The Meadows Team welcomes SWCP walkers

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Comments Off on The Meadows Team welcomes SWCP walkers

S7000004As most of our guests know when they get talking to us, John, CD Harvey and I are very keen walkers. For us walking the SWCP is hard to beat for a long distance walk.  Indeed just walking sections, around this area, using the bus, or circular walks can make for a fantastic walking holiday in Cornwall.

All part of the service

Always happy to lend a hand

It is always a pleasure to put up hikers and also cyclists for the night who are on a personal walking, or cycling challenge and want to lay their head down for the evening. Our “park & pitch” is ideal for this and with the Pentewan Valley Trail linking up to the SWCP both in Mevagissey, and also Pentewan, The Meadows is an ideal stop.  Our guests who arrive under their own steam usually choose a spot out of the way and in our car free zones,  with a pitch in the wildflower meadow often being the chosen spot.

Once set up, which is usually a well oil machine when they reach us, time for one of our hot powerful showers, a S7004656free charge of the phone, and if timed well a feast of wood fired pizzas, fish & chips or chilli nachos with a cocktail or cider!  In our little store around the back, there is an assortment of chairs that we keep to loan out to our guests who arrive with just a pack on their back for a comfier evening. If the bar is open the green stripey deckchairs will be out!

S7000010For anyone planning on walking the SWCP, we have now signed up and are a Business Member to support the Association and to help walkers find our Campsite. The best point of exit is in Pentewan, and you will find us then 1 mile up the Pentewan Valley Trail walking alongside the river which is nice and flat!! If exiting at Mevagissey you can either walk on the Trail to us (50 minutes), or hop on the bus.

This week a group of four walkers stayed with us, and after hearing what was on offer, their words were – “you really have thought of everything, and so what time is breakfast”!  They were lost for words when our response was 8am courtesy of The Cornish Maid!!  With a doorstep sandwich and filter coffee  on our sunny deck, a catch up on wifi, off they went on their way to Charlestown.

So for you walkers and cyclists out there – The Meadows Campsite welcomes both, and will always find you a spot (advance booking not required).  You will get discounted pitch fees (25% off), and a very warm welcome indeed.  Being adults only (and dog friendly), the campsite is generally relaxing, being just what you want after a day of walking, or cycling. You can also enjoy a Campfire experience should you wish as part of your stop over.

Having walked ourselves all Coastal Sections of the 105 Ordnance Map, and the majority of the Fowey 107, one of us will always be happy to pass on our knowledge of things not to miss along the way, and how much fuel you need for the next section ahead!

For a walling holiday in Cornwall – I cannot recommend enough www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk for excellent walks, local to us and further afield

Other Meadows Newsthemeadows-camping-food-and-drink-pop-up-bar

Our “pop ups” are going down a storm already this season.  The last visit made by Kernow Forno saw 70 plus pizzas consumed, and our biggest concern was them running out before getting ours! They served topless once again as despite a little bit of a showery week, the sun shone on the righteous as it always does!

Judging by the queues I saw whilst on duty in the office, as many (or may be more) cocktails and ciders were served too.

Breakfasts courtesy of The Cornish Maid are being well received, now that word has got around that The Meadows once again does breakfast, even if this time they do not cook it themselves. This

Being a small business ourselves, the “pop ups” are a great opportunity for us to support other equally “small’ and themeadows-camping-food-and-drink-fish-and-chipslocal businesses. The combination works well and they team up together to do food and drink on an evening, which is ideal for our campers, who often like to spend the evening at camp. This evening we have Chilli Nachos, washed down with Mojitos.

Newspapers – this is something we have been toying with for a while now, and is something a lot of guests enjoy.   For any one visiting from this point onwards, Newspapers are available but on an order by 7pm the night before basis.  It will also mean more newspapers in the recycling which will get used by John for the fire pits, so that will be a bonus!

For those arriving with us this season for the first time, if you have not already done so please check out our facilities page, and also our FAQ page on our website should you have ??s.  You will find lots of  information that is felt to be useful to you before you arrive.

S7000534News from Camp Dog – thank you for all your lovely comments (sarcastic and otherwise) with regard to my new sign.  It is indeed a very true likeness as was painted from an actual photograph of me.  It seems to be working well, and there has not been any incidents  and all dogs have been very well behaved. Still counting down the days to my high season haircut, as am sure many dogs are doing similar for their holiday haircut!

