Hello,
Sorry it has been so long since my last blog, Richard, Jessica and I have been on our holidays; after our first season here we were in need of a bit of a holiday. Some may say that it was a bit of a bus man's holiday as we stayed in a static caravan in Weymouth - but static vans are just perfect for little people into everything! We managed to time it just right with great weather meaning will could enjoy the likes of Portland and Chesil Beach. Never fully off duty we had a look round the touring park and checked out their facilities! We are back now for a few weeks then off again in November to see family who didn't get to see much of us over the summer.
I am very pleased to report the storm seemed to pass through Cornwall last night without too much damage - we have no fallen trees to report and just a few more puddles after the heavy rain that the wind brought with it.
As for us, we have our hands full with Jessica who is, as of last week, walking. We hoped she would wait until the end of the season to do it as having a crawling baby in reception was one thing, having a running toddler seems like a whole different kettle of fish.
Last time I told you about the work in the bottom field that is happening. It is still going on and it is amazing how huge the field is now at lot of the dead wood and bushes have been removed. The work has allowed us to clear out the leat that runs along the boundary of the site. Until this week it hasn't really been flowing, however after a lot of hard work removing bathes and such like which had been dump in there many moons ago and the leat is running really well which can only be a good thing for the drainage of the whole site and surrounding area.
In the coming weeks Richard and his dad will be digging trenches on the site in preparation for more water points and hook ups in the rally field. The hope is to get as much ground work done as possible before Christmas to allow time for the ground to recover. I shall be planting hundreds of daffodil bulbs to compliment all the daffodils that are already here. I shall also be looking into what trees we plant in the bottom field to replace all the dead wood.
As our final week of 2013 season approaches we find ourselves reflecting on our first year. We are so grateful to so many of you who have come to stay here and hope to welcome you and your families back for years to come. As the site changes over the seasons it is a pleasure to see our vast and differing collection of guests come and go. From the German tanks that scared the life out of me when they arrived, to guests who come for a few nights and end up staying weeks, to the couples with their dogs wandering down to the local pub to the children who arrive knowing no one but leave in tears not wanting to leave behind their new best friends. The site feels quite strange with only a handful of people on it now. We could not have asked for a better start to our new venture and a huge thank you goes to you for helping is enjoy every minute of the 2013 season.
Monday, 28 October 2013
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Great autumn offers
It seems that there are some great offers to make the most of autumn sun. Heligan is offering a new Winter Pass. You pay to get in once and for just a £1 upgrade you can go back as many times as you like between now and February. And if that is not enough children get in free. What a brilliant idea especially as it is such an interesting time to visit the gardens with the fabulous Harvest Festival taking place too.
The Ship Inn in Pentewan is now offering a Thursday night carvery for just £4.99. Famed for their delicious carvery this is a real bargain - you might even see us there!
Yesterday Richard went to The Eden Project to attend an event publicising cycling around Cornwall. Not only are there some new routes opening there are more opportunities for people to enjoy a cycling break in Cornwall. Locally the Pentewan Cycle Hire will deliver bikes to the site for the day, however the Re:Source Centre in Bodmin will be offering weeks hires from £50.00 next season with them delivering the bikes to you and collecting them at the end of your stay. We think this is a brilliant idea as we know only to well how hard it is to squeeze everything in when you come on holiday especially with little people in tow!
This weekend saw a Rally on site with guests coming from all over Cornwall. The Cornwall District Branch of the Caravan and Camping Club enjoyed their stay so much they have already booked up for 2014. The group arrived on the Friday and spent Saturday decorating their vans for a window dressing competition on Saturday night which was judged by our Wardens followed by complimentary pasties.
The Ship Inn in Pentewan is now offering a Thursday night carvery for just £4.99. Famed for their delicious carvery this is a real bargain - you might even see us there!
Yesterday Richard went to The Eden Project to attend an event publicising cycling around Cornwall. Not only are there some new routes opening there are more opportunities for people to enjoy a cycling break in Cornwall. Locally the Pentewan Cycle Hire will deliver bikes to the site for the day, however the Re:Source Centre in Bodmin will be offering weeks hires from £50.00 next season with them delivering the bikes to you and collecting them at the end of your stay. We think this is a brilliant idea as we know only to well how hard it is to squeeze everything in when you come on holiday especially with little people in tow!
This weekend saw a Rally on site with guests coming from all over Cornwall. The Cornwall District Branch of the Caravan and Camping Club enjoyed their stay so much they have already booked up for 2014. The group arrived on the Friday and spent Saturday decorating their vans for a window dressing competition on Saturday night which was judged by our Wardens followed by complimentary pasties.
