September Sun (Honestly!)

Porthpean Beach 1st September

The 1st September.  How did that happen? We utterly love September.  It usually proves to be glorious and if day one is anything to go by we will not be disappointed.  I have spent the morning today down at Porthpean Beach.  It was glorious.  The tide was on it's way out so we had lovely wet sand perfect for making sandcastles, boats and mermaids and the rock pools were revealing themselves.  We had our best ever catch, we got two crabs, lots of shrimp like things, a fish and some snails.  I say 'we'; as usual I caught nothing however my neighbour who is 'rock pooling' expert and also rather a good sand castle builder caught everything!  Not quite enough to have on the barbecue!

In all seriousness Cornwall is renown for being a suntrap in September and the long range forecast promises an Indian Summer.  So why not head down for a bit of Septmeber Sun.  With 7 nights for the price of 5 you can stay for as little as £50 for the week, go on...treat yourself and have a well earned break.

If you are thinking of a visit here are a few things on you might like to go along to:

• 1-6 September - Gorsedd Kernow, St Austell.  A festival held in a different location each year to celebrate the Cornish Identity - this year St Austell has the honour, the highlight is a civic position on Saturday through the town at 11, with stall and entertainment.
• 5 September - The Big Autumn Market - Truro.  With over 50 stalls of food producers and street food stalls along with demonstrations, you are sure to see the best of Cornish Produce.
• 5 September - Grampound Fete and Carnival.  A lovely local carnival a short drive away
• 9 September - Padstow Lifeboat Harbour - Padstow.  The lifeboat will be in the harbour from 1.30 with live music and entertainment throughout the day.
• 10 -27 September - Eden's Food Festival - The Eden Project.  With a whole host of celebrity chefs showcasing their skills.
• 11 -13 September - Newquay Fish Festival.  Learn about local fish and see demonstrations from local chefs.
• 13 September - Truro Day - Boscawen Park.  A community day to celebrate Truro with over 40 local groups showcasing what they do and activities for children.
• 19 September - 4 October - Heligan Harvest - The Lost Gardens Of Heligan.  What better way to marvel at all the amazing produce usually displayed in the most amazing and creative ways.
• 25- 27 September - Great Cornish Food Festivial - Lemon Quay, Truro.  A truly huge array of all things food and drink related to Cornwall.  Lots of things to sample and try.
• Every Friday in September - Sunset, Fire & Feast Evenings - Bethruthan Hotel.  Check out the fantastic evenings run every Friday.
• 25 September - Lobster Fish Supper Friday - The Beach Hut Watergate Bay.  Enjoy everything Lobster related at this great restaurant.

This holiday park business is a  funny old game, as today the park has a completely different feel to it from this time last week with a completely different clientele staying with us. The park, as strange as it sounds really does have a little personality created by those staying here.  We have a lot of returning guests with us right now, many of whom we have had the pleasure of getting to know over the seasons.  It is always lovely to welcome people back, to hear their stories about their adventures and for them to see our family growing up far, far too fast.

Make the most of the summer we have left and give us a call to see
what we could offer you throughout September.

Food for Thought

Last Wednesday we were treated to a real food adventure.  Now it is fair to say on Tuesday night when I remembered I had booked us all in for a 'Family Foraging Day' with 7th Rise I moaned quite a lot.  The thought of being outside in the pouring rain whilst absolutely shattered was not my idea of fun.  We were craving a duvet day watching Frozen.  What actually happened could not have been further from this.  So, on Wednesday we packed our waterproofs and headed off for the 'lay-by'.  As the place we were heading for is a little bit of a secret so you just get a postcode and a lay-by to park in.  All a bit secret squirrel! We quickly realised we were the only people booked in.  Another big sigh.  Maybe we should of cancelled.  Still we were fully clad in waterproofs, we had paid for it.  We decided to embrace the conditions.

We met Matt our guide for the day and headed off for a 15 minute walk down the fields, spotting a couple of deers on the way to The Lost Cottage.  What an apt name.  The magical little cottage really is straight out of a fairy story, and I doubt changed much in the last 100 years.  7th Rise is brain child of Thom Hunt who continues to make a name for himself both on television and across the country as an expert in all things wild.   Thom's vision is to create a 'space and opportunity for the public to learn about and have incredible authentic experiences in wild environments'.   Whilst Thom is away filming his team have been running family days.

