The end is near

Well, we are days away from  the end of yet another season.  It has whizzed by in a blink to be honest and what a season it has been.  From kittens and rabbits on leads to caravans coming unhitched as they pull out on the main road...it really has been an exciting and enjoyable season.  I will leave the full round up for the next blog - just in case anything memorable happens between now and when we officially close at the weekend.

As the season draws to a close we get to have a bit more time together as a family; this weekend will be our first full weekend off together since March and we are starting our holidays!  Earlier this week, with the park pretty quiet we headed over to the Isles of Scilly for a few days - a belated birthday present for Richard.   With the children at grand parents (what a treat - the house stayed tidy and the fridge remained full) we began our 2015 holiday adventures and.... Wow. Wow. Wow.  I cannot recommend it highly enough and with day returns from Newquay Airport why not try and squeeze a visit in the next time you are in Cornwall?  It really is worth every penny.

We flew out on a tiny plane, the pilot was within touching distance.  It kind of felt like you were in a catapult being launched into the sky.  On arrival I was taken back by the amazing plants, white sand and (luckily) the amazing weather.  We took a couple of boat trips over our few days to St Martin's and Tresco.  Both of which have magical beaches and gardens and plants that are just stunning.

Not only stunning, but the food is incredible too - I guess because everything has to be cooked fresh.  Even the sandwiches were delicious.  I pretty much ate seafood for the whole time we were there, enjoying not having to share any food with little mouths!  In fact I would have welcomed little people to share some of the food as I am well and truly stuffed now.

In conclusion I have been lucky enough to visit some pretty special places in my life, but rarely have I been somewhere that makes you relax and unwind in quite the magically way the Scillies does.  It is an incredible, special place and you really must try and squeeze a day or two there as part of any Cornish holiday.

Phase two of our holidays starts on Saturday - we are off to Norfolk to visit family and friends for a week then we are staying in a static caravan in the New Forest.  Much to Richard's dread we may even have a visit to Peppa Pig World as we have two little people who love Peppa!

As for things here at Little Winnick, well we welcome the last Rally of the season in later today, they are here for the weekend, then we will closing the gates for the very last time for this year. We have already closed many of our pitches as we begin work on reseeding the grass.  In between jobs I am spending far too much time cooing over Steve & Jude's (our Wardens) new family member - a boxer puppy.  Apparently no puppies are allowed in our house!

If you are thinking about next years holiday then check out our tariff page for next years prices.  Our online booking will open in the next couple of weeks or you can give us a call on 01726 843687. Please note our office will be closed until 19th October.

Poldark arrivies in town

It was with great excitement that I stumbled across the Poldark set yesterday.  Charlestown has been transformed into the port featured in the popular Poldark series.  Rumor has it filming starts next week so we will obviously be there frequently just in case Ross Poldark needs any help at all - we want him to enjoy his Cornish stay.  I will attempt to get some pictures for you (of the set not Ross!), inbetween looking at Ross!  In all seriousness blog followers will know how much I love a good film set and we do get a few in Cornwall.  I find it fascinating watching locations we know and love being transformed for films and watching how they disguise modern elements of where they are.    Watch the second series of Poldark and see if you can see the Gribbins Head when they are in Charlestown or the little hut at the end of the harbour!

You might have noticed last week we missed a blog.  Well it has been a long couple of weeks.  Our youngest, 17 month old Bethany broke her leg.  It has put an interesting spin on life.  Trying to keep an outdoor loving active toddler still has proved impossible, despite being in a full leg cast she has learnt to walk again and is testing my nerves further by climbing on anything and everything.  She is in cast until the beginning of October, so we are becoming more and more creative of how to keep her dry and vaguely clean - neither of which comes easily to us.  Talking of blog frequency, I will be doing monthly blogs over the winter months.

