Real Glamping at the Fir Hill
UK England South West England Cornwall 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.
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Details
Facilities
Yurts sleep 6 each, in a king size bed and 2 doubles (all bedding and linen included). Each yurt has its own kitchen shelter, terrace and BBQ facilities, together with a wood supply and fire lighting equipment. Kitchen areas include a gas stove, running water, cool box, pots, pans, tea and coffee making facilities, crockery, cutlery, glasses and all the utensils you need. Beautifully converted cowshed housing 8 showers and 8 toilets as well as a large leisure area to relax in. Covered barn area for reading, meditating, yoga or simply enjoying some quiet time. Multiple sun terraces. Wifi is available in the area around the barn and cowshed (as well as some of the yurts nearest these buildings). Rinsing water tank for cleaning wetsuits. Television available for children on rainy days. For maximum luxury, book the honeymoon yurt, which also features beautiful wood carvings and has a few extra inches of height.
Suitable For
Glamping only. Dogs are permitted in 2 of the yurts (maximum 2 dogs per booking).Nearby
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 & 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.Opening Times
All year.Why book with Cool Camping?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
Video Tour
Accommodation
9 luxury yurts, each sleeping up to 6 people.Dog friendly yurt
Dog friendly yurt
Dog friendly yurt
Traditional (standard) Yurt
Location
Contact Real Glamping at the Fir Hill, The Fir Hill Estate, Colan, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4NB
Getting There
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 9 reviews
We loved it!
Fantastic!
Amazing stay
Amazing glamping experience in a stunning location with excellent facilities and friendly, helpful staff
Response from Real Glamping at the Fir Hill
In the middle of the countryside with all the freshness of camping but with the luxury of staying dry and having hot showers!
New Year Celebration 2017!
Outstanding
Wonderful
A jewel in the Cornish Crown
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions