We are almost ready to open the gates

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Comments Off on We are almost ready to open the gates

Well, the last winter flew by.  On the whole the Cornish weather was very kind to us and made light of all of the outdoor work.  It has not been all work this winter, and we have enjoyed some lovely holidays.  Our favourite holiday was a 3 week walking holiday in La Palma.  The Island made Cornwall walking seem like flat walking.  We certainly returned feeling fit, and as usual food and wine had been a big part of the holiday too!  Camp Dog Harvey has also had a couple of stays at his favourite health farm in Leicestershire.  Harvey also returned home after his 3 week stay looking a picture of health.

Our woods stocks have been replenished, which has now become the main part of our winter work.  We have stuck with our giant bee hive stacks as they are just the job, and hold so much in each one.  The majority of the wood is our own, with a few donations here and there of good unwanted stuff given to us for logging.  Plenty of wood for the ever popular campfires, and we are sure the stacks will be depleted as quickly as they went up.

We have also this winter put up a new “campers’ shed”.  This houses the ice pack freezer, and also a very nice handmade phone charging facility.  We realised that when our guests were on holiday they did not want to worry about getting back before our office closed.  Of course some of our guests also like a good lie in when on holiday and don’t want to be setting the alarm just to get up to collect ice packs.  The new shed will be open 24 7 on a help your selves basis.

We have been blessed recently with lots and lots of sunshine and so everything natural is coming in to its own nice and early.  The wildflower meadow has a few flowers already.  The yellow flag irises are coming on well too,  and the trees are already full of colour.  

There has been spotting on the campsite this winter of a Weasel, and not just a fleeing glimpse.  The woodpeckers are also still here, as is the nuthatch and of course the owls are always hooting well.

This week, we have been planning our pop ups for the season.  The bad news is that there will be no fish & chips this year.  Ross has swapped his chef whites for a nurses uniform and is now a fully qualified nurse.  We will miss Ross, Jen and their scrummy fish and chips and wish them both all the very best.

Wood fired pizzas are back – yeah :), and once again on a Tuesday.  Anna will accompany Simon and his team and will be serving up cocktails.  Anna has been working on a caravan this winter making a cocktail bar, and we cannot wait to see it.  If it is ready it will get a trial run for the first bank holiday weekend, but being a work in progress this is not a definite.

Pizza Simon has also now another string to his bow and will be here also on a Thursday with his griddle and oven.  Simon’s plan is to cook up his excellent burgers and may be also an oven dish.  There was a trial of Simon’s burgers last season, and our view was that The Hub Box would be given a run for its money.  As before Simon does look after the vegetarians out there.  Anna will also be making Thursday a regular night for cocktails, and so how lucky are we.

Anna and her cocktail caravan are also hoping to make some weekend appearances, but on a more pop up basis.  Anna is also hoping to do pop up food on certain weekend nights.  We will be getting all the boards ready to hang out to keep everyone posted as to what is popping up and when so you don’t miss out.

Breakfasts should also be happening here again at The Meadows.  Amanda has been on exotic solo travels this winter and so we are looking forward to hearing all about them.  We will keep you updated on breakfasts but we hope it will all be similar to last year.  

Bookings – these have come in thick and fast during the winter.  There are some weeks where all of our hook up pitches are booked out already.  There are not many weekly spaces available with electric, although there are still some if you get in there quick.

Our “proper camping” is also filling up as of our course our wildflower meadow with it’s secluded pitches is ever so popular.  We are hoping our campers’ shed will convert some of those usually taking electric to get further “down field”.

Map – for our first time visitors and as a memory joggers to our returning guests we now have a map.  It is we think a happy map, but it should give newbies a general idea of the layout of the site.  There is a pdf downloadable version on our website.

