VISITING THE SOUTH WEST! Where to go, what to do!

Moderator: Doone

Post Reply
User avatar
Doone
Supreme Being
Posts: 2839
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:58 am
Location: Devon
Contact:

VISITING THE SOUTH WEST! Where to go, what to do!

Post by Doone » Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:20 am

We've gathered together all the questions and recommendations about places to see and stay in the South West, including dog friendly beaches, good pubs, nice campsites, free events...
If anyone has questions or recommendations, please add them here, to keep the details handy for everyone. :)

We'll be staying just inland from Bude, but will probably take trips out to the farthest reaches of the county. What’s the best places to take four kids (all boys, ages range from 8-16). How cold the sea will be in October? And where are the best pubs... And which "attractions" we should avoid... And anything else you think we ought to know!

...I recommend surfing along the north coast as a must, wet suits recommended for October (and most other times!) Jamaica Inn on Bodmin moor, haunt of smugglers, wreckers and ghosts (scare the kids to sleep!) Tintagel castle for exploring, great sea views and tales of Arthur and Merlin. Zennor for mermaids! Watch the sun set over Bude beach or Polzeath. Fowey, Mevagissey or Polperro fishing villages, small shops, harbour and boats bobbing. Bedruthan Steps for spectacle: black rocks & great waves, don't swim, just soak in the atmosphere. There's a NT cafe nearby, along the clifftop. Newquay for the 'surf' scene, but not great for kids at night, St Ives is nicer. Men-an-Tol for miracle cures, the Cheesewring for curiosity. Botallack tin mine at the bottom of the cliffs, Cornish miners worked hard for a living. Sennen or Mullion, because they're there. Lands End or Flambards (nr Helston) or Goonhilly Earth satellite station, if its wet and you want to stay indoors. Mousehole. 'Walk on water' to St Michaels Mount. The Lizard lighthouse winking the day to an end. Try this links for a brochure: http://www.cornishlight.co.uk ...

...Jamaica Inn!!! Don't bother. Porthcurno is a must. The most beautiful beach anywhere. Campsite at Treen open till the end of half term and you can walk down the cliff path...

... Porthcurno is lovely. See it here http://www.trencrom.freeserve.co.uk/porthcurno.htm / and here http://www.sennen-cove.com/pk.htm /. This links to Jamaica Inn. http://www.jamaicainn.co.uk/ This one recommends a few pubs etc! http://www.cornwall-calling.co.uk/

... One area that never fails to please is the drive between St.Ives and St Just on the coast road (B3306) - it is probably the most unspoilt area of countryside in Cornwall and is like going back in time. There are great cliff walks around the area and depending on the direction you take, always something to see at the end - be it Geevor tin mine and Levant steam engine nr. Pendeen or St. Ives and all that has to offer. You are also very close to Chysauster and Lanyon quoit - all very historical and ancient.

Minack theatre is always worth a visit too - just above Portcurno which was mentioned before...

.. .Must agree about the road between St. Just and St Ives just take it slow cos its my fave bike ride!!! Smugglers Den Cubert for top food...

... We all particularly enjoyed: walking Lydford Gorge, and Watersmeet; surfing at Widemouth nr. Bude and Trebarwith Strand nr. Tintagel; Castle Drogo; the organic produce from the little shop on the north edge of Dartmoor not far from Drewsteignton (Happy Hogs?? might be its name.) It was wonderful to be in the midst of some proper, undulating countryside for a change; and your waterfalls, rivers, streams, aaaaaah!!

Some of us liked the Maritime Museum at Falmouth, and the Eden Project (but with 6 of us from 45yrs - 8yrs our varied interests made it impossible to please all of us all of the time!!)...

We thought that we would pop down to the south west for a couple of days. Anyone prepared to reveal their secret elusive hideaway to a fellow bongoer? We are after anywhere which is quiet and ideally with access to a beach nearby. Not worried about facilities 'cos we got a portaloo from Lidl!! Friendly farmers who open up a field??

... If it’s a beach you want head straight down to Bantham, it’s (in my opinion) the most beautiful beach in Devon with a small campsite at the top of the hill in the lane, just before you drop into the valley. Its defiantly my favourite place to be with great waves ,beautiful scenery and great bass fishing if you know where to go..shhhhh. But I usually just wing it and park closer to the village and kip in the van... no ones ever moved us on. Nice pub called the sloop with great food; great bass fishing if you know where and a good surf spot, the beach has life guards toilets etc and Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and Torbay are just around the corner...

