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Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, South West England

Date: 2010.08.24 | Category: Been there, Places to go, Review 5 star | Response: 0

One word comes to mind when thinking of Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall… surfing. Fistral Beach is the home of British surfing, with the British Surfing Association based there, and so is a must for surfers of all experiences and levels.

Before I go any further, if surfing conjures up images of Hawaii and young athletic people riding the waves… don’t be put off. Fistral, particularly during the summer months, is the haven of the family amateur surfer, body boarder and the swimmer. In fact with the RNLI Lifeguards present throught the summer months, keeping order and keeping you safe, Fistral Beach is a great place to take the family for safe water fun.

Fistral Beach has a car park above it, but you will need to get there early or be lucky to find a space. If not, there are a plenty of car parks in the town which are not too long a walk away. However, we always tried the car park first, if we were not lucky with a space then we dropped all our stuff and the passengers off and then went to park the car.

Fistral itself is a large, generally flat, sandy beach. It will get busy in the summer holidays when the sun is out but you can usually find yourself somewhere to sit. We found our beach tent invaluable in securing a little bit of space and, more importantly, to help us find our way back to our stuff after being in the sea!

The facilities at Fistral are very good, there are toilets and showers (50p token required) as well as a cafe and shops over looking the beach. The food is not the cheapest – £2 for chips – but all in all, the facilities make it far easier to spend the day at the beach.

So the surfing and bodyboarding. Well the summer swells are not the best time of year for the serious surfer – it is much better in the Autumn – but it is a good time for beginner as there are usually good waves to learn and practice on. As you would imagine there are a number of BSA approved surf schools that operate on Fistral Beach and lessons for a half day tend to be around £30. It is well worth having a lesson at the beginning of your holiday to teach you the techniques and the safety basics nad then you can spend the rest of the holiday refining your technique. Surf lessons are appropriate for people of all ages – from 8 to 78, so there are no excuses not to give it a go!

Your surf school will provide everything you need for your lesson – including boards and wetsuits – you just need to remember your swimming costume, a towel and the sunscreen (even on cloudy days)! If you don’t want the lesson but don’t have the equipment, there are plenty of places on the beach or nearby that you can hire surf equipment including the wetsuits.

Whether you are swimming, surfing or bodyboarding, there are specific areas for you to be in on the sea and the RNLI Lifeguards keep it well organised, meaning you can feel safe whatever you are doing.

Newquay town centre is only a short walk from the beach and so at the end of the day it is easy to head for a bar or pub for a drink to celebrate your success!

Where to stay?
- Self catering and cottages in Newquay, Cornwall, South West England
- Holiday parks in Newquay, Cornwall, South West England
- Lodges in Newquay, Cornwall, South West England
- B&B’s in Newquay, Cornwall, South West England
- Hotels in Newquay, Cornwall, South West England
Summary
- Suitable for Family: 5 stars
- Beach and surf: 5 stars
- Beach facilities (toilets/showers): 4 stars
- Cafe/food: 4 stars
- Safety: 5 stars (RNLI Lifeguards during season)
- OVERALL: 5 STARS
Polperro and Looe – picture postcard Cornwall

Date: 2010.08.24 | Category: Features, Places to go, Review 4 star | Response: 0

If you are visiting Cornwall this year then a trip to the towns of Polperro and Looe are a must for anyone wanting to experience the traditional ‘picture postcard’ beauty of the Cornish fishing village.

Set just a few miles apart these fishing villages can be found on the south coast of Cornwall near Liskeard and Plymouth.

Polperro

With a large car park for tourists set on the edge of the town its easy to arrive and set off into Polperro on foot. The walk gives you plenty of time to look at the pretty streets and marvel at the houses perched all the way up the cliff sides.

As you wander along you also have time to choose from the great range of Cornish pasties, Cornish ice creams and, of course, the Cornish cream teas… for research purposes, we tried many of these out and confirm that they are worth the effort!

You can get short boat trips from the harbour so that you can appreciate the great views from the sea.

While there is not lots for the kids to do, Polperro is a small village that can be easily walked and we found that the choice of ice creams easily distracted the children while we explored.

Coast walk from Polperro to Looe

You can follow a great coastal footpath that works its way along the top of the bays. It is well worth doing to really appreciate the scenery of this rugged coastline and please allow plenty of time for the walk, as the path meanders its way following the coastline, and make sure you take drinks and appropriate clothing. Although you can walk there and back, we walked one way and caught a local bus back…. definitely not one for a pushchair though.

