the best bacon, and although we are biased our “girls” really do lay tasty eggs.
It is our guests that have now brought our campsite alive, and seeing so many happy faces makes all the hard work getting ready well and truly worth it.
Well the sun shone, for bank holiday weekend, the bbqs and campfires have been burning, and summer is now well and truly on its way. The forecast is also good now for some dry and warm weather. For those, preferring the quieter times out of school holidays, then there are now a good few weeks of those for getting away. You are more than welcome to book in advance with us, or to just hook up your van/pack your tent after watching the good old Countryfile weather forecast and just turn up. If you want to book in advance, you can contact us by email here, or telephone me (Lynn), or John – 01726 844383. Let us know whether you prefer the morning, afternoon, or the evening sun, and we will do our best to reserve a pitch most suited to you for when you arrive.
The Meadows small and sheltered campsite, is great for Mevagissey and Pentewan camping and caravanning. Our campsite is also ideally situate for visiting the wonderful Lost Gardens of Heligan (walking distance), and also the Eden Project. We cater for caravans, motor homes, camper vans, and tents (of all shapes and sizes). If you arrive under your own steam (i.e without a car) then you will receive a discount off your pitch fee. Dogs are most welcome to camp here with their owners of course, and we like to see campfires (off the ground).
Posted in:
Attractions in the area,
Dog Friendly Pubs,
Facilities At The Meadows,
Harvey's Walking Journal,
Renovation Work,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Tags:
Camping and Caravanning Mevagissey,
Camping and Caravanning Pentewan,
Camping Mevagissey,
camping site near Eden project,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Dog friendly walks,
Pentewan Caravaning,
Pentewan Valley,
The Eden project,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site,
The Meadows touring park
Posted on May 21, 2013
by Lynn
Camp Dog Harvey has been feeling a little neglected over the last 7 days, as “the girls” (our chucks) have been getting lots of attention. CD also does not want to let his guests down by not follow up on information he is given on dog friendly walks, and beaches. Before recommending walks, and quite rightly Camp Dog insists on checking them out for himself.
Camp Dog on the descent down to Hallane Beach
This morning we were up at, 5.30am and set off out of camp gates to find “Hallane Beach”. The most straightforward way, (of course, we did not do this) is to walk down in to the village along the Pentewan Valley Trail and pick up the South West Coast Path going in to the opposite direction to Mevagissey. Walking along here for about 20-30 minutes, you reach access to two lovely, and very importantly “Dog Friendly” beaches. The first is Polruddeen (very steep access), and the second is the gorgeous Hallane Beach.
We did not go for the straightforward route, as we took a path up through Kings Woods, out and through a farm with some cute little calves,and lots of cow dung (watch out), and then along the lanes. We came through to Hallane via Trenarren, and this is a fabulous approach. You walk through a little hamlet with gorgeous houses, past Hallane House, and Mill and then down a footpath which was full of wild garlic, pink & white campion, and bluebells. It is quite steep going down, but it is absolutely stunning, and the beach has a waterfall and we had it to ourselves when we were there.
Picking wild garlic for our Pesto
As the wild garlic there was prolific we are sure a little bit will not be missed. After enjoying some wild garlic pesto recently that our friends made for us from a Fowey supply, John has been very keen to make some of his own for our shop stock. The garlic has been picked, the rest of the ingredients sourced, and the whizzer is out. This weekend is a busy one, and we can highly recommend to our campers cooking up a pan of pasta, throwing in some of our wild garlic pesto, and finishing with a sprinkling of black pepper and parmesan on top. My mouth is watering at the thought of it, and we shall be trying some ourselves to quality check of course.
For the return walk, we joined the South West Coastal Path which is lovely in itself and headed back in to the village, and up the Pentewan Valley Trail back to Camp. For all those campers who thought the owners had unusually had a lie in this morning, now you know that was not the case :).
How to find the gorgeous Hallane Beach
This is a great walk, for quite keen walkers with or without their dog. Limited parking is also available fairly close by, if you do not fancy such a good walk, and just want a shorter (but still steep- note) walk through the gorgeous hamlet and on to the beach. To find the parking take the road out of Pentewan Village up the very steep hill. Up the hill when you reach the first cross roads of little lanes, take a right to Trenarren, and follow the road around to the left. You will reach a parking area, and for the walk you set off on the path to the right. See the little map extract taken from the Mevagissey Ferry leaflet.
