When Menagwins Farm closes up shop for the season, its four acres of pitches will be returned back to nature and agriculture, and its spacious fields — now hosting groups of campers exploring the Cornish countryside — will once again be occupied by grazing horses. But until then, hosts Daisy and David maintain an eco-friendly site that's respectful of its surroundings, as guests are asked to be thoughtful of the livestock that their pitch will eventually be passed back over to.
Menagwins is a rural retreat in every sense; a compost loo is shared between the pitches, while a cold water shower will surely provide an enlivening start to your day — as will the stunning views from the outdoor shower, with the historic market town of St Austell resting behind acres of undulating fields. Daisy and David know their guests value peace and quiet, so allow campers to choose their own pitch within their grounds, while the site sits quietly half a mile from its titular farm to avoid any of the accompanying sounds (or smells).
You won't find electric pitches here, but any time spent on your phone is time spent wasted considering the site's close proximity to some of Cornwall's finest attractions. The Eden Project, a stunning collection of biomes emulating a rainforest, will educate as well as entertain, while the lush Lost Gardens of Heligan are also nearby, with their ancient pastures and the UK's only outdoor jungle providing memorable days out for both the big kids and the small ones among your group.
But Menagwins also brings nature right to your doorstep — or, at least, your tent flap. The site is situated on Route 3 of the Pentewan cycle trail, a wildflower and woodland stretch that takes you through the beach and harbour of Pentewan, before concluding in the fishing village of Mevagissey. Along with bringing your bike in tow, the site is also ideal for your furry friends, with it welcoming up to three dogs to take on lovely strolls. This includes the public footpath that runs through the site, which opens up into 330 miles of coastal walks, providing unforgettable views across St Austell Bay. Menagwins Farm Pop Up and Pitch may be a simple site, but you won't be able to succinctly describe these views.
In less than a 10-minute drive, campers can get to both the Porthpean and Duporth beaches. The former is a short sandy coast situated in front of a cliffside vista lined with trees, while the latter is a lengthier sand and pebble beach with rock pools for the kids to explore in low tide. The Charlestown Harbour is a 10-minute drive away, too, set on the South Cornish Coastline as the last remaining 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK. The Eden Project (01726 811911) is a 20-minute drive from the site, with this huge botanical garden being one of Cornwall's most popular visitor attractions, stretching across two expansive biomes simulating a sustainable rainforest environment. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (01726 845100) are also less than a 20-minute drive away, with these historic gardens having nearly been lost to time in World War I, before being rediscovered and restored into one of the most magical natural sights in the UK.
In terms of nearby amenities, cyclists should note that there's a Halfords (01726 68981) that's less than a 10-minute cycle away, allowing you to purchase new gear for your adventures — Menagwins is situated along Route 3 of the Pentewan trail. The site is also a 10-minute drive to a Co-op (01726 65601) for any necessities you wish to purchase.