This is Mt Edgcumbe: http://www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk/Exhibit ... Events.htm


Fireworks Festival, Plymouth: Any visitors might like to see this. It's an annual event (in August) and it's free! http://tesa.org.uk/fireworks/index.htm

Website link with useful relevant info, where to stay, what to do etc:
http://www.westcountrynow.com/
Allan's closed. We recommend PGS (Plymouth Garage Services) or Mayflower Auto Services in Plymouth.
coco bongo

Some good places ive been to

Post by coco bongo » Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:11 pm

Hello whoever is reading this, just a few notes on where ive been in the past, and to see whether anybody is interested in trying any of these places, if you do please tell me how you got on.

Cornwall is such a beautiful place provided the weather is on our side, where as most of us local yokels know how bad it is most of the time.

Newquay is one of the best places to be if you like the good party atmosphere, known as Britains version of Ibiza it is no wonder people with kid's or couples come back time after time.

My first camp out in the Bongo was at Hendra near the Treloggan area of Newquay. It was only £13.75 for the night and that gives you access to the clubhouse and discounted entry on the Oasis fun pool as well.
Hendra is a nice, clean, well landscaped site with all the usual campsite amenitys such as restaurant, amusements, childrens play areas (2) and a pizzaria and bar. The swimming pool is the best in the area for having its unique waterslides one of them you sit on a ring and ride, however it can be packed at peak times of the summer season so be warned!.
One thing that lets Hendra down is the Bar prices and Restaurant, the drinks i bought was a pint of Carling, pint of Strongbow, two j2o oranges and it came to nearly ten quid!!,and the meal for 2adults and 2kids was nearly £25!!!!!.But Mcdonalds is just down the road so there is a god.

Another one in Newquay which is in the Holywell bay area is Trevornicks, which we have just got back from today, and the family had a great time despite the mixture of torrential rain, wind, and even a bit of sun.
Its a large, well landscaped site with clean toilets and showers (20p coin operated), shop with good stock of camping equipment, hire shop for bikes, surfing, camping. Childrens play area, and outdoor heated swimming pool. Two other bonuses of this site is if you are interested in golf there is Holywell bay Golf Course which is a stone throw from the campsite. This is the view you get from the main camping field and in it's own right looks really spectacular.
The other is it is near fishing lakes nearby as well, or if you've just got kids Holywell bay leisure park is right on site with its own connecting path.
This is a place that has 3 go kart tracks and one for the little ones, bumper boats, maze, trampolines, and other stuff to keep the kids quiet for a couple of hours.
This is one i would definitely go back to again, and would even recommend the Bongo bash at this one as it has so much to offer.
http://www.trevornick.co.uk
Last edited by coco bongo on Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Colin Lambert

Post by Colin Lambert » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:45 am

Seal Sanctuary at Gweek on the Helston River. http://www.sealsanctary.co.uk
Cornish pumping engines at Pool nr Redruth (Both sides of the road)

http://www.cornwall-calling.co.uk/natio ... ional_.htm

Lost gardens of Heligan. http://www.heligan.com/flash_index.html
Eden Project. http://www.edenproject.com/
Lanhydrock House nr Bodmin National Trust.
http://www.cornishlight.co.uk/country-house.htm
That lot should keep you out of mischief for a day or two!
the janner vanner
Supreme Being
Posts: 1193
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 9:25 am
Location: the forgotten corner of Cornwall

Post by the janner vanner » Mon Jun 25, 2007 6:23 pm

I am very fortunate to live in a place just over the river Tamar in Cornwall known locally as the "Forgotten corner of Cornwall", this is situated in the south east of the County.
Most holiday makers rush straight past this gem, crossing the bridge over the river Tamar at Saltash and on down the A38.
Upon visiting the Rame peninsula you'll find some of the most picturesque cliff walks along the Cornish coastal footpath. When turning the corner at Rame Head the vast expanse of Whitsand Bay opens up before you. Here you'll find some execellant sandy beaches with quaint Cornish names such as Tregantle, Freathy and Tregonhawke. The Bay stretches from Rame Head to Looe.
This area of the Cornish coast hosts some beautiful coastal villages to visit, stay in or just to stop for refreshments. You have a varied choice between Kingsands, Cawsands, Crafhole, Portwrinkle, Downderry and Seaton. All of which offer execellent food establisments.
Mount Edgecome Country Park situated across the water from the City of Plymouth, hosts a hugh Classic Car rally. There is also a large car boot sale and lots of side stalls all organised by the Lions club. An event not to be missed if you are in the area. This is held on the first Sunday in August each year.
Image
The Janner Vanner
egor110

Post by egor110 » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:24 pm

Kynance cove near the lizard, get this place on a sunny blue sky day and you'll think your in greece.
And as your down near the lizard go to the minnack theatre (its impressive if your into drama or not) and go to sennen beach.
User avatar
Allans
Bongolier
Posts: 289
Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2005 11:15 am
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Contact:

Post by Allans » Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:30 pm

If you're in Devon, here are a few ideas near my home town of Plymouth:

We've got some great 'bucket & spade' Blue Flag beaches: http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/discover_dev ... ndex.shtml
Wembury beach is a Devon wildlife nature reserve and kids love the rockpools there: http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/index ... serveid=23

Saltram House has free entry to the grounds, with woodland & riverside walks:
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w- ... w-saltram/

The National Marine Aquarium http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/ is situated on the historic Barbican & Plymouth Hoe: http://www.plymouthbarbican.com/

Beautiful Dartmoor - fresh air and stunning views, with small market towns Tavistock & Princetown: http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/site/home
Servicing Bongos since 2003 in Plymouth, Devon http://www.allansvehicleservices.co.uk
Gungadon

Visiting the South West. Where to go What to do

Post by Gungadon » Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:30 pm

We very much want to explore the area around Port Isaac this summer but can only get away for 2/3 days. (Elderly cat that we don't want to leave for longer). Can you suggest places not to be missed and possibly anywhere for overnight accommodation - nice pub for instance. It's me and Don and Rosie the dog. By the way - this is an excellent site and have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your wonderful area - can't wait to come down. Look forward to seeing some of you at Lymington.

Shirley (Mrs Gungadon)
User avatar
Doone
Supreme Being
Posts: 2839
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:58 am
Location: Devon
Contact:

Post by Doone » Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:22 am

Welcome to the South West! These 2 links should give you a few ideas to think about:
http://www.portisaac-online.co.uk/
http://www.thisisnorthcornwall.com/
Allan's closed. We recommend PGS (Plymouth Garage Services) or Mayflower Auto Services in Plymouth.
Gungadon

Visiting the South West. Where to go What to do

Post by Gungadon » Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:10 pm

Doone

Many thanks - you're a star. Excellent websites. Thank-you. =D>

Mrs Gungadon
coco bongo

Anyone reccomend some good sites around St Ives?

Post by coco bongo » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:42 pm

Im after anyones suggestions for campsites around St Ives, preferebly somewhere thats good for kids. A site with good surroundings (with a sea view if possible), and also a good childrens play area a bonus.

Im going to trawl through the search engines, but any personal responses to this topic is very much appreciated!

Thanks
User avatar
Doone
Supreme Being
Posts: 2839
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:58 am
Location: Devon
Contact:

Post by Doone » Sat Feb 16, 2008 1:32 pm

POLZEATH OR BUDE:

After spending a fantastic week in Cornwall last year in a rented cottage, with some excellent rookie surfing at Polzeath , I would like to go back for more again this year. I'll hopefully have my Bongo for the Summer and was wondering if anyone can recommend Bongo freindly campsites in the Polzeath area, or even Bude will do. I wont need electric hook-up or anything. IAN AL.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have stayed at Gunvenna http://www.gunvenna.co.uk/ a few times. A well run site 5 minutes drive from Polzeath mms://stream1.finetra.co.uk/tjssurfshop. Dave.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have booked two weeks at Southwinds, Polzeath - don`t no what it`s like. will and deb.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We had a Bongo mini meet at Wooda near Bude last October which we all thought was a very good site, the shower block was excellent. Edward, Janner Vanner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wooda Farm park is ideal for families or couples. Lovely views, surroundings and facilites are 5 star. budebeach.
Allan's closed. We recommend PGS (Plymouth Garage Services) or Mayflower Auto Services in Plymouth.
Biddy

Post by Biddy » Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:17 am

For anyone remotely interested in The Wild West I can highly reccomend this place 8) We had great fun summer 2007 and they say if you contact them you may be able to camp but I doubt it would include any if much amenities.
But definatley fun for even the shyest cowboy/cowgirl :lol:

http://www.chycor.co.uk/spirit-ofthe-west/
SilverEther
Bongolier
Posts: 146
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 7:32 pm
Location: West Midlands ...
Contact:

Overnight parking at Pentewan Sands?

Post by SilverEther » Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:50 pm

Hiya ... :) Does anyone know Pentewan Sands? as I was wondering about the possibility of overnighting on the car park there.
Davidholman

Re: SE waves to guys in Cornwall ...

Post by Davidholman » Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:54 pm

SilverEther wrote:Hiya ... :) Does anyone know Pentewan Sands? as I was wondering about the possibility of overnighting on the car park there.
Hi

I live about 4km away, so never had the need to camp there :lol: :lol:

I can pop down and see if there are any signs about camping or any overnight campers.

I will try and pop down tomorrow

Regards

david HOLMAN
SilverEther
Bongolier
Posts: 146
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 7:32 pm
Location: West Midlands ...
Contact:

Re: SE waves to guys in Cornwall ...

Post by SilverEther » Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:59 pm

ooh that would be really great if you could ...thanks ... :D
Post Reply

Return to “Devon & Cornwall/Kernow”