Camp Dog Harvey really enjoyed this walk, and he is so annoying as he makes the very steep ups seem so easy. He also often does double on the ups, as he comes back down to see how the one at the back is doing (which is usually me), and gives some moral encouragement to get me to the top.
The steep climbs are all more than worth the effort, and this place is a real Cornish beauty. This will definitely be a walk The Meadows Team will be repeating quite regularly, especially in wild garlic season, and if the pesto goes down well for restocking.
As we made the walk a circular walk, it gets a 10 out of 10 from both Camp Dog, and I. As we were concerned that there would be a queue of campers waiting to order breakfast baguettes, the return part of the walk was more of a march, but at least it got our appetites up for our breakfast. It was indeed all quiet at camp when we returned, as of course holidays are for lying in, and quite rightly so.
Other news from Camp Dog Harvey
Four paws are “greener”
This weekend we had a visit from Three Hairy Bikers, but not the hairy bikers. I got my first ride on a Harley Davidson. It was ok, but I would rather keep my paws on the ground, and any way I refuse to wear a helmet.
No picture yet, but at the moment one of our campers is staying with two dogs (one like me & another fluffy one), and a parrot!!! Yes, I said a parrot. So far the parrot who is called Bertie has been following the camping etquette and has been on his best behaviour. Early days as they are here until the weekend, so watch this space.
No duck eggs yet in the duck house, although they have had a look as there is lots of duck poo on the roof.
Lots of scrummy eggs from some of “the girls”, and there are now eight girls. The latest additions are two blue pekin bantams, though they have so far brought nothing to the party, and seem quite posh. In view of lots of eggs from our “laying girls”, then along side sausage & bacon from Lobbs farm, we are now offering Smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs as a breakfast baguette option. Boxes of freshly laid eggs are also available for sale from our shop.
Twitching – woody woodpecker now visits us daily, and so is a “common” sighting. The owls have been screeching so loud some nights, you can hear them above my snoring. There has also been further sighting of the Kingfisher, and The Meadows are now “tweeting” on twitter, so follow us if you like.””
All part of the service
“All part of the personal service” – if you lose your key then the team will help you try to find it. If that fails one of the team will saw off your lock for you to enable you to continue your journey. On this occasion, our German visitor was also given a chocolate brownie and Cornish clotted cream for being our first visitor arriving under her own steam.
If you have still not booked your summer camping holiday, then you must be like us thinking this summer has to be a good one. Our understanding is that June is looking to be dry, with lots of sunshine and so why not visit us before the mad summer rush. To book in advance contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383 Alternatively, we are always happy for you to turn up, pitch up and relax at The Meadows. Our site is small and dog friendly and is a great campsite for camping close to Mevagissey and Pentewan. Tents, caravans and motor homes are all most welcome.
Our campsite, is right on National Cycle Route 3, which also forms part of the Pentewan Valley Trail. This gives great access to Pentewan Sands, Mevagissey, Heligan Gardens (walking & cycling), and Charlestown, Fowey, and the Eden Project (cycling). This makes us an ideal place for an overnight stay for all your cyclists out there, and we will make you very welcome.
Posted in:
Facilities At The Meadows,
Harvey's Walking Journal,
Walking around St Austell
Tags:
Camping and Caravanning Mevagissey,
Camping and Caravanning Pentewan,
camping site near Eden project,
Caravan Park St Austell,
caravan site near eden project,
Dog friendly,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Dog friendly walks,
Pentewan Caravaning,
Pentewan Valley,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site
Posted on May 5, 2013
by Lynn
Well, we have been blessed with sunshine and fantastic guests at The Meadows at the start of our new, and indeed first season here.
The site has really come alive with our guests setting up their pitches, and relaxing in the sunshine.
Spot the tent – what a secluded pitch.
All our facilities have gotten the thumbs up especially the hot power showers in our wet rooms, and our new deck.
The reception and shop are looking very colourful, and out of the window it is like spring watch with the bird feeders full of goldfinches, blue tits, great tits and coal tits. Unfortunately, the Kingfisher did not make an appearance this weekend, but the owls have been hooting well in the evenings.
To celebrate our opening weekend, we had a bbq on the new deck with John’s home-made burgers, sausages & home-made coleslaw. The stove was properly christened too with some onions and garlic slowing cooking – ooh ooh the smells at the Meadows this weekend.