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Bookings
Jessica and I are in charge (or so we like to think anyway) for the next few days as Richard and Alison have headed off to the Caravan Show in the New Forrest. They are on the hunt for some new static caravans for River Valley Holiday Park, our other site a mile up the road. So I am here writing the blog whilst Jessica is in her highchair attempting some colouring and waiting for guests to wave at.
This weekend sees our first rally on the park with the us welcoming the Camping and Caravan Club - Cornwall District Association. It is the first of many rallies planned over the next twelve months - we just hope the weather brightens slightly for them as right now it is a bit murky. This rally is happening in the main touring field however we have a large rally field which is ideal for rallies, groups of friends, clubs or even as a wedding location. If you would like to find out more about holding a group event in the rally field please give me (Heidi) a call on 01726 843687. This weekends rally will see a caravan/motor home window decorating competition which we have the important role of judging along with a pasty supper on Saturday night.
It has been an exciting week here at Little Winnick, we are finally getting a super doper booking system. In times gone by Judith and John used to run their holiday businesses from a chalk board and a note book. Now I will let you into a secret, at the beginning of the season we didn't know how busy we would be, we had missed all the big advertising opportunities and after another very wet winter we were slightly nervous about the weather. So we took the bold decision to run the booking systems on an excel spreadsheet not too dissimilar to the old systems Judith and John used. My, what a decision that was. Not only were we busy, but we were full most of August so I am sure you can imagine I had a few sleepless nights worrying about double bookings and whether the excel spreadsheet and more to the point whether we were up to the challenge. Luckily it all went okay but I could not go through another season juggling over 90 pitches like that. So within the coming months you will be able to check availability and make bookings on line.
Talking of bookings, you can now book for the 2014 season by giving us a call. We already have a lot of bookings coming in. If you have stayed with us before and would like a specific pitch or pitches please do give us a call and we will do our best to reserve it for you.
This week has seen diggers on site. It has made us smile all the speculation we have heard about what people think we are doing. Despite some interesting rumors we are merely tidying the bottom field and finishing some clearing work we started earlier in the year. I am myself hoping to get down to the bottom field for half an hour on Saturday to harvest the last of the blackberries to keep us going over the winter.
The week will end with a bit of a party for us. On Friday nigall the staff from Tregongeeves, Little Winnick and River Valley are off out for our end of season/Christmas party! I am sure it must be one of the earliest Christmas parties but some of our team head off for hotter climes over the winter so they like to have a celebration early. We are all heading to the Polgooth Inn for tea.
This weekend sees our first rally on the park with the us welcoming the Camping and Caravan Club - Cornwall District Association. It is the first of many rallies planned over the next twelve months - we just hope the weather brightens slightly for them as right now it is a bit murky. This rally is happening in the main touring field however we have a large rally field which is ideal for rallies, groups of friends, clubs or even as a wedding location. If you would like to find out more about holding a group event in the rally field please give me (Heidi) a call on 01726 843687. This weekends rally will see a caravan/motor home window decorating competition which we have the important role of judging along with a pasty supper on Saturday night.
It has been an exciting week here at Little Winnick, we are finally getting a super doper booking system. In times gone by Judith and John used to run their holiday businesses from a chalk board and a note book. Now I will let you into a secret, at the beginning of the season we didn't know how busy we would be, we had missed all the big advertising opportunities and after another very wet winter we were slightly nervous about the weather. So we took the bold decision to run the booking systems on an excel spreadsheet not too dissimilar to the old systems Judith and John used. My, what a decision that was. Not only were we busy, but we were full most of August so I am sure you can imagine I had a few sleepless nights worrying about double bookings and whether the excel spreadsheet and more to the point whether we were up to the challenge. Luckily it all went okay but I could not go through another season juggling over 90 pitches like that. So within the coming months you will be able to check availability and make bookings on line.
Talking of bookings, you can now book for the 2014 season by giving us a call. We already have a lot of bookings coming in. If you have stayed with us before and would like a specific pitch or pitches please do give us a call and we will do our best to reserve it for you.
This week has seen diggers on site. It has made us smile all the speculation we have heard about what people think we are doing. Despite some interesting rumors we are merely tidying the bottom field and finishing some clearing work we started earlier in the year. I am myself hoping to get down to the bottom field for half an hour on Saturday to harvest the last of the blackberries to keep us going over the winter.
