Spring Bank Holiday Camping Bonanza……

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Comments Off on Spring Bank Holiday Camping Bonanza……

IMG_7106After a fabulous first bank holiday weekend, we have been working hard to make the second just as good.

Well, using our extensive powers of charm and persuasion, we have persuaded our local pop ups to pop along over the weekend.  This means there will be a way of escaping  the half term madness, and you can retreat back to camp in the evening.  We have new fire pits, and all of the old ones too, and our wood stacks, are still a plenty.

For all those booked in, here  is what is on offer for the weekend:-

  1. Sunday – we have Cornish breakfast including doorstep sandwiches made with Kittows Sausage and bacon, and other delights served up by the Cornish Maid.Lazys pic
  2. Saturday evening – the Cornish Maid will be here serving up Chilli Nachos or similar.
  3. Sunday evening, we have Kernowforno (as recently featured in The Times 😉 ) here, cooking up their amazing wood fired pizzas fresh to order.
  4. To go with our pop up food Lazys (by name, but not by nature) Travelling Bar will be here.  I understand that this time there will be some new cider cocktails on the menu amongst other things.

From the beginning of June, our regular nights will also be starting with pizzas on Tuesdays, and fish & chips on a Thursday. The pop up bar and Cornish Maid (breakfast) will also be making regular appearances

Our pop ups now have their own page on our website – please  check this out, with some great pictures that I will add to as the season revs up a gear, or two!

Now, as for the weather, it has to be kind and the long term forecast does look that way.  For long term, John andS7000509 I look at the farmers’ forecast.  For short term, after recent inaccurate BBC forecasting we came up with our own weather stone.

S7000242For bank holiday walking, Heligan Gardens is looking lovely.  The walk up there is also lovely and hopefully the bluebells will still be out.  The walkers discount offered by Heligan should be enough to get you up the hill. The SWCP is also looking fabulous as our walking guests are keeping us regularly updated.

The season so far has got off to a great start, and there has been lots of lovely guests visiting.  Last week Camp Dog Harvey made a new friend called Derek.  Derek has been a cavalier owner all of his life and is 94! A sole motor homer owner who had come a long way to see Cornwall once again, and certainly did not let his age stand in his way. Heligan Garden, Caerhays, Ferrying from Mevagissey to Fowey were all ticked off. With the great weather there was also plenty of time for relaxing on the campsite in a chair with a good book.  Derek did  lots of book swaps, and so if you pick up a Clive Cussler whilst you are here, it is probably one of his.

The wildflower meadow should be looking super by the time the bank holiday is upon us.  Everything has all of a sudden gone mad, and the ragged robin and yellow flag irises are shooting up.

If John can just catch our resident moles who are giving us a daily runaround all would be fabulous.  Moles are very cute creatures, but why do they like the greenest areas of the campsite.

News from Camp Dog – I am now back in the swing of everything.  I am first in the office in the morning, and S7000414last out at night (very true) ! Apart from being trodden on a few times, life is good being back on duty.  All of those on four legs have been extremely well behaved. With my stylish good looks I have made a few dog bandana sales and so am earning my keep.

IMG_7102Bookings – there is not a lot left now for hook ups until the end of August, except for the odd cancellations that come in.  For “proper camping” (none electric) there are many dates where we are down to our last couple of spaces for advance booking.  This means if you have us in mind, then please get in touch sooner rather than later.

 

Touring Cornwall the Cool Camping way – we are always worth a try if it is just for the odd night, or two.  Please give us a call, or email us, or just drop in should you be passing by. The Meadows is just for adults, and very dog friendly, and a great spot if you enjoy walking/cycling and don’t mind a few hills.  Situate in the Pentewan Valley, The Meadows is great for Mevagissey, Heligan and even the Eden Project.

Lynn ( on behalf of The Meadows Team)

 

What’s this “adult only” all about……..

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Comments Off on What’s this “adult only” all about……..

One of the best things about running a campsite is that we get to meet people from all walks of life.S7000293

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.

IMG_7232With 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 DSC_6544good, 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.

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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 S7000002continuing 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, IMG_7013handmade 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 DogFat dog slim

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been in full swing, very early this season

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Comments Off on We have been in full swing, very early this season
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Happy Campers

Hi di Hi from The Meadows Campsite

The season is continuing as it started, nicely busy, jolly campers, and a few cocktails and pizzas being enjoyed along the way.

