The Cornwall Blog

One of the pleasures of a Cornwall holiday is not having to see everything at once. The roads are often slower than the map suggests, and some of the best days are shaped by a beach, a walk or an unexpected stop along the way. A campervan suits that pace beautifully. It gives you the freedom to explore different corners of the county while still having a familiar little home to return to each evening. Meet Pip, a vintage VW campervan Wild & Free Cornish Campers is a family-run business in Wadebridge, North Cornwall, offering vintage VW campervan hire in Cornwall with their much-loved 1974 Westfalia, Pip. She has all the character of a classic campervan, along with the practical touches that make a holiday comfortable. There is a cooker, sink, fridge and cooking equipment on board, as well as a table and chairs for meals outside. Pip sleeps up to four, making her especially suited to couples and small families. Well-behaved dogs can join the adve...

January may not be the most obvious time to think about a campervan holiday, but grey skies have a way of making sunny Cornish road trips especially tempting. If you are dreaming of the open road, beaches and a little more freedom, this is a wonderful way to see Cornwall. Meet Pip, Wild & Free's vintage VW campervan Picture this: the open road, a vintage camper, breathtaking beaches and time together without a rigid timetable. It sounds rather perfect to me. Wild & Free Cornish Campers is a family-run business based in Wadebridge, North Cornwall. Their lovingly restored 1974 VW Westfalia, Pip, offers all the character of a classic campervan with the practical touches needed for a comfortable holiday. Pip sleeps up to four, with a rock and roll bed for two adults and a pop-top bed for two primary-age children or one adult. Inside there is a two-hob cooker, sink, water tank, fridge and freezer, kettle and cooking equipment. A...

I thought this month I might focus in on one the areas of Cornwall I love. If you are  coming down here on holiday then I think people tend to head to the coast, and with good   reason, our coastline is world-class. However, I think if you head a little in land you can   get the best of both worlds. Take Camelford for example, it's ancient market town with a   real community feel. From here you are on the doorstep of the brooding Bodmin moor and  within easy reach of some of Cornwall's best beaches.  Ideal for walkers, you can ramble a plenty along the river Camel. The name having nothing to do with those desert-dwellers, 'Camelford' is believed to be derived from ‘cam’ meaning ‘crooked stream’ in Celtic, and ‘alan’ meaning ‘beautiful’ with ‘ford’. It lives up to its name, the river is beautiful cutting through the valley providing calming places to while away the day. Many believe that Camelford might be connected to legend's ...

There is so much to see and do in Cornwall this time of year! Many people see Cornwall purely as a Summer holiday destination, but the magic of a Winter in Cornwall is the moments of beauty that you can have all to yourself. The light is just so spectacular - unwind with a stroll through the Wind and the Willow woods in Lerryn, or perhaps explore Bodmin Moor, or have a wind swept beach all to yourself. The peace and stillness is just so beautiful, however, if you prefer a little more bustle every little town is alight with Christmas markets and entertainment at the moment. With late night shopping, mulled wine and mince pies galore communities come alive this merry season. If you are not lucky enough to call this little piece of England your home, there are some beautiful places to stay. Imagine a country cottage with a farmhouse kitchen, chunky stone walls and cosy log fire! If you want fashionable North coast of Cornwall and 5* luxury you can do no better than Rooke Cottages. ...

North Cornwall has a great variety of accommodation types which mean that it meets the needs of visitors from all over the world and country. A burgeoning form is the boutique bed and breakfast, offering luxuriously appointed rooms in spectacular locations. The region around Padstow lends itself very well to this form of tourism, especially along the banks of the Camel Estuary. The many inlets and coves are full of beautiful scenery and mystery. Heading towards the estuary from St. Issey, halfway between Padstow and Wadebridge, the road ames many turns through the tightly packed hills and little woods. In this farmland you will come across the recently restored Tredore House, a farmhouse bed and breakfast dating back past the middle ages, with a striking Victorian wing. All of their guest rooms have been refurbished to a high standard giving a modern and contemporary feel. Their breakfast room is spacious and well furnished, a great place to eat the delicious food served. ...

Originally published in 2010, when Brookfields Bed and Breakfast was under its previous ownership. The accommodation has since changed hands. When you are in need of a peaceful haven and a tranquil escape, the countryside of North Cornwall is hard to beat. Brookfields Bed and Breakfast was set in a quiet rural location within easy reach of Port Isaac, Padstow, Wadebridge and Rock. The house stood within generous grounds and lawns, with wide countryside views for guests to enjoy. Grass paddocks, geese and ducks around the pond helped make Brookfields feel a world away from hectic everyday life. At the time this article was written, the rooms were fresh, bright and comfortably furnished. The breakfast room made the most of the surrounding views, giving guests a peaceful base with good access to some of North Cornwall’s best-known towns and villages. It was one of those hidden places that offered the best of both worlds: rural seclusion and easy access to t...

I want to draw you attention to a true find. Steppes Farm is a 14th Century farmhouse offering 3 self catering barn conversions. The standard of the accommodation is high, a true home from home. With views that wrap around, a spa including sauna and hot tub and even the opportunity to go horse riding. Steppes Farm creates an idyllic getaway, I personally love the idea of being on a farm - all that country charm; geese, lambs, chicks and ponies! Set in a truly romantic situation, on the edge of Bodmin Moor and close to the dramatic, captivating North Coast, Steppes Farm is ideally situated. The accommodation comprises of three cottages, Dove, Owl and Goose all comfortably furnished with log burners for those chilly Winter evenings. There are private gardens, a barbecue area and endless walks around the 20 acres of farm land. Of course in our recent snow this turreted retreat is picture post card material! Emma Julian

I keep threatening to take my wife for a walk through the woods behind our house, the colours are stunning, but it looks like we are going to miss the boat! The trees are looking more and more Wintry by the hour, especially today with the chilling wind. She does have an excuse though, she's due to give birth in three weeks... I am always quick to complain about the drop in temperature, but there are a lot of older residents who say that this is still too mild for late Autumn. Still, very wet and windy today, although Cornwall has a knack of remaining mysterious and beautiful throughout the seasons. The rolling hills make a wonderful location for the many places offering accommodation. Not far from where we live the farmland becomes increasingly rugged at the edge of Bodmin Moor. Nestled into the hillside not far from Camelford is Steppes Farm, who provide luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall. Not far from the sea and on the cusp of the Moor, they are situated perfectly. Port Is...