The week will end with a bit of a party for us. On Friday nigall the staff from Tregongeeves, Little Winnick and River Valley are off out for our end of season/Christmas party! I am sure it must be one of the earliest Christmas parties but some of our team head off for hotter climes over the winter so they like to have a celebration early. We are all heading to the Polgooth Inn for tea.
Saturday, 14 September 2013
CAPTURE CORNWALL COMPETITION
It is competition time here at Little Winnick! We have loved meeting everything single one of our guests over the summer and have loved hearing about all your adventures throughout your stays. Believe or not some people have never been to Cornwall and have no idea what it is like. So we thought we would run a little competition - to see your best pictures from your holidays that 'Captures Cornwall'. The winner will get a two night stay here at Little Winnick, with pasties on arrival! So what do you have to do?
- Email us your picture(s) you think 'Captures Cornwall' at it's best. It could be from around Little Winnick Touring Park, a beach, walk, eatery or what every you think captures Cornwall
- Email us all entries by 31st October 2013 to mail@littlewinnick.co.uk.
- Please include within your email, where the picture was taken, who took the picture and when it was taken along with your full postal address and contact number.
Autumn arrives in Cornwall...but the sun is still out
I think most campers will agree that there is certainly a chill in the air, however I can confirm when the sun is out it is still very powerful and warm. If I am honest with you we are moving into our favourite time of year here. Don't get me wrong, summer in a sunny Cornwall is awesome, however hot days in September and October feel extra special, especially as everything is a little bit quieter and calmer.
As locals we know that there are some brilliant events in the coming weeks and we also know the best places to find a roaring fire to snuggle up next to after a long bracing walk. My favourite fire to nestle in to is at the Polgooth Inn. The fire is in the heart of the pub, and with a pint of local ale warming your insides you can't go wrong. The Eden Cafe in town also has an amazing fire. The large open burner has sofas all around it so you can enjoy a lovely treat off their menu whilst being tucked into cosy chairs. Right now, at this time of year when it is still warm enough to enjoy the lunch time sun but you want to feel like winter is coming my all time favourite place to go is the Duchy Nursery just outside Lostwithel. Their food is brilliant, their plants are fantastic and their shop will want you make to buy everything. But my favoutite thing is sitting outside in the sun whilst smelling their wood burner that burns away inside...there is something about that smell that gets me ready for the winter!
If you are planning a visit to Cornwall before we close for the winter on 31st October why not plan it around one of the many events up and coming over the next few weeks. In fact I found something on every weekend - all of which are worth a visit.
Roseland Festival - 21st September - 6th October. The full programme can be found here, but with lots of community events, talks, shows, dining and a quiz you are sure to find something of interest. The Philleigh Way Cookery evenings looks particularly good.
Cornwall Food & Drink Fair - 27th - 29th September. We loved this last year with all things foodie and Cornish showcased in one location. We would advise going early though as it does get very busy. If you don't manage to fill yourself up on all the tasters then why not treat yourself to lunch at The Old Grammar School - we love their food.
Boscastle Food, Art & Craft Festival - 5th - 6th October. This small village knows how to enjoy food -and this year the programme looks even better than usual with famous chefs, cooking demonstrations, talks, barn dances and concerts this is one not to be missed.
Falmouth Oyster Festival - 10th - 13th October. Love them or hate them oysters are a bit like marmite. But the festival celebrates the start of dredging season and brings together music, food and crafts to celebrate.
Seed to Sow - Lanhydrock - 17th October. Join the garden team to collect seeds in the Herbaceous Border and learn how to sow them and care for them in the Plant Nursery. Maybe you can get a garden looking as good as Lanhydrock!
Spooky Halloween Trail or Tour at Pendennis Castle - 26th October - 3rd November. Enjoy following a spooky trail around this impressive English Heritage property.
Little Winnick News - we look forward to welcoming our first Rally to the park later this month and are looking forward to the numerous rallies we have booked in for 2014 both in our purpose built Rally Field and within the park itself.
We have a comprehensive list of works for the winter - some of which we have already started including putting in pitch dividers on certain pitches. We will be sprucing up the toilet blocks, developing the planting, installing a new booking system, and a few other things! In between on this we hope to have a little holiday ourselves.
The chickens have already gone on their hols. Currently they are at our holiday cottages in a warm stable whilst we clean their pen as they have red mite which is very common at this time of year. They will however be moving to our back garden fairly soon for their winter break. I am most pleased about this - Richard is less than pleased that they will be spending the winter with us!