To book you can contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383.  For those visiting for the first time, we are an adult only campsite (no offence kids), and dog friendly in Pentewan, South Cornwall.  We are situate on the Pentewan Valley Trail (Coast to Clay) cycle & walking trail, which links up to the SWCP. We are great for Heligan Gardens as you can walk there on the trail and receive a discount for doing so.  If you are fairly fit, you can cycle from our campsite to the Eden Project.  Mevagissey and Pentewan are also in walking distance (1 hr to Meva & 30 mins to Pentewan).  We look forward to seeing lots of familiar friendly faces soon, and some new faces too!

Well, the sun is shining and those last minute jobs and the fresh air are calling !

Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey

 

 

Otter spotting at The Meadows

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Comments Off on Otter spotting at The Meadows

Well June has come and gone. Qhilst the weather has not been the usual dead cert weather wise we say June is, our campers have still had a great time, and lots of fun.

John & I always say that our campsite attracts lots of “doers” and everyone has been out and about enjoying the County.  When the weather is not so good, then people tend to go off further afield during the day, and The Meadows is such a great base.  Armed with a rain coat, sunglasses, suncream, and sturdy footwear, you are set up for anything.  Lots of guests visit Lands End and the Minack Theatre from here, and of course a trip to St Ives makes a great day out.

Almost all of our guests visit and love Heligan Gardens, and walking up there is worth it for the £3.50 discount.  Most guests return with a bag of goodies from Lobbs Farm Shop to enjoy some of the local delights back at Camp.     Heligan Gardens is lovely throughout the season and comes very highly recommended, as does a Heligan Cream Tea.

We have had a number of guests recently arriving under their own steam, and then making the most of the local bicycle hire in the village, and testing out some local routes.  You can cover a little bit more ground on a bike, than on foot, and so guests are heading out on the trail and the Cornish lanes.  A couple of good routes, are the Mevagissey circular route, and Charlestown on the cycle trail, returning via Porthpean Beach on the lanes, and in to the village for a stop off at the ship before heading back along the river. Everyone loves Sams and just around from Charlestown is Carlyon Bay, and Sams on the Bay.  This is a great day time stopping place for a drink, lunch and a chilled out time.  Fabulous pop up food there too.

Bikes & Dogs – Should your dog have tired paws and wants a day off from long walks, then Pentewan Cycle Hire has a dog trailer for hire. Good feedback on this, especially for owners with more mature dogs.

Happenings on the Campsite – our pop ups get more and more popular, and this week, we have more nights Lazys picon than off!!

We have wood fired pizzas Tuesday, and an extra slice on Saturday (9th) too.  Superb, Fish & Chips on Thursday courtesy of The Atlantic Fryer, and Chilli Nachos, with may be Brownies, or Cheesecake on Friday.  Where there is food, there are cocktails, cider and beer. Of course the deckchairs make an appearance for all events!  Breakfast will also be available this week from The Cornish Maid on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

The most commented thing about our campsite is the friendly and relaxed atmosphere! A lot of thought and organisation goes in to what goes on here with the pop ups, and so it is good to know it is being well received.

Our campers always seem to be a sociable and friendly bunch and there has been lots of laughter and chatting at cocktail o’clock. This is a great way to pick up some tips on what to do for the rest of your holiday, as there is so much around.

There has been plenty of evenings for fire pits and bbqs and sitting out in an evening soaking up the Campsite atmosphere and listening to the owls, and may be Otters in the stream.  Otters have been spotted in the valley, and there has been unconfirmed sightings here!!!

At the moment, we have a lovely female Mallard duck wandering around the Campsite, with her 10 duckings in tow, often to be seen on our stream. If any one has grabbed a photo opportunity please send me one.

Agricultural Shows – these are always great in Cornwall, and most people like a good farming show, with animals.

This month we have Liskeard Agricultural Show on the 9th, and Stithians Agricultural Show on the 11th, and last year we had great reports of both.

News from Camp Dog Harvey aka top model – S7000414

For dogs of all shapes and sizes, we have new bandanas in stock, and lots of them.  There are some really lovely ones for both big boys, and little girls, and how nice to get dressed up on your jollies. Best dressed units, and best dressed dogs here at The Meadows Campsite, and all your efforts make us smile. In one day I clocked up 15 sales and I took my commission in the latest style.

