Review of Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall, England

>> For contact details and to check availability, see our full listing of: Cornish Tipi Holidays

Cornish Tipi Holidays is a family-friendly tipi camp, complete with a natural spring water lake, hidden away in 20 acres of unspoiled Cornish countryside...

The tranquil lake at the centre of the site. Photo: Tom Watts

The accommodation
While Cornish Tipi Holidays proudly offers a 'back to basics' camping experience with a difference, there's much more on offer here than you'd expect. For one thing, there’s the tardis-like quality of each of the 40 tipis, standing 18 feet high and spread out over the 20 acres of land, either sitting in their own private section or huddled together to accommodate larger groups. Easily tall enough to provide headspace for even the tallest traveller, our tipi came fully equipped with gas stove, roll mats, cool box, lanterns and kitchen equipment - the only thing you'll need to bring is some comfy bedding, and maybe a bag of marshmallows to toast over the open fire pit outside. Then there's the added bonus of the washing facilities - the showers pump out hot water 24 hours a day and the toilets are modern and clean. There's also now the opportunity to 'wild camp' in your own tent in the fields adjoining the site, allowing access to all of the facilities without having to pay to rent a tipi.

The site itself is comprised of a series of leafy lanes and, while you get a map of the site in the welcome pack, the lack of signs means you'll have to go out and explore the area to get your bearings. We had the 'Overlake' tipi, which, unsurprisingly, looked out over the tranquil waters of the natural spring-water lake below. It was only a short walk to the nearest water tap, which itself stands immediately opposite the communal woodshed.

The activities
At the centre of the camp is a beautiful, natural springwater lake. Having filled of its own accord when works at the Tregildrans quarry stopped, the lake is now a place to swim, row, canoe and even fish - the owners keep it stocked with trout year round, though you'll need to bring your own equipment. The area soon proves a little haven of tranquility - on arrival, we took a slow row out on the lake, with nothing but birdsong and the creaking of the wooden oars for company. This is also a safe environment in which kids can discover the beauty ofOur own private 'Overlake' tipi. Photo: Tom Watts nature. Since the quarry closed, the site has been allowed to flourish and something of a natural ecosystem has developed, complete with a unique collection of wildlife including everything from bluebells to dormice and otters. Also, every Friday night Oggy the warden invites kids to take part in an interactive storytime session that involves a tour through the woods and a story around the campfire in the central tipi. Further afield, you only need to travel a little distance to reach cyclist heaven on the Camel Trail, while adventure-seekers can try everything from zorbing to coasteering with Cornish Coast Adventures.

Not only is this a great holiday for little ones; since obtaining a marriage license a few years ago it has also quickly grown in popularity as an alternative wedding destination. The beauty and privacy of the site has attracted those looking for something genuinely different for their big day, and Cornish Tipi Holidays can cater for suprisingly large groups with the help of geodesic domes and marquees, not to mention the beautiful wooden wedding pavillion at the centre of the site.

The food
On top of fishing for trout in the lake or on one of the fishing boats leaving from Port Isaac and Padstow, you can head to any of the nearby towns to stock up on essentials. For truly local produce, visit St Kew Harvest Farm Shop where you'll find everything from fresh, home-grown fruit and veg to Sue's delicious Trelawny cheese. There are also a number of local supermarkets in the area and the owners have included a number of simple recipes you can try in the info pack.

In terms of eating out, Port Isaac is home to a handful of fresh fish eateries. If you're after fish, undoubtedly most famous option is The Seafood Restaurant, part of the Rick Stein empire that has taken Padstow by storm. However, many other pubs and restaurants along the waterfront also offer good food. For something a little out of the ordinary, seek out Alice in Burgerland, a gourmet burger van pitched in a lay-by beside Camelford station. Don't be put off by the location - almost everything is locally sourced and organic, down to the brown paper bags and 'bio-boxes'. Be sure to try the delicious Moroccan lamb burger with houmous (£3.75). It'd be silly to come to this corner of the UK and not seek out a Cornish Pasty. We went to Stein's Bakery in Padstow (delicious, if not a tad expensive), but the info pack also recommends Aunt Avice's Pasties in St Kew or Cornish Maids in Camelford.

The beautiful central wedding pavillion. Photo: Tom Watts

What makes Cornish Tipi Holidays green
There’s not that many ways in which Cornish Tipi Holidays could reduce their carbon footprint much further. As the website proudly states, the tipi poles don't even break the surface of the earth. All of the firewood and other materials are sourced locally, plus there's also a wind generator, solar panels heating the water in the shower block and Warden's cottage, and solar lights along the paths and in the toilets. There are also numerous bins on site for waste, and recycling bins can be found in nearby towns and villages. In essence, you'll use up less energy here than if you had stayed at home.

How to get there
The one cost of escaping to the middle of nowhere is that you’ll have to drive there yourself. While there was once a train station very close by, it has now closed and arriving at the nearest station today (Bodmin Park) still requires a considerable taxi-ride. If you do decide to make it to Bodmin by train, the owners will happily provide information about local taxi-firms and vehicle sizes.

Top tip
Start your day with a quick dip in the lake. After breakfast, head out to either Padstow or Port Isaac and try your hand at fishing (of course, you can always try catching trout at the lake back at the site). Come back and barbecue whatever you catch over the open fire before settling down to enjoy an unhindered view of the night sky with the embers glowing beside you.

Verdict
This is basic camping with a difference. Owners Liz and Alan have thus far avoided the ever popular 'glamping' bracket to offer something much more real and hands-on. The resulting atmosphere and emphasis on exploration makes this an ideal place for families to spend time together, whilst also getting to know the natural world that surrounds them.

A candlelit dinner for two. Photo: Tom Watts

>> For contact details and to check availability, see our full listing of: Cornish Tipi Holidays