You do have to laugh doing this job sometimes. I just wrote a whole section about how the weather men get it wrong and how we have had no rain at all despite storms everywhere else. Well I just went to take our signs in and you guessed it...it's raining! Only slightly and it is nice gentle warm rain - the nice type of rain. To be fair I have had some very sun burnt people int the reception today as we have had a glorious day. The moral of the story here is don't worry about the Cornish weather - what ever the weather man says is wrong (unless he says it will be hot) and if it is raining here, a mile down the road it probably isn't!
On site at the moment we have a lovely mix of people, from our seasonal pitches, who have become good friends with us and other campers to the local children staying with their families from St Austell and Mevagissey to the good selection of Belgium, Dutch, German and Swiss. We need to learn more languages!
We have been pointing many campers in the direction of the trail this week. With paths going directly from the site to Pentewan Beach where you can enjoy the Driftwood Cafe or pick up the South West Coastal Path. Or you could walk or cycle back up towards St Austell going via the vast Kings Wood. Or how about wandering up to The Lost Gardens of Heligan to enjoy a lovely slice of cake.
If you would like to explore Cornwall without the hassle of taking you car don't forget you can catch the bus from right outside the site, it takes the worry out of the skinny roads for you.
Right now Cornwall is relatively quiet, despite some local schools breaking up the Friday just gone many children don't finish until this week so we have an influx of people from Friday. We have spent the week stocking the shop, ordering more tea in fact as Smugglers Brew is proving very popular with guests. We have a large ice cream delivery coming on Thursday (I will have to sample for quality control again), cutting grass, putting up the new football goals posts for you to enjoy, getting even more toys for the toy baskets in reception for you to borrow whilst staying here and much more!
Can't wait to see many of you in the coming weeks.
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Summer season begins
The summer season well and truly starts this weekend with the children breaking up and what stunning weather to welcome you with. Having run River Valley Holiday Park for almost 20 years as a family we have a wealth of experience and love the summer season - even if is a little busy. So you can be reassured that when booking with us we can offer you all sorts of nuggets of information gathered throughout our lives here and from visitors; including interesting places to visit, places off the beaten track, secluded beaches, how to get cheap entrance tickets to attractions, local garages should you need one (hopefully you won't), camping advice and numerous local walks.
With so many of you arriving in the coming weeks I guess now is a good time to introduce the team we have. So, the Clemo family own the site, made up of John & Judith and their grown up children Alison (who looks after River Valley) and Richard. You will see John and Judith around the site. I am Heidi and I am married to Richard, and along with our daughter Jessica who will be one in a few weeks, we are at Little Winnick most of the time. Steve & Jude are our on site wardens who live in the park home with their dog Tia and are always very happy to help. We really look forward to welcoming you to the site.
So how can you get the most out of Cornwall? Firstly, we are always here to help, with reception open 8.30am - 8.30pm we can point in the direction that you are thinking of heading - even look up things such as whether the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry is running or as proper locals, give you directions which your Sat Nav might miss!
You might like to consider planning you stay a little and booking things in advance to save some pennies. For example you can book Eden Project tickets here and save nearly £10 per ticket. Or if you are thinking about visiting some of Cornwall's stunning gardens pick up a Great Gardens of Cornwall leaflet in reception. You pay full price with the leaflet at your first visit then after that you get discounted rates at all other featured gardens. As Eden is the most expensive visit one of the other gardens then head there to enjoy a discounted rate! To see the featured gardens click here.
A number of places offer a 7 day ticket once you have visited one, such at Newquay Zoo, Kidworld, Springfield Fun Park and Pony Centre or an annual past if you Gift Aid at The Maratime Museum in Falmouth or The Eden Project.
Don't forget if need supplies for your days out we have freshly prepared sandwiches, fresh bread, rolls, cakes, drinks, cheese, tuna, crisps and much more do keep you going on day. Perhaps most importantly in this weather we have a very well stocked ice fridge.
With so many of you arriving in the coming weeks I guess now is a good time to introduce the team we have. So, the Clemo family own the site, made up of John & Judith and their grown up children Alison (who looks after River Valley) and Richard. You will see John and Judith around the site. I am Heidi and I am married to Richard, and along with our daughter Jessica who will be one in a few weeks, we are at Little Winnick most of the time. Steve & Jude are our on site wardens who live in the park home with their dog Tia and are always very happy to help. We really look forward to welcoming you to the site.