I cannot pass opinion on the dog bike trailer, as I have yet to test it, but may do so when the opportunity arises. To me it seems a great idea for a more leisurely (dog, not owner) day out.

It was nice to see a dutch pussy cat staying here recently, and very boldly sitting in the middle of the pitch teasing all us dogs.  Well done doggies, as not one of you gave in to the temptation to chase it around the campsite.

IMG_7102Bookings – we are always worth a call for late availability, or do drop in if your are touring around, as we often have a last minute space. For advance bookings of long stays, there is not a lot now available, until the end of August. For those who don’t know, The Meadows is an adult only, dog friendly (and generally friendly) campsite in South Cornwall. We love bunting, fairy lights, campfires, bbqs and our own foodie and drinkie “pop ups”

For all those coming to stay in July, we look forward to seeing you all soon.

 

 

 

Camping, grown up style……

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Comments Off on Camping, grown up style……

IMG_7102After you have ensured that you are not booking in to anything other than an “adults only campsite”, (we are dog friendly too) it is time to check out the best of what is on offer for grown ups.

I have done lots of posts about walking (which I love), food (which I also love), and so for some other ideas if you are visiting soon:-

  1. Last year quite a number of our guests ventured out with Fowey River Hire this was for the guided canoe expeditions, and also hiring kayaks out.  The feedback was excellent and indeed guests have even told us that they enjoyed it so much they have bought their own kayaks for this year. This years dates and times are out with regular expeditions and for more information prior to arriving check out their website. The Fowey Estuary really is a great place to try out kayaking and is not only beautiful, but the waters are far calmer than out on the open sea.  If it is a guided tour, then my understanding is that there is usually a stop off at the pub in the pretty Golant village.
  2. imageOur guests seem to be a fit bunch, and so I am sure some of you would be up for cycling along the trail and country lanes to visit a few of the local vineyards. In one direction, there is Polmassick Vineyard and also very close by Bosue Vineyard.  Both do tasting and tours, and at Polmassick cream teas are also available.  A good cycle ride, but well worth it in another direction you will find Knightor Winery. As well as tasting and tours, Knightor has a lovely cafe & restaurant open in the daytime and evenings, and they host also feast nights which make for a great night out. Need a bike then contact Stuart at Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire
  3. Campers who venture out to Falmouth always seem to have a good day out, and Falmouth is one our favourite Cornish towns.  There are lots of little independent shops, a huge choice of restaurants, and lots of Henry Cav - Ferrylittle ferry crossings to the likes of St Mawes, Flushing and other boaty places. Head out there 17-19 June and you will see the Falmouth Classics Regatta. A little bit later in June 27 June-2 July it is the Pendennis Cup. Whilst out that way, it would be a good time to take a little diversion and head off to The Pandora Inn at Restronguet.  This was last year voted the best pub in Cornwall and you will not be disappointed.
  4. ferryMy idea of a great car free day out would be an early start and catch the first ferry over to Fowey. On landing in Fowey, I would head off to Pinky Murphys for coffee.  After a mooch around Fowey, I would walk round on the SWCP to Polkerris and feast outside at Sams on the Beach with a bowl of gorgeous Fowey River Mussels. Depending if time was in my favour, it would be the bus or ferry back.  If time was in my favour I would walk back from Mevagissey via Lobbs Farm Shop and pick up some goodies for supper.

cyderfarmNot forgetting for the beer/cider lovers out there St Austell Brewery Tour, Skinners Brewery Tour, and Healeys Cider Farm.  Well, I say tour, but of course it is tour and sample, as the two go hand in hand.  If heading to Skinners you can catch the bus or train to st-austell-breweryTruro then nobody has to drive.  St Austell Brewery is just up the road, but again on the bus route.

