The 36 acres of undulating fields, immaculate gardens and enchanting woodland that surrounds the 17th century manor house of Trewan Hall, makes for a near perfect camping spot. Positioned just outside the pretty parish town of St. Columb Major, this family-orientated campsite has been run by the Hill's' for over 50 years, so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about camping. And with Cornwall’s finest walks, pristine white sand beaches and picture postcard villages right on the site's doorstep, you don’t have to be eagle-eyed to realise why they never left.
Trewan’s camping area itself is lovely and small enough to feel quite private. There are two slightly sloping fields (one smaller and more family-friendly) plus a larger field with plenty of space and a real ‘away from it all’ atmosphere. The management here are flexible, meaning campers can ‘pitch where you like’. So if you spot a secluded corner that takes your fancy, it’s yours. Not being slap bang on the Cornish coast means the site is relatively sheltered from the elements, however it’s worth mentioning a country lane runs alongside the smaller camping field, but unless you’re an extremely light sleeper you won’t be disturbed by the infrequent traffic.
Caravans and motorhomes are also welcome at Trewan Hall. But fret not, canvas campers: given the site’s pursuit of natural beauty over profit, the grass-only pitches and absence of hard-standings mean only a relatively small number of caravans take their chances, so the comprehensive views of rolling fields, parish churches and grass-munching cattle remain largely unbroken. The facilities here are pretty comprehensive too, with a brand-new ablution block equipped with showers, baths, washing-up sinks and electric razor points. Best of all, guests are free to use the fully supervised, 25-metre heated swimming pool (open during high season) – just the ticket for cooling off when the Cornish sun comes out to play.
You won’t have a shortage of things to do here. Not only do you have the nearby historic town of St. Columb Major, with its time-honoured country pubs, you’re also only a flip-flop away from the tranquil coastline of Mawgan Porth. And 14 miles down the road you'll discover the world's largest (and most impressive) greenhouse, The Eden Project. These sights combined with cosy, grassy comfort that comes with field camping makes Trewan Hall an ideal place to pitch up.
Nearby, the world famous Eden Project (01726 811911) is one millennium project that appears to have been a success. Each football-like Biome takes visitors into a different region of the world; trek through a humid South American rainforest, or experience the dry deserts of Northern Africa. There’s plenty going on in the Outdoor Biome too, with 13 hectares of garden containing almost 2,000 plant species. The flat, easygoing Camel Trail starts in Padstow and runs east through Wadebridge (along the Camel Estuary) before finishing at Poley's Bridge. The Padstow–Wadebridge section makes a splendid half-day excursion, but it does get crowded; an estimated 350,000 people tackle the trail every year. The Wadebridge–Bodmin section is usually quieter and just as dramatic. Bikes can be hired from both ends. A Viking ship, the 'beast' vertical drop and the big-ticket Morgawr rollercoaster await visitors to Crealy Adventure Park (01395 233200.) Disneyland it isn't, but the kids will have fun.
Hot food (try the pasties!) are available all day in the camp shop, and fresh bread and cakes can be purchased from an excellent local bakery. There’s also a fish & chip van and a pizza “horse box” that visits the site once a week. Within walking distance, St. Columb Major has several places to get your fill including: Port & Starboard (01726 860270) who serve up great fish & chips, the atmospheric Ring O Bells (01637 880259) and Goss Moor Tea Garden (01726 861113) with well presented, tasty and reasonably priced cakes and sandwiches. The Smugglers Den Inn (01637 830209) at Cubert is a thatched inn with real atmosphere, traditional food and local ales. Watergate Bay, on the far side of Newquay is home to the much-publicised Fifteen Restaurant (01637 861000), where disadvantaged youngsters are taught the cooking trade.