As locals we know that there are some brilliant events in the coming weeks and we also know the best places to find a roaring fire to snuggle up next to after a long bracing walk. My favourite fire to nestle in to is at the Polgooth Inn. The fire is in the heart of the pub, and with a pint of local ale warming your insides you can't go wrong. The Eden Cafe in town also has an amazing fire. The large open burner has sofas all around it so you can enjoy a lovely treat off their menu whilst being tucked into cosy chairs. Right now, at this time of year when it is still warm enough to enjoy the lunch time sun but you want to feel like winter is coming my all time favourite place to go is the Duchy Nursery just outside Lostwithel. Their food is brilliant, their plants are fantastic and their shop will want you make to buy everything. But my favoutite thing is sitting outside in the sun whilst smelling their wood burner that burns away inside...there is something about that smell that gets me ready for the winter!
If you are planning a visit to Cornwall before we close for the winter on 31st October why not plan it around one of the many events up and coming over the next few weeks. In fact I found something on every weekend - all of which are worth a visit.
Roseland Festival - 21st September - 6th October. The full programme can be found here, but with lots of community events, talks, shows, dining and a quiz you are sure to find something of interest. The Philleigh Way Cookery evenings looks particularly good.
Cornwall Food & Drink Fair - 27th - 29th September. We loved this last year with all things foodie and Cornish showcased in one location. We would advise going early though as it does get very busy. If you don't manage to fill yourself up on all the tasters then why not treat yourself to lunch at The Old Grammar School - we love their food.
Boscastle Food, Art & Craft Festival - 5th - 6th October. This small village knows how to enjoy food -and this year the programme looks even better than usual with famous chefs, cooking demonstrations, talks, barn dances and concerts this is one not to be missed.
Falmouth Oyster Festival - 10th - 13th October. Love them or hate them oysters are a bit like marmite. But the festival celebrates the start of dredging season and brings together music, food and crafts to celebrate.
Seed to Sow - Lanhydrock - 17th October. Join the garden team to collect seeds in the Herbaceous Border and learn how to sow them and care for them in the Plant Nursery. Maybe you can get a garden looking as good as Lanhydrock!
Spooky Halloween Trail or Tour at Pendennis Castle - 26th October - 3rd November. Enjoy following a spooky trail around this impressive English Heritage property.
Little Winnick News - we look forward to welcoming our first Rally to the park later this month and are looking forward to the numerous rallies we have booked in for 2014 both in our purpose built Rally Field and within the park itself.
We have a comprehensive list of works for the winter - some of which we have already started including putting in pitch dividers on certain pitches. We will be sprucing up the toilet blocks, developing the planting, installing a new booking system, and a few other things! In between on this we hope to have a little holiday ourselves.
The chickens have already gone on their hols. Currently they are at our holiday cottages in a warm stable whilst we clean their pen as they have red mite which is very common at this time of year. They will however be moving to our back garden fairly soon for their winter break. I am most pleased about this - Richard is less than pleased that they will be spending the winter with us!
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Little Winnick's Foodie top ten
We have had lots of friends visiting so have been enjoying Cornwall with them, which to be honest is a rare treat over the summer months. We have been off enjoying breakfast at The Lewinnick Lodge- set on the edge of the cliff the stunning views are perfectly complimented with great food at reasonable prices. There were thirteen of us and three babies so we opted for breakfast which was just lovely. Most of the group had food envy for my waffles with bacon and maple syrup, whilst I looked on enviously at the hearty Cornish breakfast. After we had eaten we headed on to Watergate Bay to enjoy the sun. It was stunning as the tide was the furthest I have seen it out.
We also ventured over to Padstow. The more energetic biked from here, whilst the more sensible biked from Wadebridge along the Camel Trail which is a brilliant way to get to Padstow. We were rewarded with a pasty from the award winning Chough Bakery. There are delicious with the addition of clotted cream making them extra special. We then strolled around the pretty village taking in the lovely shops and in particular Rick Stein's small empire. His cake shop is very good! We then indulged in some Roskilly's ice cream. I had cream tea flavour, which was divine and well worth every single calorie!
Finally we went for a stroll around The Lost Gardens of Heligan. It is the best I have seen the vegetable patch and put my efforts to shame, it was beautiful and despite the car park being full it didn't feel like it was full of people. We were spoilt for choice at lunch with their delicious selection - I opted for Marconi cheese which was a good choice. Now it is back to work and back to the diet!
I have had a lot of people asking in reception about places to eat so I thought I would give you my top ten recommendations as we love food!