Weather – after an unsettled week, the barometer is moving well, and fingers crossed more settled weather is on its way. Even with the showery weather, there has been good spells of very warm sunshine in between.  It has been a case of lucky with the showers, one day, and unlucky the next!!

Bookings – Introduced to our home page is a new section for late availability/cancellations and those IMG_7102who plan to just turn up and take a chance.  You can always call too to check what we have, or drop an email detailing any flexibility on your dates.

Look forward to seeing many of you soon.

Lynn ( on behalf of the meadows team)

 

 

 

 

Our campers have been getting in the water…….

Posted on June 11, 2016 by Comments Off on Our campers have been getting in the water…….

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.

DSC_6727The 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.

Lazys picJohn 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:-

  1. Caerhays Beach  – for swimming and sunbathing, with a gorgeous cafe for drinks, ice and lunch. This cover Caerhaysis 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 !
  2. Duporth beach (close to Charlestown) – in recent fab weather times, it is like being in paradise.
  3. Knightor Winery – for wine tours, and lunch outside in the lovely terraced courtyard.
  4. 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.
  5. All our pop ups are going down a treat so far this season as already mentioned.  Our campers feel very lucky themeadows-camping-food-and-drink-pizzato be able to sample one of top ten pizzas in the Country (as featured in The Times).
  6. S7000414Homemade (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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 Henry Cav - Ferrygetting them up the hill.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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 inS7000534 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!

S7000293BOOKINGS – 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

 

What a great opening weekend

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Comments Off on What a great opening weekend

S7000293Well, 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.

S7000495A lot of our campers travelled lightly for the weekend bringing, lots of layers of clothes and not leaving much too Lazys picfor 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, IMG_0992there 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.

S7000490Despite, 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 DSC_6544Mevagissey 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.

IMG_6785Bookings – 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 IMG_7102also 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

Getting ready for inspection by our campers!

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Comments Off on Getting ready for inspection by our campers!

The opening of the gates is fast approaching, and all the jobs are getting completed.IMG_7111

At this time of the year, we always think back to the previous seasons and most importantly what we have learnt along the way.  As a lot of regular guests will know, we were complete novices when we arrived here back in 2012, and so we had to learn quickly.

One thing we learnt quickly is that we cannot be all things to all campers.  We came here with a good idea of how we wanted our campsite to be, and we have pretty much stuck to this.  Our general idea and ethos,  seems to work well. So many of our guests comment on the extremely relaxed, respectful and very friendly atmosphere on the campsite, which is created by our guests.

However, we do also like to learn from our guests, and there are always ways we can improve the campsite, even if it is just tweaking, whilst staying true to ourselves and not resting on our laurels.  This is where our guests reviews come in very useful indeed, although of course this is only one way to use independent reviews.  Reviews are great for us, and it enables new guests to get independent views of The Meadows before making the all important decision as to is it a campsite for them!

John and I, of and of course Harvey too who often gets a mention really appreciate the feedback you give us, and it is great for us to know that we are making our guests happy.

To read some of our 2015 season Trip Advisor reviews see here: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g528878-d3451499-Reviews-or10-The_Meadows_Campsite-St_Austell_Cornwall_England.html

Some of our favourite comments, although there are so many that make us smile, 

“WOW!! That just about sums up the The Meadows…
Lovely owners, Lynn is very attentive and knows just about everywhere to go to have a good time.

We loved the pop up cocktail bar and pizza guys. The pizza was soooo delicious.
They had two very happy campers even if the weather was a bit hit and miss. Loved the campfires and the IMG_0992decorated tents. I would highly recommend The Meadows. Peaceful, fun and delightful. Thanks for having us!”- August 2015.

“We loved it so much we have already sent in a request to go back next year!! We arrived as guests and left as friends. Can’t wait to go back! Thank you again”  – August 2015

“the best compliment that we can pay is that we had booked for a 2 week holiday, but enjoyed the area and site so much that we booked for my wife to stay for an extra week whilst I had to return to work 🙁 – the benefits of working in a school I suppose!!!!
We will be back to this great site – well done to John and Lynn for creating a fantastic place to stay” – August 2015
 “We have just returned from a week ‘proper camping’ at The Meadows and I would happily turn the car around and drive back and stay there forever”  August 2015