Thank goodness we worked so hard with stock piling wood ready for the season.  We have piles, and piles of wood all nicely arranged in our wood towers, and the first tower is down to the bucket we used to ensure our tower was circular and would not topple over.  The evenings have been a little on the chilly side, and those without fire pits must have had fire pit envy, as night on nights the numbers increase.  During the bank holiday, John upgraded the usual delivery mode of the wheelbarrow for our old tractor to make lighter work.

imageLots of our guests have been avoiding the crowds of the St Austell Supermarket and instead enjoying a walk and a stock up of goodies from the fabulous Lobbs Farm Shop, a must for foodies, especially those liking a good bit of steak on their bbq. If you prefer fish to meat, or surf and turf Mevagissey has a fresh fish stall right on the harbour front.

This week has been beach weather, and swimming in the sea, not in a wetsuit weather. Our guests are particularly enjoying Caerhays, aka Porthluney Cove. The revamped Cafe, has new very enthusiastic owners making a big effort, with music and events happening regularly, and a Shepherd Hut Ice Cream kiosk.

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Caerhays Beach

Our guests have also been enjoying Duporth Beach walking out to it from Charlestown and, of course walking between Gorran Haven and Vault Beach.  Some of our recent guests have seen all of the beaches around here as they are walking the full extent of the SWCP coast path. Our last walkers had a full on evening here with a fire pit and a take away delivered to them from the fabulous Gurkha Restaurant in St Austell.  They even had left over samosas to enjoy for their lunch on Hallane Beach the next day. We highly recommend this restaurant eating in, or take away style, and all guests who have eaten their food have given very positive feedback.

Now we are not ones to blow our own trumpets, as that is just not our thing.  However, we would like to share a couple of things with you, as we always like our guests to hear what others think of our campsite.

Firstly, we were featured in last Saturday’s Travel Section of  The Guardian Newspaper.  This was as a complete surprise to us, but did explain why email and telephone enquiries, were coming through faster than they have ever done previously!! Not being Guardian Readers ourselves on the Sunday we were hoping to find a copy in our recycling bin, but unfortunately not, although we do now have a copy.  Thank you Cool Camping for including us in this feature.

Here is the link if you want to have a look, at us and also some other great independent campsites

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/may/23/uk-cool-campsites-camping-glamping-yurts-britain

Secondly, here is a link to a new blog set up by one of our recent camper vanners who stayed here bank holiday weekend.  There are some good pictures and we were pleased to have made a camper banner happy.

http://campervanner.com/2015/05/25/the-meadows-pentewan-saint-austell-south-cornwall/

Bookings – following our feature in the paper, I have as chief booking administrator been working just about at the speed I used IMG_7111to in my previous life as a lawyer, and that is saying something!!  We are just about fully booked now until around 22 August, except for the odd few days here and there, and a few spaces in June.  For “proper camping” we have plenty of spaces, but limited parking.  This means for those arriving under their own steam (including bus, train and taxi) we will always have a space for you.  For short stays, we are always worth a try, but for main holiday, please bear us in mind for next year.

News from Camp Dog Harvey

It is my birthday today, but apparently that does not warrant the day off duty!! Instead I got taken to the vets to have a needle stuck in my backside.  Some birthday present that was.

I have been very busy looking after all my four legged guests, and sharing my knowledge of walks, and dog friendly pubs that hand out dog treats.   I have seen lots of sandy bottoms returning back to camp, and very tired legs.  This week I was very impressed  with the dog who did the circular Mevagissey walk and made it up and down the 200 steps to run around on the very dog friendly Polstreath beach.  I bet that dog had the beach almost to himself as a reward.  Just to remind you, The Meadows is a dog friendly campsite, with great walks straight from the campsite gates.

Finally, upcoming Diary Dates

1 June – first visit by The Atlantic Fryer cooking up Cornish fish and chips on the campsite, and then every Monday, just missing the odd one or two.

6 & 9 June – visit by Kernow Forno cooking up wood fired pizzas, and then visiting every Tuesday evening.

28 June – 5 July Mevagissey Feast Week

There will be far more happening than that, and I will get myself finding out, but in the meantime do check out Visit Cornwall so you don’t miss anything.

June – start of Eden Sessions, and worth having a look who is performing as it looks like there are returned tickets still available for some events.