Looe

Either a lovely walk or a short drive takes you from Polperro to the picture postcard Looe. Again you are welcomed by the sight of cottages perched all the way up the cliffs that surround the town. Looe has a bigger shopping centre with all the holidays momentoes you could ever want. And, of course there are lots of places to try the pasties, ice creams and cream teas.

On the practical side, their is a big car park on the way in to Looe – but don’t rely on a quick get away as the car park exit can be a bit busy towards the end of the day! We also found that Looe had a lot of the UK banks so it was a good place to to top up our cash reserves.

Day trip details
- Polperro: 1-2 hours exploring (including time for Pasties etc)
- Looe: 1-2 hours (including holiday momento shopping)
- Good for couples and families
- Overall: 4 stars
Where to stay

We stayed in a holiday park in the Newquay area and traveled to Looe and Polperro by car – about a 55 minute drive. However there are plenty of great places to stay closer including:
- Self catering and cottages: Looe – Polperro – Cornwall – South West England
- Holiday parks: Looe – Polperro – Cornwall – South West England
- Lodges: Cornwall – South West England
Compton Acres, Bournemouth, Dorset, South West England

Date: 2010.08.23 | Category: Been there, Latest News, Places to go, Review 4 star | Response: 0

As a family that has spent so much time holidaying in the Bournemouth area of Dorset it is amazing that it has taken us so long to do one of its largest attractions. Our hesitancy has always been along the familiar lines of… “it will be a nice garden but will we enjoy it while tugging the kids along behind us!”

This August we finally bit the bullet, bought the £17 family ticket and headed in.

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England with a unique series of stunning gardens and a spectacular view of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Iasland and the Purbeck Hills beyond.

Once inside you follow a circular path route that takes you through the various gardens, from the splendid formal Italian Gardens, through the sub Tropical link to the wooded pine valley, rock and water gardens and much more. As you would imagine the gardens are all pretty, well maintained and very peaceful.

Our favourite was the Japanses garden, which is recognised as one of the best in Britain, with its Tea House draped in Japanese wisteria and the thatched summer house.

As for the children, well their highlights were the activity area which allowed them to climb and run around a bit – without disturbing other visitors – and the Bog Garden which was a great place to spot wildlife including butterflies, toads and many many dragonflies. Compton Acres during the summer holidays had also put on a clue trail for the children to follow, which kept them occupied, if only for the promised sweet reward at the end.

Compton Acres is pathed all the way around and so is accessible for pushchairs and the disabled.

Most surprising moment was the fantastic view across the harbour from the cafe – up to that point you feel in an enclosed garden and then you suddenly look up and see across the Harbour to Brownsea Island and beyond. The cafe had a good selection of sandwiches and cakes to accompany tea, but we just sat and appreciated the view.

We visited Compton Acres in the summer holidays but it is open all year round with colour and scent throughout and regular events held so check the website for more information.

There is also a Model Railway Exhibition that includes 1000 foot of scenic track attached to Compton Acres, although this does require extra admission (£1.50 for adults, £1 for children).

Location and accommodation

Compton Acres is close to Sandbanks, set between Bournemouth and Poole in Dorset.
Summary
- Family fun: 4 stars
- Lenth of visit: Allow 2 hours
Find out more

Visit the Compton Acres website to find out more.
Top 10 Family Holiday Parks in Europe

Date: 2010.08.23 | Category: Features, Holiday Parks, Latest News | Response: 0

If you are looking for some inspiration for your family holiday then check out this list of favourite family holiday parks. Click on the images to see more about the park and check availability.

Clarys-Plage

Vendée, France VN011

•Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
•Super pool complex
•Close to lovely beach
•Also available with Keycamp and
Thomson AlFresco

Château Des Ormes

Brittany, France BN013

•Suberb parc & facilities galore
•Amazing pool complex
including wave machine
•For families of all ages
• Also available with Keycamp and Thomson AlFresco

La Grande Métairie

Brittany, France BS019

•In a lovely rural setting with
something for everyone
•Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
•Tonnes of local activities including jetski & horse riding

Bonne Anse

Royan, France GR011

•Excellent pool complex
•Lovely beach close by
•Pine forest setting – ideal for walking & cycling

Marina Di Venezia

Adriatic Coast, Italy IA022

•Direct beach access
•One of Italy’s best parcs
with so much to do
•Take a ferry trip to Venice

La Baume

Riviera, France RV014

•Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
•Magnificent pool complex with
waterslides a plenty
•Tonnes to do including archery, bicycle hire and tennis