So how can you get the most out of Cornwall? Firstly, we are always here to help, with reception open 8.30am - 8.30pm we can point in the direction that you are thinking of heading - even look up things such as whether the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry is running or as proper locals, give you directions which your Sat Nav might miss!
You might like to consider planning you stay a little and booking things in advance to save some pennies. For example you can book Eden Project tickets here and save nearly £10 per ticket. Or if you are thinking about visiting some of Cornwall's stunning gardens pick up a Great Gardens of Cornwall leaflet in reception. You pay full price with the leaflet at your first visit then after that you get discounted rates at all other featured gardens. As Eden is the most expensive visit one of the other gardens then head there to enjoy a discounted rate! To see the featured gardens click here.
A number of places offer a 7 day ticket once you have visited one, such at Newquay Zoo, Kidworld, Springfield Fun Park and Pony Centre or an annual past if you Gift Aid at The Maratime Museum in Falmouth or The Eden Project.
Don't forget if need supplies for your days out we have freshly prepared sandwiches, fresh bread, rolls, cakes, drinks, cheese, tuna, crisps and much more do keep you going on day. Perhaps most importantly in this weather we have a very well stocked ice fridge.
Monday, 15 July 2013
HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT
The heat wave continues in Cornwall and we love it. But we must let you know that bookings are coming in thick and fast so if you want to come and stay over the summer holidays book soon to avoid disappointment. If you want to see what others think of us then have a look at UK Campsites or Pitchup.comI am sorry I have not blogged for a week or two - I was given a week off to visit my parents in Norfolk. I flew from Norwich to Newquay - it took less than an hour and was brilliant! Why not consider visiting us by plane or train
So what is the news from Little Winnick? Well the ground works has been completed for the new barrier we are installing. Guests will be issued you a barrier pass in exchange for a £10 refundable deposit with the barrier being positioned on the entrance and exit to the touring field. This will give you added security and ensure the site remains lovely and quiet without too many cars - many guests have already expressed delight at this improvement.
I also have news on Shelia the chicken - she is sitting on some eggs and has been for two weeks so we could hear the patter of tiny claws early next week - although this very hot weather could make it really tough for the chicks to escape their shells, so keep everything crossed for her.
We love people to have fun here so we have installed goal posts on the rally field, so you can enjoy a good kick about away from the tents - or why not borrow the rounders equipment from reception and have an old fashioned game - we may even organise a game or two in the coming weeks.
Monday, 1 July 2013
26 degrees - we are smiling!
You read it right, 26 degrees was recorded on the wardens thermometer today that sits outside their bungalow - it is official - Little Winnick is a sun trap! It has been glorious today. Now there is a little fly in the ointment, in that tomorrow is meant to be wet, but after that the weather man told us it is going to be hot, hot, hot!
This seems like an ideal time to remind we are still offering 7 nights for the price of 5 so why not make the most of the weather and quiet Cornwall before the school holidays and come and have a lovely break with us, starting from as little as £60 for the whole week.
This seems like an ideal time to remind we are still offering 7 nights for the price of 5 so why not make the most of the weather and quiet Cornwall before the school holidays and come and have a lovely break with us, starting from as little as £60 for the whole week.
Saturday, 29 June 2013
Not a good place for the diet
So I have concluded the Little Winnick reception/shop is the worse place to be when on a diet. I made a Victoria Sponge that has a layer of some of the local black current jam in it and scones using Trewithen Dairy yoghurt. I have never made scones with yoghurt before but my mother in law (who some of you may have met at the site) assured me it was how she did it each week for the cottages - she was right it is amazing - this is the recipe in case you want to make some. Anyway, it means I had to have a slice a cake this morning (quality control) and it is only 11am.
As I was uploading things for the website and blog I was amazed by the super fast broadband, it still amazes me how quick it is. This is true across the whole park which is covered by 5 points to ensure you can access the WiFI wherever you are. If you would like to connect up just pop into reception to purchase log in codes.