Food 

I don’t think I can write a post without including food!!

For the foodies out there, our regular wood fired pizza and fish & chips start in June, and also breakfasts.   Also on in June locally are

18-25 June 2106 St Austell Feast Week

21-22 June Fowey Mussel Fest

News from Camp Dog Harvey (aka HRH)S7000414

For all you handbag dogs out there I have passed on the bandana feedback and hopefully a selection of smaller ones will arrive in time for Summer.  Great for the forthcoming heatwave as you can wet it and keep cool, in more ways than one.

What I have learnt this week from under the desk!  New answer for “can you walk to the Eden Project from here” – technically, yes you can, and around it and back as someone did from here the other day.  I was well impressed but now in my more mature years, I won’t be following suit ;).

IMG_7106Bookings – our diary is a very busy one, with only the odd gaps here and there, and a couple of cancellations available.  This is except at the moment for “proper camping” between 3-10 June.  There must be something really, really exciting going on elsewhere in the Country.  However, if you are a spur of the moment camper, why not take up this opportunity of lots of space and book.  This could of course all change very quickly if the anticipated 90 day heatwave transpires.

The Meadows Campsite is an adult only (and dog friendly) campsite/caravan site in South Cornwall, close to Heligan, Eden, Mevagissey and Charlestown.  We love campfires, bunting, all things quirky and people from all walks of life.

To book call 01726 844383, or complete the contact form and you will get a swift response.

 

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 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

An excellent, and different night out

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Comments Off on An excellent, and different night out

We are not “winos”, (honestly) but we do like wine, especially enjoyed with good food.

Being lucky enough to have family in NZ, we have visited lots of the NZ wineries and they make for the best S7000201lunches, and a very good experience.  One of our most memorable days was a day out cycling around the vineyards in Martinborough on the North Island sampling fantastic wine and food, until we could do no more!

We have had our eye on Knightor Winery for some time and heard great things about it, and it was also recently featured in Coast Magazine.

Feast Night happened to fall on Camp Daddy’s birthday (April fool) and so we booked tickets and off we went.  It was a feast of foraged food mixed in with local meat, fish and Knightor’s wine.  Drinks and lots of wonderful green dishes with homemade wild yeast bread on arrival and a glass of fizz!! Off to a great start.  We met local forager Rachel Lambert and lots of other very interesting people, who all like us enjoy trying different foods and wine.

The meal was absolute fantastic and as I like it from time to time a set menu to get you trying different things.  There were mussels, large clams, mackerel, rabbit, panacotta and lots of other delights. Each course included foraged items and I loved all of them from Alexander, Wild garlic – (my fave), Nettle, Three Corner leek and lots of others.  John and I offered up clean plates and dishes all round.  As it was John’s birthday, John enjoyed the different wines to go with every course.  What was really special was meeting very interesting people and just a generally very good experience.

Knightor Winery – gets The Meadow’s recommendation and we know our guests will enjoy the tours, platters and the pretty courtyard and barn where food is served.  It is open during the day and many evenings, and I understand they do a great Sunday roast.  The winery is close to The Eden Project, Clay Trails and on a National Cycle Route, so you could easily be just passing by.

News from Camp Dog Harvey –  I have been collecting pictures in my album as lots of you are kind enough toDSC_6723 send me snaps when making your bookings, and after your stay.  This picture is still my favourite but I am sure it is beatable.

whippets-tea-partyNow unfortunately I am not going to be able to attend due to a very busy weekend, but the Port Eliot Dog Festival  & Whippet Tea Party is being held on Saturday 7 May 2016.  This will be such great fun and so if you are in the area, or staying with us at that time.  For me, may be next year!

General Meadows News

Our gorgeous meadow when in flower

Neither John, or I can complain that we do not have variation to our work.  We have both been very busy getting all the jobs done.  The girls (our caravans) have got their covers off, and are having an airing. Mabel has been painted out, and Lottie is next. We have been out today to a few nurseries and have got quite a few new plants which will be going in very soon, and we have been mulching and composting, weeding and nurturing.  All the outside painting is complete and there was a lot this year, and the grass is now doing its thing. The wildflower meadow has been topped again, and this years pitches which is very exciting.