Today is glorious.  We have another two weeks of the season and it looks like we are set to go out on a bang in terms of great weather.  Richard and I both love the Autumn.  I think it is the excitement with young children that Christmas is on it's way, the change in colours that surround the park and the fire that welcomes you when you get home that we love.  Cornwall offers some amazing places to enjoy stunning views or warm fires after a brisk autumnal walk.  Our favourites include:

• The Polgooth Inn, walkable from Little Winnick this traditional Cornish Pub has welcoming fires, a fantastic menu and is very dog and child friendly.  If you want to experience a proper Cornish pub with a Cornish welcome to match then we highly recommend.
• Lenwinnick Lodge - nestled on the tops of the cliffs on the edge of Newquay this modern Lodge offers great food and drink with views to enjoy.  Particularly good if the seas are rough.
• Sams on the Beach - Sam's is a locally renown for fantastic food.  Situated in the old lifeboat station you don't get much closer to the water than this.  Book to avoid disappointment
• The Duchy Nursery - Enjoy a stroll around the large nursery followed by lunch in front of the fire.  A sign of how good the food is - it gets very busy - even in the Autumn so go early or late to avoid waiting for a table.
• The Hidden Hut - okay so this is outside, but if you go for a walk and wrap up warm why not enjoy a warm drink and delicious food from the Hut nestled into the hill just a short walk from the beach.  Views and food don't get much better.
• Caerhays Beach Cafe - this little cafe is right on the beach and offers delicious food and fantastic hot chocolates.  Whilst researching
  this blog I notice there have a Torch Light Procession in October looking for fairies...I will be booking tickets for that!
• Lanhydrock Cafe - talking of hot chocolates - this, in our humble opinion is one of the best and there is a roaring fire to enjoy too and a huge play area for the children as well.

I should just mention that Heligan is looking stunning at the moment - it is Harvest Festival, it starts today but we had a sneaky peak yesterday as they were getting ready for it - well worth a visit to appreciate the stunning displays.

Glorious Gardens in Glorious Weather

I love Cornwall so much at times like this.  The days are long and gloriously sunny, in fact I might even plan a beach bbq on our day off this week - the question is which beach will we go to?   I will keep you posted.  It is like a switch has been flicked on the 1st September and the sun in out in full force.  This weekend, making the most of the weather we went to Pinetum Park on Sunday.  Richard had a thing about going and I had been dragging my heals; just not that keen for some reason.  I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, and would highly recommend a visit.

The layout and entrance to the garden would benfit from a little rethink as you are left asking 'is this it?'.  However once you go through the parkland your breathe is taken away.  The stunning vista is a testiment to the planting of previous owners Shirley and Ray Clemo (no relation!).  At the bottom of the parkland is a stunning lake, you are transported to some far off land - it is easy to forget you are in the heart of St Austell.  The Japanese Garden is utterly stunning.  Although heed the signs about not wheelchair/pushchair friendly.  I was a little stubborn and insisted I could manage the pushchair through - Richard thought it was hilarious when balancing on a narrow bridge I nearly fell in the water feature!

If you take pleasure in wandering around gardens then you are spoilt for choice locally and slightly further a field.  With the weather set to remain fair then why not plan a 'Sepetember Sun & Garden' visit to Cornwall?

• Pinetum Park, St Austell - A hidden gem, a love affair with gardens by two dedicated local people, recently brought by another plant lover - the parkland is stunning.
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan - I am a lover of Heligan and we are there most weeks.  One of our most favourite times of year is coming up - Harvest Festival - well worth a visit to enjoy the stunning colours, vegetables and fruits. Starts 19th Sepetember
• The Eden Project - The huge visitor attraction is hosting a food festival at the moment.  We will be going next Sunday to see Katy from Cbeebies.  But if a more distinguished chef is more your cup of tea then check out the two week programme.
• Lanhydrock - This National Trust estate not only has my favourite NT house (great example of upstairs/downstairs living) but it also has spectacular gardens with stunning beautiful herbaceous borders.
• Trebah Gardens - My Mum & Dad's favourite.  This is a special garden - a showcase of Cornish Gardens at their best.  With a lovely walk down to the small waters edge - it is quite magical.  

I would recommend picking up 'The Great Gardens of Cornwall' leaflet in reception.  You pay full price at your first garden and then at each subsequent garden you visit you get a discount.

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