Review: Trevella Park, Cornwall

Trevella Park, a five-star caravan park in Cornwall, was the perfect base for our first family holiday.

As soon as we arrived at Trevella Park (the less said about the 282 mile, five toilet break, journey the better) Andy took the boys to the playground, while I checked in with the friendly and helpful reception staff.

We relaxed straight away and the boys were over the moon to run and climb and swing and slide. There is also an adventure playground for older children and a heated swimming pool. Like everything at Trevella Park, even the crazy golf is beautifully maintained. There are flowers and trees everywhere.

The park is quiet, set in the Cornish countryside. You can walk from there along the Gannel Estuary to Crantock Beach. Newquay is a couple of miles away. There is a regular bus service, but we had our car.

There are wildlife walks and two lakes suitable for fishing at Trevella Park.

Our luxury caravan was a real home from home. It was modern and comfortable. It had everything we needed for our holiday. The only thing we missed was being able to see a clock. I know, I know, we were on holiday, but still...

The beds were comfortable and the toilet and shower exceeded my expectations. I remember going on a caravan holiday when I was young and luxury wasn't a word that would be used to describe that accommodation.

I'd always said that self-catering wasn't a holiday for the person doing all of the food preparation and cooking, but I had to eat my words (and the pasta, pesto and sweetcorn that we ate a couple of times). We didn't eat elaborate meals, but it was no trouble to open a box of cereal and make a few sandwiches. There was a shop at the park and a cafe too. Self-catering gives you the flexibility to eat out if you find somewhere that takes your fancy, but it's handy to have a few basics to knock up a meal too.

This is Crantock Beach on a wet and windy afternoon in May. You can either walk there from Trevella Park or drive down via Beach Road, as we did. Parking is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £3.50 for the day.

If the tide is out, it's a long walk to the Atlantic. When you're four and three it's worth it to have a paddle in the sea.

There were a few dog-walkers on the beach and we spotted some honeymooners in the car park in their fab yellow campervan.

We had more luck with the weather when we went to Newquay Beach.

Head for the Blue Reef Aquarium for the closest parking. It's not an easy access beach, but the acres of golden sand make up for the steps and the slopes.

There were a lot of families around, but the backpackers were out and about too. It was super watching the surfers try to stand up. We were grateful our boys kept on their feet as they played in the breaking waves.

Full of fresh sea air each day our tired mini-holidaymakers went straight to sleep. Each luxury caravan comes with decking and a picnic table. If it had been warmer in the evening I'm sure Andy and I would have enjoyed sitting outside.

Instead we entertained ourselves with a DVD box set and a box of wine. The second glass always tasted better than the first.

Our Verdict

We had a brilliant time, we couldn't fault the park at all. We can see why Trevella Park is award-winning. Our five-star holiday was great value for money. Cornwall is lovely too, I just wish it was a little closer to Milton Keynes. We all thoroughly enjoyed our first family holiday and we would definitely stay there again. Cheers, Trevella Park.

Facts and Figures

Trevella Park is pet-friendly. They have various styles of holiday home, none more than seven years old. Prices vary depending on the length of stay and the time of year. Our four night break in May was just £191.

They also offer Glamping. You can sleep in safari tents, teepees and bell tents. If that's your sort of thing. There are fantastic facilities for touring campers too.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR BABY BABY READERS
You can save 10% off all glamping, mobile homes and touring pitches at Trevella Park, for holidays taken between 11 June to 14 July 2012, and 3 Sept to 29 Oct 2012. To claim the offer, use the offer code MUMS10, and book on the website www.trevella.co.uk


Disclosure: we were given a four night break in a luxury caravan. I write reviews based on my personal experience. I always think about the value of any activity as if I had paid for it myself, to determine whether I think it is good value for money.



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