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Real Glamping at the Fir Hill

92%
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· Newquay, Cornwall, England
66 acres hosted by Charlie H.
11 glamping pitches
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Family-friendly yurt glamping on an enchanting old Cornwall estate just three miles from the surf and sand of Newquay

It’s been a tumultuous existence for the Fir Hill Estate. Established in the 16th-century, built up in the 19th century and then abandoned less than a hundred years later, it is only in the last decade that people have begun to rejuvenate its wild and untamed space. Today’s owner, Charlie Hoblyn, has been tirelessly restoring the grounds to craft what is now a managed yet natural 60 acres. It’s like an estate-sized version of The Secret Garden – a hidden treasure being slowly brought back to life.

In amongst the shrubbery and meadow space of the old Fir Hill farmland, is the estate’s 21st-century venture – a North Cornwall glamping hideout. With nine ginormous, Mongolian-inspired yurts, each sleeping up to six people, the site offers privacy and luxury, at the same time as having a real family-friendly buzz during the busy school holiday season. Facilities are all centred around a couple of brand new barns, built on the site of the estate’s old cow shed, with a warm social space (and views of the Porth Reservoir), as well as modern toilets and shower rooms. An outdoor terrace, meanwhile, offers a south-facing space for soaking up the sun with a covered barbecue area alongside.

The prime North Cornwall location combined with the luxuriousness of the yurts themselves gives Fir Hill an obvious appeal. But much of the place’s charm is also owed to the ethos. Charlie hasn’t just built a fancy new barn. Instead, the place has been painstakingly restored and renewed with the environment in mind. Water comes from a bore hole, huge solar panels cover part of the cowshed roof and a Froling turbo log boiler allows the site to run off thermal energy when the sun isn’t out. The surroundings, meanwhile, boast a profusion of vibrant flora. Invasive plants such as sycamore, laurel and rhododendron proliferated in the Estate’s ornamental gardens during its derelict years. But since 2012, Charlie and his team have planted over 200 fruit trees in an attempt to restore the abandoned orchards.