Well what a day.  The Lost Cottage is nestled on the edge of the River, Matt is a fish lover so told us all about the mussel and oyster beds we could see and took us on a tour of the site whilst looking at plants.  Part of the Tregothan Estate the house used to provide the charcoal and lime for the area.  On site there is access to the river, hammocks nestled into the trees, an outside bar, various animal hides in different stages of drying, an outdoor kitchen, a tree house and an abundance of plants to eat.  Matt's knowledge provided an interesting education for us.  Bethany seemed the best forager strapped to my back screaming like a little bird demanding yet more and more blackberries!

After a good hour and half exploring we collected various foraged bits from around the grounds and Matt set about cooking us a truly delicious lunch of hot smoked mackerel with potato cakes and foraged greens. Given our business I always maintain that food tastes better outside, but it really did taste amazing, washed down with  raspberry home brew.  So after our adventure we now have the following to do list: create a hot smoker out of the numerous bbq's we have had left behind this year, build a clay oven (The Lost Cottage has one in the making at the moment) and forage  for the tasty offerings around our amazing coastline.

Rarely do rainy days off become such a memorable experience, if you get a chance to go foraging, I can't recommend it highly enough, especially if you are lucky enough to get to experience the beautiful 7th Rise and their fantastic team.

Puddle jumping at Heligan (again!)

Now, back to reality.  So, it has been a bit damp this week. Saturday was pretty horrible, with thunder, lightning and a lot of rain.The summer is proving to be one of extremes.  Saturday night we were on a weather warning, then come Sunday we were down on the beach getting burnt.  If you are coming to stay in the next few days come expecting all spectrum's of the great British Weather and you will not be disappointed!

As I write this my little heart is still pounding after an adventure that went slightly wrong.  We went to Heligan for our weekly visit today.  A few hours well spent jumping in puddles!  On the way back instead of my usual Caerhays drive to encourage sleep I thought I would explore
Hemmick Beach after reading about it.  Well  I obviously missed the bit about the road to it.  Scary does not to it justice.  For the first time ever I lost my nerve and considered phoning for help!   I attempted a three point turn at one point only to become wedged and decided the sides of the car would have to be sacrificed to the hedges as it got narrower and narrower and narrower.  (if you don't believe me check out google earth as Richard did when I got back). I pulled myself together and continued on the extremely narrow lane to the beach.  What a view.  What a location.  Cornwall at it's best. I highly recommend going to Hemmick.  Just park on the National Trust carpark at the top of the hill to avoid any nervous breakdowns!

Sun, Sea and a sloath

After a slight blip in the weather last week things have changed for the better, it has been glorious and we have been making the most of it.  My twin brother and his wife came to stay for the weekend so we have had an action packed weekend whilst poor Richard worked.  Saturday we started with a trip to Eden Reclamation Yard for a bit of a poke around.  If you are looking for random and beautiful pieces for your house then we recommend a visit.  Kirstie Allsop would love it!

We then walked/biked down to Pentewan.  Jess was on her balance bike.  She tested my nerves to the limit when she came within a foot of skidding off the edge into the river.  For once I think she might have been as scared as I was!  My brother pulled Bethany in the bike trailer.  He is a bit of a serious biker so this was not the pace or the type of bike he is used to but the trail is idea for a steady, easy ride along to the beach.  We had lunch at The Hubbox on the beach.  We can highly recommend it - the burgers and milkshakes were delicious, although part of Pentewan Sands Holiday Park it is open to non residents.  We then chilled on the beach, enjoying a little paddle and Jess dug a boat for her and Uncle Daniel to sit in. Uncle Daniel does not like sand!

Sunday we headed to Newquay Zoo as Alex, my sister in law, adopted a Sloath for Christmas so we had to meet him/her.  Funny little creatures, they just seem to sleep a lot!  If I am to be reincarnated as an animal I would not mind being a Sloath. The zoo was busy, but as per our last visit it was a very enjoyable day with a little bit of face painting and animal petting to top it off.

This week sees Fowey Regatta taking place and on Thursday one of my favourites - the Red Arrows put on a stunning flypast  through the estuary.  I am going to be brave and take the girls to see it - I am hoping they will like it!  If you are intending on going just remember it gets very busy and it is best to park in one of the field car parks.

Following on from last weeks blog about what it is like running a holiday park I thought I would share my day with you.  Today it is glorious hot, baking in fact.  I started the day working down here whilst Richard spent some time the the girls as he has not had a day off since last week.  He came down at 11 then the girls and I headed to The Lost Gardens of Heligan.  We took our picnic and did the Lost Summer Trail which was lovely and, although busy around the entrance it didn't feel too bad once in the grounds.  Bethany, 'Miss Independent', choose to walk about half the way round, which given she is only 16 months is a long way so it was a slow but very enjoyable walk.  I can highly recommend it for guests whether you have children or not and now it is dog friendly the whole family can enjoy it.

