Cornwall in Focus News

Holidays on a shoestring

Published 12 Jul 10 17:37

Sunshine, volcanic ash disrupted flights... Ok, Cornwall in Focus, time to put up or shut up. We are always extolling the undeniable virtues of back to basic holidays in glorious Cornwall, prove it.

We started with a list of basic requirements: A 4-man tent, gas cooker, billy can set, kettle, sleeping bags, windbreak, water carrier and spare pvc groundsheet - Oh, and wellies and a torch. We used sale offers combined with various vouchers and the whole lot came in at about £80. The only duff purchase was the water carrier at £4 - no matter how much bicarb and lemon juice, we could not clear that pvc taste.

A couple of happy evenings spent browsing campsites - we wanted small, no clubhouse, eco-friendly, near Looe and Polperro... Two emails later we were booked: Polborder House Holiday Park. They do allow dogs, but ours went to their regular haunt at Braddon House Kennels near Bideford. Our greeting at the campsite was warm and friendly, shop/office opening times were explained, our daily paper order placed, a deposit of £1 for each shower block key and we were off.

All pitches were tidy and well maintained on level ground. We pitched with no problem (having had a trial run on Mum's lawn - advisable for first time pitching I think) - and settled into chairs to enjoy the evening sun and peace. The shower/toilet blocks were clean with low energy lighting and discreet background music. Another user remarked that they were some of the best she had encountered. The washing up sinks were clean and tidy. There was a laundry room with coin operated machines and iron. We had a good sort around in the information area, if you couldn't find something to please everyone from what was there, you wouldn't anywhere! The site shop was stocked with all manner of goods and provisions, whatever you may have forgotten, it was there.

We slept like logs, the trip to the loo in the dark was not at all scary, rabbits leaping around the site and the stars were just wow! Must pack stargazing book next time. Next time? Oh, definitely, we didn't want to leave. What about those nights when you don't want to cook? We recommend the Bucklawren Granary Restaurant. Through the 'back gate' at Polborder and a short stroll down the lane. Superb food cooked to order and very good value. You must book though!

Jacqui, Devon

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