In all, Fir Hill is part glamping site and part restoration of a place that was long overdue its time in the spotlight. For glampers it is a wonder to explore. Stroll the farm footpaths or drive to the coast, where the vibrant surfer town of Newquay is just three miles away. Bring a board or rent one and take to the waves, build sand castles on the beach or hotfoot along the South West Coast Path to discover quieter coves and wind-blown cliff-top ruins. Whatever you do, you’ll find some of the very best attractions in Cornwall are just beyond your yurt-step – a world of adventure awaits on the edge of your own secret garden.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Surfing
Natural features
Beach
Coastal
Field
Farm
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92%
13 Ratings · 19 reviews
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Kathryn ?.recommends
June 6, 2021
Dog Family Yurt (TD) - 0b6f
We had a fabulous 4 night stay at The Fir Hill. The air is fresh, the views are beautiful - there is plenty of space between yurts and the growing plants give privacy. You are well equipped, and if you don’t have some utensil or other, Dean or Charlie are very helpful. In fact they bent over backwards to help us when I messed up our holiday dates and put up a bell tent for us for a couple of nights (also very comfortable). The other staff were kind, friendly and helpful, keeping communal areas clean, the nice (no thistles!) grass cut short and beds weeded and tended. Everything is really well thought through, from hooks in suitable places in the spacious showers, to the lovely terraces with the furniture and cooking facilities. The yurts are spacious, with comfortable beds and useful items of furniture for clothes etc as well as mirrors! The cool boxes are very effective, with a good system for getting and returning ice packs. The whole site is wonderfully peaceful, tasteful and uncommercialised. There are beautiful walks and we saw deer and nesting robins. There was a real air of generosity and trust and the other guests seemed really nice too! Thank you Charlie and Dean for providing us with a really good holiday. We’d love to come back!
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Charlotte W.recommends
June 1, 2021
Couples + Yurt (HY) - 5144
Such a beautiful location and really amazing staff. There to help you no matter what. Couldn’t have asked for better customer service! Thanks so much Charlie and Dean for the fab stay, the dogs are adorable too!
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Rachel P.recommends
September 29, 2020
Dog Family Yurt (TD) - 0b6f
What a wonderful holiday we've just had staying at Fir Hill. Charlie was the perfect host from start to finish; welcoming, charming, informative and with a keen sense of humour, he certainly adds to the experience! Two of our three nights included a ferocious storm which could have been a real downer, but listening to the rain hurtle down outside whilst we were snuggled in our warm yurt (with a fabulous log burner and super artwork on the walls) was really something. Knowing there were lovely, clean, warm facilities in the barn closeby was comforting, especially with a 3 year old, and after a long day exploring the gorgeous beaches and countryside nearby with our two dogs, finding Paw Patrol on Netflix was a welcome treat (for parents too - and i know Charlie's a big fan of the show!) ;) A super experience, highly recommended.
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Kathryn S.recommends
September 29, 2020
Family Yurt (CY) - 20e8
We absolutely adored our two night stay here! The facilities are incredible, the beds are superbly comfortable, the yurts come with everything you need to enjoy a relaxing break and cook over the fire or on your own camping stoves. They’ve thought of everything here! The host, Charlie, was very helpful and welcoming, and his dog Lily was our favourite part. WHAT a location, incredible views. We will definitely be back.
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Evie B.recommends
September 24, 2020
Couples + Yurt (HY) - 5144
We stayed at the Fir Hill for 2 nights and I only wish we had stayed for longer! Wonderful stay, gorgeous setting and unbelievably accommodating. Would 100% recommend to anyone who enjoys camping/Glamping or anyone who is a first time camper. We particular enjoyed having our own ‘kitchen area’, making it super relaxed to make your own food in the Mornings/evenings as and when you please. Thank you again for a great stay!
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Michael E.
September 16, 2020
Charlie the owner and manager of Real Glamping at the Fir Hill, will personally look after your every need, He has lovingly restored and taken over part of the Hoblyn Estate, and created a wonderful and environmentally friendly Glamping experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Location
Newquay, Cornwall, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Charlie H.Joined in July 2017
From the host
As a Glamping site, Real Glamping is unique in that it is totally off-grid. All the lights, WiFi, showers are run from sunlight and logs !Nestled in the beautiful woodlands surrounding the Porth Reservoir 3 miles from Newquay,with stunning views and 66 acres of historic Estate to explore, this is a total escape from the pressures of 21st century living. Whilst we do provide access to a fast wifi connection, there are various onsite facilities at your disposal which will allow you to enjoy your stay at a slower, more relaxed pace whilst still enjoying the benefits of our amazing leisure areas and contemporary wet rooms.
Nearby attractions
Colan is just 3 miles from Newquay. As you approach the glamping site you even get a glimpse of the sea down the Porth Valley – it's the place to head (3 miles) for beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs and a wander along the South West Coast Path. If you have the energy, use the footpath to get the most out of the coastline, taking in its full undulating scale, from high rocky bluffs to hidden, sandy coves. The quietest beaches are always those only accessible on foot. Try, for example, finding Fox Hole at the far north end of Watergate Bay (follow the grassy track from the main junction in the centre of Trevarrian – opposite Keernow Trek B&B – if you don't want to walk the full mile of up the beach). The vibrant city of Truro, meanwhile, is a short drive away, and definitely worth a visit for its impressive array of independent shops, cosmopolitan restaurants, weekly food markets and striking architecture. The popular family attractions of The Eden Project (01726 811911) and The Lost Gardens of Heligan (01726 845100) can all be reached within 45 minutes (depending on seasonal traffic conditions).
Food and drink
By arrangement, BBQs can be organised by the glamping site at their central outdoor kitchen for a fixed price. This is usually only an option for groups of 10 adults or more. Food can be ordered online and delivered to the campsite address. For something more local, though, try a full English breakfast in Bre Pen Farm Shop & Bistro (01673860420), or stock up on lamb-and-mint burgers, from farm-reared, cliff-top flocks, for your campfire feast. For a good pub, try the Falcon Inn (01637 860225), in St Mawgan – a superb, wisteria-clad, 16th-century inn with a lovely garden and good food.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/embed/YuADN5AxRb0
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