There's something delightfully nostalgic about Tehidy Holiday Park. Nestled in the wooded seclusion of the Tolskithy Valley, arrival at this family-run campsite – with its iconic red phone box and swing-sign advertising Roskilly's ice cream – feels like the beginning of a Famous Five tale. And with the storied sands and hidden coves of St Ives and other west Cornwall beaches a healthy walk away through the sprawling woodlands of Tehidy Country Park, adventure is never far.
But while Tehidy is quaint, it's far from a twee, 'camping from the dark ages' experience. There are an array of pitches for campers and caravanners, with conveniently located utilities aplenty. Everything about this place is well-maintained, from the neatly-trimmed grass to the immaculately clean wash facilities, to the well-stocked site shop, formerly the local blacksmith's forge. Even the vibrant wildflowers which adorn the perimeter seem perfectly proportioned – a cluster of foxglove here, a bunch of orchid there.
For those not as enamoured with the joys of canvas and tent peg, Tehidy's glamping pods make for the perfect fuss-free break. These fully-insulated wooden cabins are heated and wired, with all the mod cons you could possibly need – an affordable alternative to costly Cornish B&Bs and ideal for those travelling light.
Affable owner Richard takes tremendous pride in every aspect of the park, and it's easy to see why Tehidy is one of Cornwall's most garlanded campsites – it was voted regional winner of Cornwall six years running and 'Best Holiday Caravan and Lodge Site in the UK' in 2019 and has won the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award 12 years in a row. Tehidy's shelves are literally creaking with prizes from the camping cognoscenti. If Mr Bellamy drops by with any more, they'll have to build him his own pod!
Where to start? This is Cornwall after all so you can expect your run of some of the UK's finest beaches. The Blue Flag beach at Porthtowan is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that's popular with the surf junkies. It also encompasses the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dig deeper into the area's industrial heritage at the East Pool Mine (01209 315027). The Lost Gardens of Heligan (01726 845100) and world-renowned Eden Project (01726 811911) are two of Cornwall's most popular visitor attractions. Further afield, St Michael's Mount (01736 710507) is a fairytale, island castle accessible by a tidal causeway.
Most campers opt for some guyrope grilling. Each camping pitch has a BBQ slab and raised BBQs are provided for the wigwams. There's a covered cookout shelter and plenty of picnic tables across the site. Tehidy's onsite shop stocks plenty of lovely local meat and other fine produce. The local village of Illogan (Poldark fans will recognise it as Demelza Poldarks home village) has a pasty bakery, Co-Op, doctors' and post office. For fresh locally-caught seafood, the fisherman’s cottage at Chapel Porth is a real local gem. Treat yourself to a post-surf snack at Blue Bar Porthtowan (01209 890329) and Godrevy Beach Café (01736 757999). If a night on the town is what you're after, head to The Old Grammar School (01872 278559) in Truro for inventive tapas and cocktails in a relaxed shabby-chic setting.