We didn't even get out of the car park before Bethany was fast asleep so I turned left out of the car park and headed towards Gorran.  Just at the village sign for Gorran Highlanes there is a turning to Caerhays on the right.   After a 2 mile drive you stumble across the stunning Caerhays Castle which over looks the small but perfectly formed cove. Another one of my favourite haunts and by this stage of the journey Jessica was asleep too so the nursery rhymes were able to be turned on and Steve Wright back on!  Caerhays looked stunning with tide on it's way out and a busy cafe serving delicious food.  This dog friendly beach is one you can go to for the whole day and everyone will enjoy.

So whilst our days and weeks may be long at the moment, it is pretty cool that we can just pop to amazing gardens and then go for a drive to the sea, sometimes you need a hit of the sea just to feel good about the world.  We are so lucky it is on our doorstep and part of our daily routine.

Whilst we are basking in sunshine it is hard to imagine Autumn is around the corner.  Autumn to Cornwall normally means it gets even hotter.  Last September and October were glorious, in fact it was hotter than August.  Throughout September we are offering our great seven nights for the price of 5 which means you can stay for as little as £40 for seven nights.  Give us a call for more details.

If you fancy a little more luxury we are offering all Little Winnick guests 10% off Richard's Mum and Dad's holiday cottages, just up from the villahe of Polgooth, St Austell.  Tregongeeves Farm  Cottages are seven luxury cottages open throughout the year and boast a heated in door pool, games rooms, animals to feed, tennis court and much more.  All you need to do is use this special code at the checkout when you make a booking online or mention you would like the discount by calling and speaking to Judith. (Richard's Mum).

10% off code:  BDVFP

Holidays where happy memories are made

Reuben

We are often asked what it is like running a holiday park and the answer is - fantastic.  Right now we are at our busiest and it is a case of making hay while the sun shines whilst juggling 'normal' life at the same time.  We become hermits from our friends, and this week even Jess's birthday party has been postponed (twice) due to us having to cover shifts, that said it is absolutely brilliant to met so many people.  As I type this in between a huge check in and departure day I have the pass the parcel bits under the desk ready to wrap during a quiet 5 minutes, as the party is back on for this evening!

One of my favourite things is seeing the children arrive, shy whilst their parents check them in, only to make dozen of friends from all over the country and in some cases from all over the world.  There is something magical about camping and how it unites people, if it is raining campers discuss the rain, if it is sunny often a beer or two is shared over the BBQ and even a few tears shed when it is time to say goodbye.  In the middle of our third season here we take much pleasure in watching the children returning another year older, wiser and getting bigger all the time.  Our two girls also love meeting new friends, admiring the many bikes on the park and Jessica's case pressing the buttons on the till.  (I had brought her a play till for her birthday but that is being returned - it is not as much fun as the real thing!).  This week I was treated to a 'play'.  Two of our young returning guests who met last season whilst staying with their parents put on a show for us with a selection of songs and mad returns.  They made tickets for it and even provided the adults with chairs and the refreshments of lollipops - a brilliant effort.

At the moment it is not just the guests making me smile, it is indeed the animal staying here too.  I thought I heard it all when I blogged about Timothy (the Bearded Dragon) and Herman (the tortoise).  But this week Reuben made an appearance - a huge rabbit who goes about on this lead!  He was a delight and


quite a hit with many guests - especially Jess who has two 'bunnies' who go everywhere with her.

My new fav mug!

Today we waved goodbye to the Lincolnshire Centre Rally who have been with us in the Rally Field for two weeks.  By all accounts it was a brilliant rally, in one guests words 'the best we have ever been on'.  With craft events, a bouncy castle, party bags, cream teas and pasties it sounds like everyone who attended has a fantastic time.  We hope to see you all back soon and thank for our beautiful mug, it is too nice to have tea in so I have put some flowers on our desk).  We are now taking rally bookings for 2017 as 2016 is getting busy in the rally field so please do get in contact if you would like to book in a rally.

Nanna & Grandad with our girls

My Mum and Dad have been visiting this week, they live in Norfolk.  It has been a huge help as they have taken great delight looking after the girls (especially as Richard and I have not been there stopping them spoiling them or indulging them in sweet treats!!).  They have had a real adventure going to Sticker Vintage Steam Rally, a couple of days on the beach, a trip to Bodmin & Wentford Railway.  On our day off we all went to Trevaskis Farm.  It is a 'pick your own farm' with animals to look at and a brilliant restaurant.  The dessert counter is like something from the 80's.  The selection is immense and the portion size is out of this world.  As for the pick your own, you pick whatever is in season so I think there were strawberries, raspberries, broad beans, peas, red currants and gooseberries available.  We went for the strawberry and raspberry option.  Good job they didn't weigh Bethany before and after as she consumed quite a few - she was in heaven as she loves strawberries!

