A Cornish Break

May is a good time to visit Cornwall, as statistically it is one of the driest months.

Our choice of accommodation for the past few years has been timber lodges. These lodges offer excellent family accommodation and are of a decent standard. One of our favourite places to stay is at Hengar Manor Country Park near St.Tudy, a few miles west of Bodmin. We booked direct, but you can also book on the Hoseasons website.

We stayed in a "Hengar Lodge" which could sleep 6, even though there was only the three of us. The extra space helps when you have a 3 year old running around. There is plenty to do around the lodges and this time we actually used the indoor swimming pool as it did rain for a few days. There is a nice pub style restaurant and regular evening entertainment.

Days Out

Within half an hours drive we arrived at Padstow. One of our favourite places and worth a return visit. Nice harbour town, with an established coastal walk. We took the boat over to Rock and spent a few hours on the beach. The boat ride was a real big hit with our son as was the beach. Had a nice meal in one of the pubs, in the street behind the harbour front. It's got a number of tables outside in a sort of alcove.

The next two days were spent at small theme parks that had "steam trains", a definite no brainer home run with a Thomas the Tank engine mad son. Dobwalds also has an indoor soft play area more suited to children aged 4 and over though. It does have an excellent outdoor adventure play area and probably the best trains. Lappa Valley was more suited to younger children such as our son. Slides, climbing frames, a wooden castle, trains, swings and canoes ensured an enjoyable day out. This is a smaller park, but has enough to keep the little ones happy.

A trip down to Fowey to check out the Daphne Du Maurier festival and then on to Looe for a bit of shopping and beach. The weather closed in quite quickly and we spent the day dodging showers. Looe is ok on a nice day, but I felt that maybe we had one visit too many over the last few years. If you haven't been there, it's well worth a look though. We did not visit this time, but one of the best "traditional" fishing villages is that of PolPerro. If you are ever down this way, make sure this is one of your stops. If you have time, you can take a boat trip out from the harbour. Polperro is on the coast between Fowey and Looe.

Polzeath and Port Isaac were our destinations today as we had not yet been to either. Polzeath has a large beach and is a draw for surfers. Not planning a beach day, we only stayed a short time, but a definite return when "beach day" is planned next year. Port Isaac was very quaint. Steep hills on both sides of a small harbour, ensured plenty of exercise. This was rewarded though with a nice pub lunch. Had to keep an eye on the car park as it's on the beach and the tide comes in and takes half of it up.

The next couple of days we spent chilling out at the lodge, using the facilities of the park and visiting local areas. Each year we go to Cornwall we end up with a different holiday. One thing we always enjoy is the feeling of getting away from it all. As our son gets older no doubt that will have a bearing on our choices, but it's good to hear him asking to go back to the lodge. It gives you that warm feeling.

Well, that was our holiday this year. When I have recovered, I'll let you know about our flying visit to Disney Paris, what a nightmare that was.

Take care and stay safe,
Steve.