Happiness is a key ingredient of Merry Meadows Farm, along with its delicious on-site food, with its hosts letting you laze in the grass without the hassle of having to go out and forage for a place to eat. You see, what owners Becky and Ruth understand is that if you have a great product — in this case, excellent quality bacon and sausages sold from the farm's on-site shop and cafe — you needn’t have to ship it off to unknown customers if you can open a campsite and invite them to your table instead.
Located just a few miles north of St Austell and the Carlyon Bay in Cornwall, this is a back-to-basics and off-grid affair as far as camping goes. It’s set on a quiet and secluded working farm of 32 acres that breeds rare pigs and has a field of about eight acres for the tent pitches. But it’s the philosophy and guiding principles of the place that make it so appealing. There is a focus on regeneration and conservation of the land, so biodegradable products are sold in the shop. Permaculture ideas of zero waste are being implemented, exemplified by Becky and Ruth using the compost from the toilets to help newly planted trees. Think about it; they raise the pigs, you camp and eat the produce, you use the toilet, and then new trees grow. It’s a win-win for everyone.
The onsite cafe, The Hungry Hog, serves round-the-clock snacks but specialises in full English breakfasts, tasty evening meals, and the occasional barbecue. But it’s not all about the meat; the farm’s laying hens provide eggs, salad is supplied from the garden, and vegan and vegetarian options are well covered. And even though campfires are not allowed at Merry Meadows Farm, barbecues are, so if you want to cook it yourself then you can.
Furthermore, just next to the campsite is a fishery with three large trout lakes if you’d prefer fish for dinner.You might want to take a stroll to digest all of this goodness, and it’s quite possible right from the campsite. Just turn right out of the gated entrance and you’ll find yourself on a lovely narrow country road that leads straight to a little granite pub serving ales brewed in St Austell. Or go left and find yourself joining one of the area’s Clay Trails, which will lead you straight to the Eden Project, just three and a half miles away.