What's on this week:
9 August - Porthleven Lifeboat Day
12 Augut - Toddler Tate - A toddler event at The Tate, St Ives
14 August - St Ives Annual Raft Race
14 - 16 August - Cornwall Steam & Country Fair, Stithian Showground

Fairies & Dragons all at Little Winnick

This is an important notice to any little people coming to stay - the tooth fairy does visit Little Winnick, no matter where you are from, they will find you here.  This week one of our younger guests had a tooth fall out whilst she was in her caravan.  Her Dad told us she was a bit concerned that the Tooth Fairy would not know where to visit, but thankfully the Fairy had visited reception and left a letter for her, along with a small token for the tooth.  The young guest very kindly brought the tooth in wrapped in kitchen roll as proof it had fallen out!!  Whilst we are on the subject Father Christmas also watches over everyone here too and makes sure everyone is being nice...you better be on your best behavior.

To accompany the fairies that float around we also have a dragon on the park this week - Timothy the Bearded Dragon.  He is a lovely chap (well confined within his caravan, don't worry he will not escape), I would not describe him as cuddly but I did have a little stroke of him.  He had a prickly demeanor about him!  He is in one of my favourite caravans currently on the park - she is called Daisy, is a vintage caravan and has been restored brilliantly by her owners.

This week I came across a guest who claimed he was working in his 'office' aka the top of his car, as that is where he could get phone signal!  Phone signal is pretty patchy here, as we are nestled in a valley.  There are 'spots' which are better than others to get signal but come expecting none and then you will not be disappointed if you get some.  Most guests leave saying it has been wonderful escaping from the technological world we live in.  That said we do offer WiFi across the park.  You can buy vouchers from us in reception or directly from Club WiFi.  Wifi costs:
2 devices:
2 hrs =£3
24 hrs = £5
48 hrs = £7.50
1 week = £25

5 devices
48 hrs = £15
1 week = £25

The next few days see's lots of lovely events locally:

1 August - 1000 Fish Festival in St Austell
1 & 2 August - Sticker Country Fayre & Vintage Rally
2 August - Porthpean Fun Day
5 August - National Play Day at Kidzworld
5-8 August - Garden Truro
7 August - Drop in Yoga on the beach

Family Fun

The school holidays have finally arrived - how did that happen?  In my mind it is still April.  Anyway, Cornwall is a brilliant place to visit with children no matter what their age.  We are full for the next few weeks but still have some availability towards the end of the month so give us a call and we will see if we can squeeze you in.  Here are a few ideas of things to do:

1. The Lost Gardens of Heligan - If you are a regular blog reader you will know how much I love this place.  As of today they have their Lost Summer event and if past events are anything to go by it will be brilliant for all the family. They are also now open until 7pm.
2. Breakfast at Fifteen - bookings taken 7 days before the date you would like to go, this is an amazingly child friendly restaurant with exceptional views.  The breakfast is lovely - a bit of a treat.
3. Carnglaze Taverns - recommended by guests that stayed last week this is a magical place, full of mystery and fairies!
4. Lappa Valley - Have a ride on the trains, but check the departure time of the trains before you go so you are not sitting waiting for the next train!
5. Newquay Zoo - we went there on Wednesday.  A lovely zoo, laid out nicely with a  good selection of animals and excellent cafe.  There is lots to do near by including the boating lake and a miniature railway.
6. Walk to the beach - leave the car behind for the day and visit Pentewan Beach (not dog friendly).  Take a picnic and enjoy the sun.
7. Dairyland - fancy seeing some animals?  This is a small but lovely farm attraction, watch the cows being milk, bounce on the trampolines or make use of the huge indoor play area.
8. King Harry Ferry with a few castles enroute - A little adventure for you, drive to St Mawes first to St Mawes Castle, it is small but lovely castle and a lovely village to explore, then catch the King Harry Ferry across the River, driving on to Pendennis Castle.  You can pay to go in or there is a lovely walk all around the moat.
9. Coastal Path walking - you can access the South West Coastal path from Pentewan, so why not walk across to Mevagissey taking in the stunning scenery and then catch the no. 24 bus back which stops right outside.
10. Do nothing - I know this is on a list of things to do, but you are on holiday, the sun will be shining at some point and we have games, toys and books you can borrow from reception so just have a chill out day recharging.