Right time, to open my little blue shed/reception office/tourist information board and shop.

Lynn on behalf of The Meadows Team (Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey)- The Meadows, Campsite, South Cornwall, Dog friendly, adult only campsite………………….

 

 

 

 

 

The Fal River…………

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Comments Off on The Fal River…………

Well, we are almost all ready for inspection, and we think it is the best The Meadows has ever looked.

Our pitch signs are all in place, the wheelbarrows have been painted, shade sails up on Lottie and Mabel, and even the plants are springing in to action.  The S7000233mower has had a service and the blades are nice and sharp, and so we should have some great green stripes for Thursday when the gates open.

This years secluded pitches have been strimmed out in the wildflower meadow, but it is not quite wild yet, but it is growing by the day.  Our combined, office and shop has been painted and spring cleaned, and the communal deck is looking very colourful.

At this time of the year, we get visits from local representatives providing us with lots of information for our guests during their stay.  One particular guide caught my eye this week, and that was the updated Fal River Guide.  A good way to explore is to purchase a Fal Mussel Card, and experience some of the many ferry trips, including the chain ferry, and it also covers some buses, and even a train.  The 3 day pass for £28 seems very good value indeed as there are 7 ferries.

My favourite bits of the fal river

1. Falmouth (great foodie place), with umpteen places to eat – crossing over by ferry of course to either St Mawes, or Flushing for a meander.

2. St Just in Roseland Church – just beautiful, and lovely creekside walking.image

3. Mylor Harbour – coffee at The Mylor Cafe and watching the boaty goings on.

4. A crossing on the King Harry Ferry (this is the chain ferry) to explore  the gardens of Trelissick surrounded by water on three sides.

Caerhays5. I struggle to pick a favourite beach as there are just so many gorgeous ones.  Two of my favourites are Caerhays, and Pendower beaches.

6. As for pubs, there are again so many great ones to choose from, but on a sunny day it has to be The Pandora Inn, and lunch on the pontoon at Restronguet, and, we would walk there from Mylor as parking is a nightmare! Second is the Roseland Inn at Philleigh which is on the way to the King Harry Ferry.

The birds at the meadows are busier than we are, and there is a lot of “tweeting” going on. There has been pied wagtails making a nest on the Dexta tractor, 12 Mallard ducklings hanging around the stream with mother duck, and baby woodpeckers feeding daily on the fat balls.  The kingfisher has also been in residence, and we know buzzards are nesting down in the wooded area.  As for “our girls” they are still on their down time, and so Camp Dog has lined up all the empty egg boxes and had a word with them.

Fish & Chips –  it is looking like fish and chips Mondays is a goer, and so we are very pleased indeed.  This will be courtesy of The Atlantic Fryer coming over from Portscatho.

Breakfasts – sadly breakfast baguettes will not be on offer this season.  Camp Dog Harvey has turned vegetarian and so is refusing to be subjected to the smells of bacon and sausage. The other reason is due to ever changing regulations, and our difficulty in keeping up with these without having a stand alone kitchen which is not currently an option for us.  We will still be offering tea and coffee on the deck during our office hours, and we encourage you to byo breakfast on to the deck and enjoy the lovely morning sunshine, and wi fi of course!

Cocktails and Cider – we could not take away breakfasts, without offering something else.  This is happening and will be on a pop up basis, but either regular evenings and we are just firming up the details.  This will be hosted by a very nice local lady called Anna.

News from Camp Dog Harvey 

Nothing to report from the back of the settee at present.  Looking forward to getting back to my Head of Security duties next week, and will be making the most of my last weekend off duty.

Bookings – we have a little bit of availability still for June, July and August and good availability for September and most of May.  However, we have been IMG_7102warned to stand by the phone once the new Cool Camping Bible is issued at the beginning of May.  If you want to book you can contact us by email here, or telephone 01726 844383.  If you have just dissevered us, then we are an adults only campsite in South Cornwall close to Mevagissey.  If you are visiting the gardens of Heligan and Eden, or walking the SWCP then we are a good base.  We are a natural site, and a little bit quirky, and we are dog friendly.

 

Countdown to opening has begun……………

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Comments Off on Countdown to opening has begun……………
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Last day of Feb

We seem to have returned in time for the first signs of Spring, and some lovely sunny days. January and February can be a little wet in Cornwall which limits the work we can do on site.  It was a good time to be away, but it was a good time to return, and we are loving working outdoors again.