“We had yet another wonderful week at The Meadows. Lynn, John and Harvey are the warmest, friendliest owners you could wish to meet. They have all the information you could possibly need for a fantastic break in St Austell. The campsite is refreshingly relaxed as far as bringing along your additional family members, ie dogs, cats, and even parrots – although, of course, common sense must prevail. We enjoyed freshly made pizzas and cocktails which were delicious. Sadly we missed Fish and Chip night but are assured these are just as good. The amenities are exceptionally clean and up-to-date, ie the shower rooms are very spacious. Everything you can possibly need to have a fabulous holiday is here in this wonderful little campsite.” July 2015

 

“In five or so years of touring in our campervan, this has to be one of the best – if not THE best – site we’ve stayed at. Striking the right balance between rural, small and friendly and yet professionally run with immaculate facilities isn’t always easy, it seems, but The Meadows has got it spot on. From the moment we arrived, to be greeted by Lynn with a warm welcome and helpful and practical information about the area, we felt at home. The site is relaxed and casual, but there’s no mistaking the ongoing work that Lynn and John put into making this such a wonderful place to stay.”

 

“We booked as a group some months back as stumbled across this delightful adult only campsites website by accident. What a find!

John and Lynne made us feel incredibly welcome as soon as we arrived, guiding us to our pitch and explaining about all the amazing things to see and visit in the area.

The site is excellently maintained and both John and Lynne work tirelessly to ensure the site is extremely clean, tidy and pleasant, we don’t think that we have ever seen a couple work so hard and such long hours on a campsite before.

The toilets and showers are spotlessly clean, with regular cleaning done throughout the day.

Decent sized pitches and the added bonus of John replenishing the fire pit each night was very welcome.

These two have certainly got a campsite to be proud of and do an amazing job, just a shame that their weather forecasting skills are not up to par ha ha.

A lot of campsites in Cornwall could learn a lot of from these two.”

And the one that got Camp Dog Harvey his last warning….
“I have to say though that Harvey the chief of camp security has clearly been promoted well beyond the limit of imagehis guard dog ability and might need a new job description such as chief snoozer.”
Bookings
For those wanting to stay with the comfort of electric, then you need to hurry up and book as pitches are now very limited during high season, and for the second part of June.  You can contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383.
28 days to opening and counting down …………..
Finally, for those who have just stumbled upon us, we are a smallish campsite just for grown ups, dog and campfire friendly, close to the coast, Eden, Heligan and Mevagissey.  We are good for walkers, cyclists, and foodies, and those who just want a relaxing holiday with lots to see and do close by.
Lynn

 

Great weather for doing…………

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Comments Off on Great weather for doing…………

IMG_6820With 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:-

DSC_65441. 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.

DSC_6758Number 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.

DSC_6526

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.

ferryNumber 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………….

image

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.S7000376S7000368S7000393

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.

IMG_6785Bookings – 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)

 

 

 

 

 

Bunting, butterflies and fifty shades of green…….

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Comments Off on Bunting, butterflies and fifty shades of green…….

IMG_6785Well, 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.

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Here are just a few pictures taken a couple of days before opening – prior to bunting and butterflies!S7000260S7000257

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Cool CampingS7000273S7000272

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

Fat dog slim 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:-

DSC_65441. 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!

S70001982. 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 IMG_7013stayed 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

 

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.

 

We will accept a season full of sunshine………..

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Comments Off on We will accept a season full of sunshine………..

IMG_7102Well with less than two weeks to go until opening for our third season, we are feeling very excited.

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Our new pitch signs

The Meadows has never looked so smart in the weeks coming up to opening, as we have not had to recover from any major disruption this winter. With all the painting now completed, and the grass as green as can be, we are looking very colourful.  The bluebells are starting to flower, and we have been adding plants, and repotting existing ones, and the leaves are all coming on the trees.

This week we have been painting by numbers, and making our new pitch signs. They are very “handmade”, but just really a better way we think than just a number.  Once varnished, they will be put in place next week.

It will soon look like this

Our popular wildflower meadow is starting to grow and John has mown a pathway through it whilst he still can.  We have also made a board walk for part of it, but we are still waiting to see where the flowers are going to be best before strumming out the secluded pitches.  The new camper van pitches are proving popular and we have a few savvy campers who are to be operating solar style!

The bank and hedgerows are looking lovely, and there are some good signs of some lovely wild flowers starting to come.  We have filled a few ton sacks of old wood to make room for the new life coming through.

S7000232The weather has been gorgeous and so it makes sense to concentrate on the outdoor jobs first.  The sun just keeps shining, and so we should get all our outdoor work completed this week.  Next week will be a super clean, setting up Lottie and Mabel for their first guests, and erecting bunting and butterflies.