You may remember about the adoption process of the chicks I hatched to the hens.  Well I am pleased to report Lady has taken to motherhood like a duck to water and is now happily nurturing three chicks.  They will not return to the park for a few weeks as they are too small to get up into the run at night.  In sadder news Lady's partner, Bird came to a dramatic and upsetting end.  I basically accidentally squashed her.  Well she got herself in a position to be squashed.  It was all very upsetting especially trying to explain to Jess that Mummy and Bird had a little accident.  Anyway enough said, Lady and her chicks thankfully are all doing well.  

Local Events

26 July - Trewithen Country & Classics Fayre at Trewithen Gardens - a lovely event

26 July  - Pentille Festival of Motorsport

30 July - Last night of Proms & Carnival part of Charlestown Regatta

1 August - Carnival Day Padstow.

Today's important lesson is do not buy an ice cream during a busy check in....it's melted all over my desk!

Tea by the sea and a school girl error

We had a huge check-in this weekend, with schools finishing and a gig at the Eden Project we were full to the brim and are bracing ourselves for this weeks massive arrivals.  It is brilliant to see the park full and to meet so many lovely families.  I had to smile to myself as I worked Saturday - it felt like all the departures were caravans and all the arrivals were tents - obviously that was not the case there are still plenty of caravans and motor homes on the park but there are a lot more tents!  We like all our guests whatever you arrive with/in, however one of my favourite things is walking around the park admiring all the tents and gadgets and gizmo's that people bring.  I get big tent envy  (So if you see a strange lady looking at your tent it is probably just me admiring it!).

On Friday the local fisherman from 'Aquila' popped in as he had some spare mackerel.  I LOVE mackerel and asked him once before if he ever has any spare to drop some in, well now every so often we get a little present.  I went home and gutted, boned the prepared the fish, wrapped them in foil, dug some potatoes from the garden and picked some peas (Jess' current favourite to be eaten straight from the pod) and packed the bucket barbecue and beers.  Then after work on Saturday we headed to Porthpean beach for a barbecue tea.  Before we moved to Cornwall I dreamed this is what you do on long hot Cornish evenings...turns out I was right.

Now, do remember that my first job of the day when working reception is to write up the tide times for guests.  As we walked onto Porthpean Beach and headed for a spot where no one else was I casually checked with Rich that the tide was going out.  He reminded me I was the one who have looked at the tide times that very morning.  I had spoken to a lot of people through the course of the day and had forgotten my name let alone the tide times.  So we set up our tent, BBQ, opened a beer and went for a paddle.  Only as I put the aforementioned fish on the barbecue did we truly notice the extent and pace that the tide was coming towards us.  So, we had to quickly move everything across to where everyone else was sitting (and probably laughing at us) and eat quickly before we got washed away.  Morale of the story - check tide times before you do anything that involves the sea!

What a fantastic way to enjoy a Cornish evening though.  Why not make the most of the long, lazy Cornish evenings and visit a beach for tea - a fantastic day way to finish a long day of travelling if you have just arrived.  Our favourites are:

1. DIY - Barbie on the beach - pick one of the many awesome beaches near by, we went to Porthpean as the car park is right near the beach, grab some fish from the fish stall in Mevagissey or meat from Kittows and check tide times!
2. Caerhays Beach Cafe - open every night through the summer holidays - one of my favourite and most magical beaches. (one day I hope to own the Castle!!!)
3. The HubBox - Part of Pentewan Sands Campsite - open to non residents. Walkable from here.
4. The Ship Inn, Pentewan - walkable, dog and child friendly just take a torch for the walk home if you have a late one!
5. Fish & Chips on Gorran Beach - Buy a bag of chips and wander down to the beach.  Park at the top of the village to avoid little roads.  I once got so scared of the little roads here I lost my car...long story!
6. Sams on the Beach , Polkerris- cool, trendy, relaxed, very family friendly, great food and even better cocktails.
7. Sams on the Bay , St Austell -  as above but on the beach with live music
8. The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach - worth the little drive and walk to find, the food is yummy, it is a bit pricey but worth it.
9. Mevagissey Fish & Chips on the Harbour - get fish and chips and then as you look out to sea
   
   head to the left, this is the quieter side of the harbour and beautiful.  
10. The Rising Sun, Portmellon - stunning location, but we would recommend you turn off the SatNat, don't go in via Mevagissey unless you like seriously small roads and lots of reversing, go in via Gorran Churchtown.

LOCAL EVENTS THIS WEEK:

24-26 July - Boconoc Steam Fair

25 July - Start if Charleston Regatta Week

25 July - Perranporth Carnival

25 July - Grampund Local Produce Market.