My first guest in reception this morning made an interesting comment as I was rushing around unloading the papers, bringing in the fresh milk and sorting out the bread. He said 'I bet you can't wait until this place closes and we (the guests) all go home'. My answer was NO!'. We love our lives, it is a lifestyle that is our families way of life. We fail to get through a meal without debating things or making plans. We thrive off seeing guests enjoying the park and everything that is near by - the park feels like it has lost it's soul a little in the winter when it is empty. On rare summer days out we are busy snapping pictures for the blogs and bursting with enthusiasm to share with people. Next week we are going out for Richard's birthday to Bedruthan Steps for lunch- a very child friendly local hotel that does yummy lunches...I will update you what it is like in due course.
Talking of the winter and the rest of the season (obvioulsy not meaning the two are the same!) we have had interest recently in seasonal pitches for the rest of the season and storage over the winter. Currently we are offering seasonal pitches 1st July -1st November with winter storage for £1400 on a hard standing pitch - this includes your electric and use of the facilities. Please give Heidi or Richard a call if you are interested.
As I was uploading things for the website and blog I was amazed by the super fast broadband, it still amazes me how quick it is. This is true across the whole park which is covered by 5 points to ensure you can access the WiFI wherever you are. If you would like to connect up just pop into reception to purchase log in codes.
My first guest in reception this morning made an interesting comment as I was rushing around unloading the papers, bringing in the fresh milk and sorting out the bread. He said 'I bet you can't wait until this place closes and we (the guests) all go home'. My answer was NO!'. We love our lives, it is a lifestyle that is our families way of life. We fail to get through a meal without debating things or making plans. We thrive off seeing guests enjoying the park and everything that is near by - the park feels like it has lost it's soul a little in the winter when it is empty. On rare summer days out we are busy snapping pictures for the blogs and bursting with enthusiasm to share with people. Next week we are going out for Richard's birthday to Bedruthan Steps for lunch- a very child friendly local hotel that does yummy lunches...I will update you what it is like in due course.
Talking of the winter and the rest of the season (obvioulsy not meaning the two are the same!) we have had interest recently in seasonal pitches for the rest of the season and storage over the winter. Currently we are offering seasonal pitches 1st July -1st November with winter storage for £1400 on a hard standing pitch - this includes your electric and use of the facilities. Please give Heidi or Richard a call if you are interested.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
The sun has got his hat on...
Hip Hip Hoooooooooooooooray!
Wow what a week, it has been lovely and sunny and finally the evenings are feeling warm too - perfect barbeque weather or tennis weather. Guests are in fact enjoying Wimbledon from their pitches as I type thanks to the new aerial hook up points on the hard standing pitches.
I must apologise for the delay in blog since the last one; it has been very busy, I sat down to do it on Monday evening when I was working but I had a stream of bookings which kept me busy right up until home time. We have also had a number of guests extending their stays - many wanting to stay and see the Mevagissey Fireworks on Saturday night. The fireworks are the finale to the Feast Week and are some of the best I have ever seen being let off across the harbour.
If you fancy planning a trip around another local festival why not come down for Fowey Regatta. Throughout the week there is lots on, but in our opinion the highlight is the stunning Red Arrow display which takes place down the estuary and out to sea. It is without doubt worth a drip down to Cornwall for.
Locally St Austell has re-launched it's Feast Week, last held in 1946, the new Feast runs from the 5th July- 13th July. The week is packed with shows, talks, cookery demonstrations, open air services, marches and plays.
In August we have the Charlestown Regatta to look forward; with a traditional Cornish Flora dance, carnival, donkey derby (with real donkeys!) and a mini triathlon the week is packed with lots of things for the whole family to enjoy.
Wow what a week, it has been lovely and sunny and finally the evenings are feeling warm too - perfect barbeque weather or tennis weather. Guests are in fact enjoying Wimbledon from their pitches as I type thanks to the new aerial hook up points on the hard standing pitches.
I must apologise for the delay in blog since the last one; it has been very busy, I sat down to do it on Monday evening when I was working but I had a stream of bookings which kept me busy right up until home time. We have also had a number of guests extending their stays - many wanting to stay and see the Mevagissey Fireworks on Saturday night. The fireworks are the finale to the Feast Week and are some of the best I have ever seen being let off across the harbour.