We also ventured over to Padstow. The more energetic biked from here, whilst the more sensible biked from Wadebridge along the Camel Trail which is a brilliant way to get to Padstow. We were rewarded with a pasty from the award winning Chough Bakery. There are delicious with the addition of clotted cream making them extra special. We then strolled around the pretty village taking in the lovely shops and in particular Rick Stein's small empire. His cake shop is very good! We then indulged in some Roskilly's ice cream. I had cream tea flavour, which was divine and well worth every single calorie!
Finally we went for a stroll around The Lost Gardens of Heligan. It is the best I have seen the vegetable patch and put my efforts to shame, it was beautiful and despite the car park being full it didn't feel like it was full of people. We were spoilt for choice at lunch with their delicious selection - I opted for Marconi cheese which was a good choice. Now it is back to work and back to the diet!
I have had a lot of people asking in reception about places to eat so I thought I would give you my top ten recommendations as we love food!
Little Winnick's Foodie top ten
- Sam's on The Beach - Polkerris, PL24 2TL 01726 812255 - The funky, converted old life boat station has an amazing atmosphere, stunning views and food to match. With fresh fish special and pizzas you will be spoilt for choice. Book to avoid disappointment.
- Lewinnick Lodge - Pentire Headland, Newquay, TR7 1QD 01637 878117 - A beautiful pub/restaurant offering food throughout the day, particuarly nice when the weather isn't great to be tucked up in the warm watching the rough sea.
- The Kings Wood Bar & Restaurant, London Apprentice, PL26 7AP 01726 63780 - A lovely local restaurant, 2 miles up the road. The food is good - great for a special occasion.
- The Ship Inn - Pentewan, PL26 6BX 01726 842855 - A lovely proper Cornish pub serving local Ale and good home cooked food. The pub is walking distance from the site along the cycle trail.
- The Market Square, Mevagissey, PL26 6UD 01726 844422 - A small cafe offering quality food, freshly made to order. The couple who run it are lovely and do fantastic breakfasts.
- Austells - Beach Road, Carlyon Bay, St Austell, PL25 3PH 01726 813888 - St Autsell's only 2 Rosette restaurant Autsells is a foodies heaven. We have been lucky enough to eat here a few times and the food is divine and worth every penny.
- Charlies Boat House - Charlestown Road, Charlestown, PL25 3NJ 01726 63322 - A small converted boat house in the heart of the picturesque Charlestown. With great sharing platters and locally meat it is a great place to visit - especially if you like cocktails! I had the steak the other day and it was delicious.
- The Polgooth, Polgooth, PL26 7DA 01726 74089 - A really good, local Cornish pub, not to far away from Little Winnick. The pub boasts home-cooked hearty meals and great ale too. In the winter there are roaring fires to warm the cockles and great Sunday roasts too.
- Drift Wood Beach Bistro, Pentewan Sands, PL26 6BT 01726 844189 - Within walking distance this beach hut has stunning views out to sea. Although part of the Pentewan Sands campsite non residents can visit the cafe and enjoy their great food and stunning views.
- Alorada Portuguese Restaurant, East Quay, Mevagissey, PL26 6QQ 01726 842055 - A small family run restaurant, serving delicious Portuguese food, overlooking Mevagissery Harbour.
Next week I will do our top ten walks
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Bank Holiday Fun in the Sun
Well, despite it being a bank holiday it looks like the weather is not going to rain on our parade. After a mixed day yesterday today it is bright with a slight breeze and tomorrow is set to get even better; which is fantastic news for our full camping field - and for our guests in the Rally Field. On site we have the normal touring field but we are also very lucky to boast a Rally Field too. The large field is a fantastic space for people to gather for celebrations, club events, reunions or just for a weekend away. We already have a number of caravan and motor club rallies booked in for 2014, friends coming for a long weekend in the field, a possible football tournament and even interest in a wedding being held there. If you would like to use the Rally Field please do get in contact with either Heidi or Richard who can discuss options with you.
As the bank holiday comes and goes we say goodbye to the summer season which has been just fantastic and welcome in our seven nights for the price of five which begins from Sunday 1st September. That means over the coming weeks you could stay seven nights for as little as £40. Please do give us a call or email us if you would like to make a booking with us.
September is a wonderful time to visit Cornwall, not only is it quieter but it is also often very warm too. Dates to put in your diary include:
- 8th September - World Bellyboard Championships at St Agness
- 12th - 15th September - Heritage Open Days with free entry to
- Lanhydroch
- Gribbin Daymark
- Glendurgan
- Godolphin Garden
- Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
- East Pool Mine, to name but a few
- 14th September - St Ives September Fest, with exhibitions, poetry, walks and festivals
- 21st September - Roseland Fesitval - a community festival celebrating all local things.
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