Fourth Generation

Families are really important to us.  And whilst talking to the mother in law this morning, we had a proud moment when it hit us that four generations of our family have taken a great deal of pride in running family holiday parks for families.  Ok, so Jessica is only 20 months old and the main running she does is away from us to be honest, but we are very proud to be the only family run holiday parks in the Pentewan Valley.  But what does this actually mean for our guests? Well for a start that we have generations of experience and know how to run a good, clean, family orientated site. It also means we know all the great places to visit and have sampled them ourselves, whether with our daughter or with the dog.  We also know what it is like going on holiday with children.  How much stuff do little people need?  We have toys, games, sports equipment, books and new for this season a craft box in reception for you to borrow during your stay so it is one less thing for your to pack!

Of course we could not run the park alone - we have our brilliant wardens on site - Steve and Jude, who have been with the family for almost a decade now.  They live on the park to offer guests support in emergencies and help us in reception and with the general running of the site.

We are on the final count down to opening...exciting times.

Spring flowers and stunning blue skies

So we are on the final count down to opening, which is pretty exciting.  It is nice having a rest in the winter but the park feels so empty without guests to bring it alive.  This week we have begun to stock the shop, we are putting the final touches to the French drains (some of you may remember me mentioning the work starting on them a few months back but the weather stopped play), we have removed a couple of trees and we have nearly finished putting in the new pitch dividers. This week sees the final touches to the tarmac in the late arrivals area, work begins on a deep clean and we will be out gardening, admiring our very impressive daffodils which are out in full bloom.

I have been lucky enough to go on lots of outings this week as my parents have been down visiting.  As an annual pass holder at Heligan we were back there again.  A lovely walk from the Little Winnick Touring Park,  Heligan really is a great day out - I know I rave about it a lot, but right now the flowers are sensational and with it being pretty quiet you can visit without seeing hardly a soul.  We also ventured up to The Eden Project.  We only popped into the shop for lunch and a few sovereigns for my parents to take home - but the gardens were looking beautiful - again the daffodils are a delight right now with so many different and interesting varieties out.  Don't forget though if you are planning a visit to book your tickets online, or search for an offer as it is pretty pricey to get in.  If you are a National Trust Member you can get in half price for example.

We also had our first ever trip to Trebah Gardens.  Over near Falmouth the gardens are well loved by young and old with a stunning selection of plants coupled with a brilliant children's play area.  The walk down to the beach is magical - a real must if in Cornwall.

I was also spoilt on the food front with a lunch out at the Duchy Nursery.  I love the Duchy; the plants are stunning, and I always have to stop myself spending a fortune - and as for the food.  Well it is delicious.  You have to get there early to nab a table but even if you have to wait the food is well worth it.  As you arrive you are greeted by the smell of a roaring log fire and a huge selection of cakes.  The millionaires shortbread (by which I judge most tea rooms) is one of the best I have tasted - worth a visit just for that!

No blog would be complete without a weather update.  It is good news I am pleased to say.  After a very long wet period we have been enjoying wonderful warm days and stunning blue skies.  It is so strange not going out for the day without layers and layers of coats.  It really feels like spring is on the way and with the nights really drawing out there is a real buzz in the air that we can finally start thinking about the summer in front of us.

Spring is springing!

It is finally here - Spring started on 1st March officially and according to some it will be barbecue weather next week which is so exciting.  And I have to say when the sun is out it is glorious and so many of Cornwall's Tourist Attractions are coming to life.  Jessica and I had lunch at Heligan last week, not only was the food delicious but the lambs they have to pet are adorable.  There are also pigs onsite now too.  We also popped into The Eden Project recently.  That was a lovely day out with so much for children to do and of course dogs are now welcome at both.  

We are busy bees with only a few weeks until opening.  We are cracking on with sprucing up the early arrivals area with new tarmac and the ground work is being done for additional site lighting.  There is also a great deal of painting going on and ordering of new site maps and such like.  Today I will be turning my mind to the shop and getting the huge shopping list ready to restock in the coming weeks and I shall begin the arduous task of choosing ice creams for the freezer!

Perhaps most exciting is the news that we have been granted planning permission for improvements to the exisiting toilet block.  Whilst the facilities that we currently have are very good, with great showers and very clean and tidy, especially the current new block, we would like to consolidate everything under one roof and provide more facilities for our disabled guests and a family bathroom suite to make life easier for parents.  So with that in mind at the end of the coming season we shall be making major changes to what we currently have.  We will have full plans on display at Reception throughout the season so please do come and have a look and ask us any questions you may have.