Our first cakes have been made, and so our first guests were our guinea pigs and with a dollop of Cornish clotted cream everything went down a treat. We need to get baking again, to replenish stocks for our next guests.
Martin Dorey was a guest here as well this weekend, with his lovely family. In true Campervan Cookbook style Martin cooked up a paella on a very smart dutch oven, so there was a trade of goodies, and aromas. The paella was delicious, and the recipe is on it’s way to us. There was also some traditional marshmallow toasting over the fire. We shall be looking in to one of those ovens for our “dish of the day” nights in the summer. There was certainly no shortage of food this weekend.
The Meadows shop declared officially open by Martin Dorey
Martin was very kind enough to “officially” open The Meadows Camp Site shop, and try out our eggs, supplied by “friends with hens & ducks” in Pentewan. The eggs are already very popular, and so we hope the chucks can keep up with the demand. Hopefully, we will soon be getting some of our own chucks as well so that will take some of the pressure off.
http://twitter.com/campervanliving/status/330728261267111936/photo/1
Camp Dog has been enjoying all of the fuss he has received from the guests, but I don’t think he quite knows what to make of it all. At the moment he is sitting under my desk in the reception, and this spot seems to be second favourite to the deck, for sleeping of course, not working!!! He has been out walking down the Pentewan Trail this weekend, and he also participated at the BBQ
We have been very keen to get feedback from our guests this weekend, and so far so good. Ladies (and any gents with a blow drying need) the complimentary hair dryer, and mirror are on order, and will be here soon. Ice cream will be on its way in to the shop, and I am just completing my ice cream research before placing the first order. It is at present between Roskillys & Callelstick, and both are absolutely delicious, with lots of great flavours. John is at this very moment making the phone charging cabinet to be installed in our reception, another example of up-cycling as it will be a bespoke wooden one!
All of our guests seem very pleased with the naturalness of the site, the setting and the general rustic feel. Our guests have also been admiring the restored treasures on display, and most now containing plants.
It would be our pleasure to welcome you to The Meadows as your base to enjoy this beautiful area of Cornwall. Why not leave the car on camp some days, and enjoy the walking to Pentewan Sands, Heligan Gardens, Mevagissey, and exploring Kings Wood. We are happy for guests to just turn up, and pitch up. However, to book in advance, please contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383/07712599745. Our touring park is 3 miles from St Austell, dog friendly and caters for tents of all shapes and sizes, motor homes and caravans, and we look forward to seeing you this season.
Posted in:
Attractions in the area,
Facilities At The Meadows,
New owners at The Meadows,
Renovation Work,
Walking around St Austell
Tags:
Camping and Caravanning Mevagissey,
Camping and Caravanning Pentewan,
camping site near Eden project,
Caravan Park St Austell,
Dog friendly,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Pentewan Caravaning,
Renovations at The Meadows,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site,
The Meadows touring park
Posted on May 2, 2013
by Lynn
Well, The Meadows Team (that’s me Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey) have pulled it off! The camp gates are open and we have already had our first guests.
The site on opening was looking so welcoming, with full sun, bright blue sky and lots of bunting, and a freshly mown meadow field.
Ready for guests…..
Our first guests
Camp Dog was still studying his job description when John and I with big smiles on our faces opened the gate for our first season. We have worked so hard over the last twelve weeks, on a project that was initially very daunting. Our budget was limited, and so a lot of the work we have done ourselves, and we both feel extremely proud at what we have achieved in short space of time. At the same time making a house a home.
We are now really looking forward to looking after guests at The Meadows, and our guests enjoying the fruits of our labour, and enjoying this sunny spot in the Pentewan Valley. We are a small, dog friendly touring park very close to Mevagissey, and to the Lost Gardens of Heligan with great walks in all directions.
The last work to be done prior to opening was our new deck, and shop/office. The office arrived on Monday as just a pile of wood, and even the doors and windows had to be made up. The shop was literally being painted before and during assembly. Now that we are open we plan to do the nice quiet jobs such as planting up the beds and other landscaping, baking cakes, cooking breakfast baguettes for our guests, and keeping the burner burning, and logs flowing. We also look forward to chatting with our guests and hearing all about the walks you do, and the places you visit.
