A night by the sea and under the stars is a sure-fire way to get the feel-good factor this year. We round up some of the best camping and glamping sites on the Cornish coast for couples and families alike
Words JESSIE JOHNSON
1 Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Porthtowan
Pitch up under the apple trees and walk straight down to the shores of Porthtowan Beach via a connecting path. This sprawling eco-park serves up vegan breakfasts from its on-site café, there are solar-powered showers, and if you’d like a few more home-from-home comforts glampers can check in to either bell tents or a handcrafted shepherd’s hut. Camping prices start from £22pp per night (mpecopark.co.uk).
2 Tehidy Holiday Park, Redruth
Whether you fancy a stay in a wigwam camping cabin, a caravan or a few nights under canvas, Tehidy Holiday Park offers all the creature comforts and more. Nestled between St Agnes and St Ives amid lush meadows and trees, facilities include disabled and family wash-rooms, an on-site shop and launderette, plus swings, slides and trampolines for little visitors. Prices for a four-night stay in a wigwam start from £240, based on five sharing (tehidy.co.uk).
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3 Henry’s Campsite, Helston
Henry’s, the most southerly campsite in Britain, is a characterful, family-run affair situated at the top of Caerthillian Valley. The site is loved for its many sea-facing pitches, each one surrounded by wild and cultivated plants to create natural privacy. Top up on barbecue essentials – and a few bottles of Old Rosie Cider – from the on-site shop. Prices start from £10pp, per night visit henryscampsite.co.uk.
4 Highertown Farm Campsite, Looe
Surrounded by pretty coastal villages and picnic spots, Highertown Farm is a simple, low-key campsite run by National Trust rangers, just a 10-minute walk to Lansallos Cove. In the winter months there are electric hook-ups and the on-site all-weather barn includes a washing machine, a freezer and charging points, along with plenty of local information. Prices start from £7pp, per night (nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/highertown-farm-campsite).
5 Tree of Life Horsebox Holidays, St. Agnes
Nestled in the woodland of an organic smallholding just two miles from the sea, this renovated horsebox is the perfect off-grid hideaway for two. Kitted out with wood for the logburner, organic cotton towels and a working kitchen, extra guests are welcome to pitch up tents in the adjacent meadow. Prices for a three-night stay start from £180 and it’s £10pp camper per night (treeoflifeorganics.co.uk).
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6 The Little Wild Campsite, Porthleven
Pop-up pitches at The Little Wild Campsite in Porthleven are only available between 24 July and 21 August for one-week blocks so you need to book early. Boasting breathtaking views across Mounts Bay, the electricity-free site has a composting loo and a shower in a shed for off-grid escapism. Prices start from £9 per adult, per night and £4 per night for kids (thelittlewildcampsite.weebly.com).
7 YHA Land’s End, Penzance
Bunk down in either a bell tent, a cosy camping pod or simply pitch up under the stars on the front lawn and take in spectacular sunsets and views across the Atlantic Ocean. Campers have access to all YHA facilities including showers, a licensed bar and self-catering kitchens. Camping prices from £12pp, per night (yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-lands-end).
8 Wildflower Wood Eco Glamping, Beersheba Farm, St Ives
From the snug of your landpod bed nestled in a pocket of wild woodland, soak in views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Just a mile from the sea, this five-acre site is the perfect place to unplug with walks, fishing and pony trekking all in easy reach. Prices for a three-night stay start from £195, based on four sharing (beersheba.co.uk/glamping).
9 Bryher Campsite, Bryher, Isles of Scilly
Surrounded by white sandy beaches, a castle and panoramic sea views, it’s easy to see why booking is essential at family-run Bryher Campsite, sited on the smallest inhabited island in the Scillonian archipelago. Campers have access to token-operated showers, hot water for pots and a secure area for gadget-charging, plus there are beautiful bell tents for hire for those who wish to glamp it up. Camping prices start from £11.75pp, per night (bryhercampsite.co.uk).
10 Coastal Valley Camp & Crafts, Newquay
Situated a little more than a mile from Watergate Bay, the award-winning Coastal Valley Camp & Crafts is a haven for families, who can unwind in nature. Cosy perks include a communal kitchen, a farm shop and a wild play area, along with a raft of traditional craft courses such as willow weaving, marbling and slate painting that can be enjoyed come rain or shine. For camping rates, visit coastalvalley.co.uk.
If you’re searching for fun for the whole family, and you’re not wanting to leave behind your beloved pooch, try out these dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall.
For more holiday inspiration, head to our Coastal Places section, or pick up a copy of Coast.