We have got ourselves out and about quite a bit recently too and we are loving the SWCP.  The flowers and colour are amazing, and you can still often have sections of the path to yourselves.  You won’t find that peace and quiet at Trago Mills!!

A great walk from the campsite is a circular walk taking in Charlestown on the SWCP joining it in Pentewan off the trail, and back via Roseweek and the trail.  This is a very good strenuous walk, but fab.  The cafe in Porthpean made a great cool drink stop, and of course there is a choice of refreshment stops in Charlestown. The walk back is shorter so no stop needed!  You should allow a good 4 hours walking for this, but a beautiful walk.

S7000206Another great section of the SWCP is parking at Carne Beach on the Roseland and walking around to Caerhays.  We did this the other weekend, but we did do the walk in two halves, and made a circular walk each time.  The first time we had lunch at The Ship Inn, S7000198Portloe which was very nice indeed.  The second time with the leg from Portloe to Caerhays we stopped off at Portholland to check out the latest film set and had coffee at Pebbles Cafe.  There was no filming as it was Sunday, but the set itself was amazing and so very S7000201real.

Today we met up with friends at Porth Farm on the Roseland and walked around St Anthony’s head with a very good wind blowing.  We were lucky to see seals and again lots of lovely wildflowers along the way, and sandy bays.  We stopped off at The Plume and Feathers at Portscatho for our first crab sandwich of the season, and a bowl of Cornish chips – gorgeous.

 

Well, as for other meadows news ……………….

Fish & Chips – this is now pretty much a definite for the season courtesy of The Atlantic Fryer.  Check them out and we are sure you will agree they look good!  Just need to sort out the start date, and numbers are good so hoping it could be June.

Cocktails & Cider – this is still part of the plan for this season, but we are just sorting out the finer details. This is likely to be on a pop up type of basis on sunny days (hoping there are lots of those).

The Hub Box – is now open for business on Pentewan Sands, and the early reports are very good indeed, but busy!

Buses – The Western Greyhound unfortunately closed for business.  There are plenty of buses around, and so the bus is still a good and reliable way to get around.  Of course you can also walk and cycle to lots of places from the campsite, which is cheaper and much healthier, but probably the bus is best when it gets dark, or for further afield.

News from HRH aka Camp Dog Harvey

I am doing very well indeed, and loving the sun, especially as I have just had a drastic pre season haircut.  My haircut is a smart one so as not to let the side down, and I was even given a dash of aftershave.

The long walks during “down time” have worked wonders for my waistline.  The vet weighed me this week and confirmed I had lost 10% of my body weight since we closed the gates, so handsome I am.

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Caerhays beach

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Caerhays gardens

I have been enjoying helping out this week, checking out the wildflower meadow, and with the mulching of the flower beds.  However, there has also been a few lazy afternoons where I have been caught snoozing in the shade under the tables on the deck.  Of course, I do not want to peak too early in the season, as with the booking numbers, it looks to be a busy time for some.

Cornwall is so very pooch friendly, and I can highly recommend for the early visitors Caerhays.  Great for garden lovers, and lovers of all sniffs like me, a fab sun trap courtyard cafe, and then a paddle in the sea afterwards. What more could a dog and his owners want. The Caerhays fete on 21 June should be a jolly affair and I would say worth a visit.

Bookings – for July and August, we are very nearly fully booked, especially for hook up pitches.  There are a few odd gaps, if just a short break is the order of the day.  We are once again this season keeping casual pitches, for last minute bookers, and those doing the Poldark tour of Cornwall, or similar.  If you want to book then you can contact us by email, or telephone – 01726 844383.  The new Cool Camping Book is out very soon, and we are looking forward to seeing our entry, as three years ago we would never have imagined featuring in that.

 

 

 

 

Our new gates will soon be opening………

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Comments Off on Our new gates will soon be opening………

Spring is definitely here, and the county is full of primroses, and some early wild garlic, and of course lots of daffs.  Our bank looks like it will be full of bluebells again this year which will be great for our early guests, and we also look like we will have lots of foxgloves this year.

We have not got long left now before our first guests arrive, and we have been busy, busy, busy, but there are still lots of jobs to do.

Even the hen house needs painting

Two pairs of hands never seem enough at this time of year, however, it is surprising what gets done in a day now with the extra hour on the end.  Of course, on a campsite the grass is a very important element, and we spend lots of time on ours.  This year will be the second year for the camping wings, and the grass is thickening and greening up lovely.  The wild flower meadow has had extra seeding and so hopefully we shall be seeing different flowers, although we do love the ragged robin and yellow flag irises.  The meadow has been topped for the second time since closing, and we shall soon be picking out the new spots for this years’ secluded pitches.