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Porthcurno

Getting lots of jobs done in the week, we still have time for our Cornwall outings at the weekend.  If it is grey in one place in Cornwall, you can usually find sunshine in another part, so we tend to go where the weather looks best.  Last weekend we took a trip out to Porthcurno, and walked around on the SWCP past the Minack Theatre to another couple of beautiful coves, and a nice surprise of a little beach cafe for a coffee stop.  Cornwall is just so full of surprises.

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We drove back the scenic route, through Mousehole and stopping off at Newlyn and the very popular Tolcarne Inn for a late lunch A lovely old pub, serving delicious fish and dog friendly too. It was John Dory for me with mussels and my first taste of polenta, and good old fish and chips for John.  A small blackboard menu and the fish was as fresh as fresh, a good choice and one we shall definitely be returning to. Newlyn has a very good fresh fish shop so we picked up some scallops and squid and then returned home to light the fire.

On Sunday we headed off to Fowey and walked on the lower path to Golant which is very lovely, and then returned on the higher path for the fabulous views.  At the moment, we are trying out parts of The Saints Way, so that we can add this one to our walks, and give some first hand review of it. We stopped off for a drink at The Star at Tywadreath on the way back which is another good and proper pub, and then it was home for roast lamb.

Monday was back to work, and opening time is fast approaching, and there is still lots to do.

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Five towers, and all still standing

We now have a whole row of wood towers ready for the ever popular fire pits, and surely we cannot run out this year!  The hedge has had his hair cut, this week, and the chickens got new bedding as what comes off all goes through the shredder as we don’t like wasting anything here.

The butterflies are on order……………… watch this space – inspired by something I spotted whilst lunching in a NZ winery, and I have been on the hunt since!!

Pitch names – we downed tools early yesterday as it was bright blue sky and so very sunny, and headed out to Vault Beach and collected some material for our new signs.  The Brooks’ family are the artists and so when everything has been collected, Camp Daddy John will be getting in touch with his creative side, and I shall be directing!

New for 2015

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Gorgeous Mevagissey

Since we arrived in South Cornwall, we have noticed changes in Mevagissey, and it seems to be going up and up.  There are some lovely places to eat, and new places opening all the time.  Our favourite coffee stop is The Cafe on the Quay, and for lunch we like The Sharksfin, especially now it is warming up and the doors are open on to the quay.  There are some lovely little shops in Mevagissey, and of course being a fishing village there is no shortage of places to call in to for a pint or two. You can buy fresh fish on the quay, cornish pasties, and fish and chips.

Recently Fat Face have opened up on The Quay, and we look to be getting stand up paddle boarding opening up too.  Paddle boarding was huge in NZ, especially in the calmer harbour waters, and down the rivers.

If you like holidaying early summerthen Mevagissey Feast Week is a great time to visit. You can walk in to the Mevagissey on the trail which takes about an hour, or catch the bus and avoid car parks. Feast week this year is 28 June – 4 July and the first day is a usually a great day to head down, especially if you like food.  Check out what is happening for the week.

We all love Mevagissey and the neighbouring Port Mellon walking out on to Chapel Point too.

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Well, we will be soon

Bookings

After two great summers, we all seem to have faith in making it three in a row and our bookings reflect this.  Don’t hang around if you want to come and stay this summer, as nobody else is.  We appreciate that not everyone wants to holiday Saturday to Saturday, especially with the delightful A30 and so we offer a flexible booking system.  This does make our pitch planner, look a bit of a miss match sometimes, but we don’t mind that and it always allow space, for those just dropping by whilst touring this lovely county.  If you want to advance book a stay at The Meadows Campsite then you can contact us here or by telephone  – 01726 844383.  Just a reminder we are an adults (16 and over) only campsite.

News from Camp Dog Harvey

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Vault Beach in the winter

It was nice having my early morning walks on Pentewan Sands, but unfortunately 1 March has passed, and so it is once again out of bounds for me.  However, Vault Beach and Gorran Haven are my favourites anyway and I quite like being chauffeured some days to my walks.

I cannot say I am working too hard at the moment, as being Head of Security is an easier role when the gates are closed. Now it is warming up, I shall be swapping the back of the settee for the sunny deck for my afternoon siestas.