We have taken a few deliveries this week too, one of which was some new fire pits.  Well,  there is no chance of us running out of wood this year!

Bookings – we are so pleased with how many campers want to stay with us this year. IMG_7111 Whilst we are happy being on the smaller side, we are sorry that we cannot accommodate all requests.  We do still have some availability, but this may only be for those who can manage without electric I am afraid.  In this regard, we charge phones, freeze ice packs, and we have a complimentary salon style hairdryer in our shower block.  To make an enquiry please contact us here

For those who don’t already know, The Meadows Campsite, just for grown ups (and dogs), campfire friendly, and in walking distance of  Pentewan, Mevagissey, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

 

Local delights………

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Comments Off on Local delights………

2013 - the meadows no22As lots of you are asking, this is just to give you an idea of local delights on offer here for the season.  Nothing is set in stone, and of course people have other long standing commitments so will miss the odd night or two.  We are very sorry if it is bad timing, for you. If you don’t get to sample everything, we hope you get to try at least one!!

Anna’s cocktail & cider van – Saturday was the trial run for Anna. Whilst expecting just to be serving cocktails to John & I, andS7000290 her hubby, instead Anna did a roaring trade.  There was a fab atmosphere with lots of campers chilling on the bean bags which were so comfy.  The Mojitos, Tom Collins, Sea Breezes, and Dark and Stormy cocktails went down a treat.  Anna will be here for bank holiday on the Saturday and on many more nights throughout the season.

Kernow Forno Subject to them getting the staff, we hope to see pizzas being cooked up on this bank holiday Saturday evening to accompany the cocktails.  This will be confirmed as soon as possible and I will update the blog. Tuesday will once again be our regular pizza evening, and Kernow Forno will be cooking up between about 5.30pm and 8pm.  Start date to be confirmed, but it should be June.

KERNOW FORNO – pizzas now confirmed for this Bank holiday Saturday and serving between 5.30pm & 7.30pm. 

The Atlantic Fryer  new for 2015, and we expect to be very popular Fish and Chips on a Monday.  The reviews are fabulous for Ross and his team, and just like wood fired pizzas who does not like fish and chips.  Beef dripping, local fish…………… ooh my mouth is watering already. First night is 1 June.

and for dessert……………….. 

Our freezer is very well stocked up with the scrumptious and very Cornish Roskillys Ice Cream

Other Meadows News

Well, we cannot say we have had a slow start to the season, and for the majority we have been fully booked, even with mixed weather.  Our returning guests are enjoying seeing the changes we have made and the general development of the campsite, with the new flowers & plants, pitch signs and our new camper van pitches.S7000293

One of our returning guests even turned up with a gift for us of a new hand made and hand painted reception sign, which we love.

Well, we are all ready for a busy bank holiday weekend, and fingers crossed for lots of sunshine.  We are sure whatever the weather it will be lots of fun and our campers will be happy ones.

Bookings

For late availability (the 14 days ahead) you are best to give us a call to see what we have.  Also if you are now looking for June, July or  August, give us a call and we can get the diary up and look what gaps we have here and there, as there are not many. For those who don’t know we are an adults only campsite close to Pentewan and Mevagissey, South Cornwall. We are very well placed for visiting The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Eden and for walking the SWCP and cycling the Coast to Clay Trail.  We are also a dog friendly, and indeed generally friendly campsite, with a nice relaxed atmosphere on site.

Our Caravans Lottie and Mabel – they have their own calendar, and so if you are thinking of a stay check our their page and debs pictures lottie etc 114then get in touch.  The girls are very popular and their first guests of the season have all had a great time, bbqing on the deck and then getting cosy.

Lynn

 

 

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.

 

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.