Most of the good old grass protecta that we have added to year on year, for our natural effect hardstanding has disappeared.  All hook up pitches are now hardstanding grass pitches, but just look like and are grass. We also now have four new campervan hardstanding grass pitches for the vanners who like to “proper camp”.  It seems there are quite a few of those,  as the pitches are already proving popular, and are situate on the fore meadow.

The paint brushes and ladders have been out, and most of the painting is finished, but some Cornish mizzle has got in the way today for outside.  The girls Lottie & Mabel are going to be painted next week, and then we can start getting them ready for the bank holiday weekend when they both have guests.

We are now on to making lists!  Nothing like a must be done by…………….. to get some jobs done.  The last day before opening is the best, as that is for bunting, butterflies, table plants, and full on beautifying.

deb's pictures 017Spring is the time for weeding and all the beds have been weeded, hedges cut, and we are about to plant some more plants.  Heligan gardens is a great place for new plants, and we shall be making a visit next week.  We shall first do some research about plants that rabbits do not find tasty.

Others news and happenings…….

For those who like a very tasty burger, the Hub box is opening down on Pentewan Sands in what was formerly Driftwood Beach Bar.  Our guests will be able to walk down and have a burger and a Cornish beer looking out to sea.  Unfortunately, the Hub Box is not likely to be pooch friendly.

Knee High Theatre and the Asylum are returning to Heligan Gardens this year, for another month of theatre entertainment.  The 2015 show is 946. This event was extremely popular last year and well worth booking tickets if you are staying with us between  25 July- 23 August . Check out the details including early bird tickets. The little video certainly makes it seem a must do.  It would be a dark walk back to The Meadows, but some of our guests did do it last year, but a large bright torch would be a definite must.

Since returning from our winter jolly, Mevagissey has been very busy with a large film crew.  I had never realised how many people and units were involved in this sort of thing.  The village had more bunting up than The Meadows, and there was quite a bit of filming too at The Rising Sun pub at Portmellon.  The filming was for Bad Eduction The Movie.

Bedruthan Steps – oh what a wonderful beach.  We had guests, who went back here day after day during there stay so we thought we would check out why.  A very beautiful beach, and lovely walking either way on the south west coast path.

Pentewan Cycle hire – if you don’t want the hassle of bringing your own biles down to Cornwall, Stuart has got lots, including some brand new ones for this imageseason. Hire can be arranged so they can be dropped off and collected direct from The Meadows

Food & cocktails – 

The very popular wood fired pizzas cooked by Simon Sarah of Kernow Forno and their team will be back this season, which is great news.

Fish & Chips – being worked on, so watch this space.

Some form of cocktail and cider bar – just waiting on the approval of our Licence, and then the camp genie may rub the magic lamp and it could appear!

imageNews from Camp Dog

I have had my cousins visiting this week from “up country” and so we have been out and about and I have been showing them my favourite dog friendly walks. We are all very hardy and so walked in gale force winds on the SWCP to Padstow, luckily with the wind from behind so we literally blew there.  Our favourite day was walking the  Hall Walk from Fowey to Polruan with two ferry rides, and a gorgeous lunch at the Lugger Inn in Polruan. My second favourite day was walking on the SWCP from Carne Beach on the Roseland around to Portloe with lunch at The Ship, Portloe (carpet & log burner).  Of course, we also had to do the Mevagissey circular walk and climb down the 200 steps to have a run around on the beach, and a pint at The Fountain Inn. There are so many dog friendly walks taking in dog friendly pubs in this area, and so my cousins made a great choice of holiday destination.

A regular

There has been a few deck bathing days and so I have been twitching.  Spottings this week are lots of buzzards, pheasants, kingfisher, woodpeckers, jay, and so many tits and finches. Unfortunately, as well as the very generous amount of bird food, they also have been munching on the grass seed.

IMG_7102Bookings – these are certainly keeping us busy especially with our flexible booking system! We do still have availability for advance booking, but for some weeks it is a little tight.  If you are flexible with dates please let us know when enquiring in the special requirements section.  We do always try and give you other options.  The Meadows Campsite is for adults only (and dogs), and is close to Mevagissey and Heligan Gardens. To book you can contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383.  We are usually working outside during the day, so please do leave a message as we always  check and return calls during our refreshment breaks.

 

 

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.