If you fancy planning a trip around another local festival why not come down for Fowey Regatta. Throughout the week there is lots on, but in our opinion the highlight is the stunning Red Arrow display which takes place down the estuary and out to sea. It is without doubt worth a drip down to Cornwall for.
Locally St Austell has re-launched it's Feast Week, last held in 1946, the new Feast runs from the 5th July- 13th July. The week is packed with shows, talks, cookery demonstrations, open air services, marches and plays.
In August we have the Charlestown Regatta to look forward; with a traditional Cornish Flora dance, carnival, donkey derby (with real donkeys!) and a mini triathlon the week is packed with lots of things for the whole family to enjoy.
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Cornwall - the new Hollywood
Cornwall is set to star in not one, but two feature films this summer. Out now is 'Summer in February' featuring Dan Stevens who starred in Downton Abbey. The film is based on a true story about a colony of artists in Cornwall before the First World War. We are seeing the film tomorrow so will keep you posted as to what we think of it - we have heard only good reviews so far!
Then in August Richard Curtis's new film About Time, which was filmed around St Austell last summer will be released. About Time is the latest in Richard Curtis's long line of rom-coms; based around a time travelling lover the film features local beaches such as Port Holland and Porthpean House. I am a bit of a Richard Curtis fan so I can't wait.
I sometimes think we could make a film out of running a campsite - no two days are the same and no two guests are the same. So what is it like for us on a day to day basis? We begin by collecting the papers that guests have ordered, then we bring in the mornings bread and milk delivery. We stock fresh bread from a local bakery in Mevagissey - it is so yummy, even if I do say so. We then turn our attentions to bookings - usually we have had some enquiry's over night so we crack on with allocating them pitches and confirming what they would like. Then throughout the morning their is a steady stream of people visiting the shop - both from on site and people popping in from near by sites and off the trail.
A quick check of the toilet block usually results in us returning very hungry as the smell of bacon waffs across the site. As of this week we will be stocking Kittows bacon - if you are a bacon fan you have to try it - it is the best bacon I have ever had. Around 10.30ish is our coffee time, and time to take stock of the morning thus far and plan the rest of the day. The rest of the morning can be one of many jobs; cutting the grass, strimming, meanding bits and bobs, stocking the shop, paying wages and bills, meeting and greeting guests. After lunch we begin the big job of cleaning 24 toilets, 32 hand basins, 12 showers, 6 sinks, and 5 floors. I have just about perfected the art of getting a streak free shower cubicle...after lots of practise! This usually takes around 2-3 hours depending on the guests. Then we head back to recpetion to check in people who usually turn up off the road or tend to those in the shop. Then we need a rest!
Then in August Richard Curtis's new film About Time, which was filmed around St Austell last summer will be released. About Time is the latest in Richard Curtis's long line of rom-coms; based around a time travelling lover the film features local beaches such as Port Holland and Porthpean House. I am a bit of a Richard Curtis fan so I can't wait.
I sometimes think we could make a film out of running a campsite - no two days are the same and no two guests are the same. So what is it like for us on a day to day basis? We begin by collecting the papers that guests have ordered, then we bring in the mornings bread and milk delivery. We stock fresh bread from a local bakery in Mevagissey - it is so yummy, even if I do say so. We then turn our attentions to bookings - usually we have had some enquiry's over night so we crack on with allocating them pitches and confirming what they would like. Then throughout the morning their is a steady stream of people visiting the shop - both from on site and people popping in from near by sites and off the trail.
A quick check of the toilet block usually results in us returning very hungry as the smell of bacon waffs across the site. As of this week we will be stocking Kittows bacon - if you are a bacon fan you have to try it - it is the best bacon I have ever had. Around 10.30ish is our coffee time, and time to take stock of the morning thus far and plan the rest of the day. The rest of the morning can be one of many jobs; cutting the grass, strimming, meanding bits and bobs, stocking the shop, paying wages and bills, meeting and greeting guests. After lunch we begin the big job of cleaning 24 toilets, 32 hand basins, 12 showers, 6 sinks, and 5 floors. I have just about perfected the art of getting a streak free shower cubicle...after lots of practise! This usually takes around 2-3 hours depending on the guests. Then we head back to recpetion to check in people who usually turn up off the road or tend to those in the shop. Then we need a rest!
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