The tables and chairs for our new deck arrived today. We will be offering coffee and cake. I have also been saving my Coast magazines, and putting together other reading material such as Martin Dorey’s Campervan Cookbook for guests to enjoy on the deck, together with lots of walking information.
Martin Dorey is a seasoned campervan camper, and we are really looking forward to gaining some tips from him during his stay this weekend as to tasty and easy camping cooking that we can share with our guests. Martin may also help us out as to what we should stock in our shop, although I am aware Martin forages a lot of his food.
Now back to Camp Dog’s job description, he does not quite seem to have got it. We now think a few weeks working with the huskies in the winter would have been good training. Two days on official duty, and not even one eye has been open for most of the day. Snoozing in the sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon, waking up just for his Boneo and gravy bones at lunchtime. We shall give him the benefit off the doubt, and hope that he is just conserving energy for the bank holiday weekend. If not we may have to have a quiet word in his spaniel ear and spell his role out more clearly ;).
For all those last minute campers, there is still time to come and camp at The Meadows, St Austell this bank holiday weekend. It really is a great time of year for walking, especially the beautiful south west coastal path, or picturesque Pentewan Valley trail, or indeed cycling the trail covering more miles and seeing more. For something less energetic, Mevagissey, Fowey and Charlestown are always fab for a mooch. If you are foodies looking for somewhere good to eat, we will happily point you in the right direction as you are spoilt for choice.To book call 01726 844383/07712 599745.We do not expect to be full, so you can also just turn up with your tent, campervan, or caravan and pitch up, savouring the aromas from the camervan cookbook martin’s vvs campervan.
We want to share our first season with all you campers out there. Two of the team, are full of energy and raring to go. We are also confident that Camp Dog will step up to the mark. If you cannot make this weekend and you like to plan ahead, contact us by telephone or email to make a booking.
Posted in:
Facilities At The Meadows,
New owners at The Meadows,
Renovation Work
Tags:
Camping and Caravanning Mevagissey,
Camping and Caravanning Pentewan,
Caravan Park St Austell,
Dog friendly,
Dog friendly camp and caravan site in Cornwall,
Foodie,
Fowey,
Pentewan Valley,
The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
The Meadows Camping & Caravan Site,
The Meadows touring park
Posted on April 29, 2013
by Lynn
The sunshine is booked, for opening, bank holiday weekend, and beyond.
Thanks to having friends who enjoy a ‘working holiday’ we have got so much done the last week, and the facilities have been tested and given the thumbs up. In particular the hot push button showers have gone down a treat, as has the stove on the newly erected deck. The deck gets the sun until it sets, and Camp Dog has soon found the best spot for sun sitting. Whilst christening the deck and stove in very late evening, we have seen two deer strolling through the site. We have also been listening to both barn and tawny owls, though it was too dark to actually see them, but they were most definitely there. 
The shower block is looking fabulous if I say so myself, and finished off with some ‘quirky’ signs, and nice bits in the cubicles. This was done late as I did lots of research as to what made a good shower facility, so you should not be missing anything – boys or girls.
Being new campsite owners, we are a little nervous that one of our first guests is The Campervan Cookbook man Martin Dorey off the TV. Martin picked the site to visit and do an article for a camping magazine. For anyone coming and pitching near his red van, you can expect some good camping food smells. I took one of his books on our campervan trip in NZ so I am hoping to get this signed. Camp Dog is hoping Beardie Bob, the camper van dog will give him some info on a camping dog’s life. In return Harvey will tell BB about life as Camp Dog, and also his favourite walks, and dog friendly beaches.
It is not only the site that is looking great the Pentewan Valley itself is looking very colourful. Walking by the Little Winnick River you will still see lots of primroses, and we now also have blue bells. Although quite late everything is really greening up now, and the weather is also warming up a treat.
If you are still undecided about what to do for May bank holiday, you still have time to organise a trip to The Meadows our small touring park, three miles from St Austell. We are right on the Pentewan Valley trail close to Mevagissey, Charlestown, and the lost gardens of Heligan. The Eden Project is also only a short drive away. We have lovely pitches next to the stream, and are dog friendly. You can enquire here, or telephone 01726 844383.
If you cannot make it this weekend, then you might want to consider booking for the fabulous Mevagissey Feast week which is not that far away. Check out what is going on for this www.mevagisseyfeastweek.org.uk
Usually I am very upbeat when I am blogging, but this is a difficult one.