St. Avit Loisirs

Dordogne, France DR019

•Action Station to enjoy
•Super pool complex
including lazy river
•Kids’ clubs galore

Le Vieux Port

Gascony, France GA013

•Direct beach access
•Amazing pool complex
•Ideal for active water lovers

Duinrell

Holland HL012

•Theme park and Tiki
Water Park on site
•Ideal for families of all ages
•Visit nearby Amsterdam

Bella Italia

Lake Garda, Italy IL019

•Lovely lakeside setting on
Lake Garda
•Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
•Visit Peschiera, Verona & Milan

This family holiday park top ten was compiled by our travel partners, Eurocamp. Do you agree with the selections, are your favourites missing? Why not tell us and we can add them to the list.
Final word on “cheap flights”

Date: 2010.08.22 | Category: Latest News | Response: 0

If you have ever taken up a ‘cheap flight’ offer from an airline then this may sum up your feelings of the experience quite well. If not, be advised, too much of this is scarily true… you have been warned!

Click here for comedy clip from You Tube, viewer discretion advised.
Disney – Save up to 50%* on your Room and Park Ticket plus Dine for free

Date: 2010.08.19 | Category: Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

This incredible offer from Walt Disney World Florida is available for all new bookings made by 1st November 2010 for hotel stays on selected dates in 2011. To find out more click here>

The saving of up to 50% is based on 46% off price of accommodation when you stay 5 nights or more at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort on selected 2011 dates only. Plus get 5% off price of a Disney 14 day Ultimate Ticket, giving you 14 days for the price of 7. Plus dine for free for the duration of your stay. To find out more click here>
Educating Rita tickets for just £10

Date: 2010.08.19 | Category: Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

If you are staying in or near London over the next few weeks then why not have a great night out the West End. London’s West End doesn’t have to be expensive either with superb value £10 tickets available for Educating Rita. Please note that £10 tickets available on all performances until 4 September, subject to availability.

Not seen the film or even heard of Educating Rita? Here’s a quick synopsis:

Much to the dismay of her husband Denny, Rita, a young, brash hairdresser, has recently discovered a passion for English literature and enrols with the Open University. Her fresh, unschooled reaction to the classics challenges the attitudes of the University and her lecturer Frank who begins to question his own understanding of his work and himself.

Commissioned by the RSC, Willy Russell’s Educating Rita was first performed at The Warehouse, London, in June 1980 and later transferred to the Piccadilly Theatre. The production starred Julie Walters and Mark Kingston and won the Society of West End Theatres award for Best Comedy. Julie Walters went on to play Rita in the BAFTA award winning film version with Michael Caine as Frank. Both received BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards and Oscar nominations for their performances.

Starring Tim Pigott-Smith and Laura Dos Santos.

Accommodation near by

Why not make a night of it and stay in London after the show, there are some great value hotels and B&B’s close by:
- B&B’s close to London
- Hotels in London
Last minute offers from Keycamp

Date: 2010.08.18 | Category: Holiday Parks, Latest News, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

There is still time to get some sun and fun this summer, at a great last minute price on all parks in Europe.

7 night holidays from just £199 per party!

Keycamp holidays are disappearing fast but there are still some great deals including 7 nights from just £199 per party. Book now before they’re all gone’.

Find out more>

Sometimes you feel that you just need to get away… and with 7 night Supertent holidays starting at £199 per family and 7 night mobile home prices from just £289 per family, you can really let yourself go with Keycamp

But with availability going by the day, hurry and book now to avoid disappointment.

Find out more>
Eden Project, St Austell, Cornwall

Date: 2010.08.16 | Category: Been there, Features, Places to go, Review 5 star | Response: 0

One of the UK’s premier holiday attractions, the Eden Project is a fascinating and fun,
5 STAR family day out in Cornwall.

So what exactly is the Eden Project?

First and foremost, it’s a garden – an amazing, incredible garden. Discover plants that have helped humanity since the dawn of time explained in fun and engaging ways.

Trek through steamy jungles, past shacks, waterfalls, and plantations – including the largest rainforest in captivity with a tree canopy 50 meters high.

Travel to the Mediterranean without leaving the UK – perfumed citrus orchards and olive groves, all enclosed in a second Biome, transport you to warmer climes.

Then you can marvel at the cutting-edge architecture and art. Such as the world-famous Biomes which include the largest greenhouse in the World. Explore the Core, a stimulating education centre, with a roof built the same way plants are. See World-class art installations right across the site making Eden a huge gallery.

And, of course, it’s a living example of regeneration and sustainable living – learn how they turned a clay pit in to a paradise.

Fun for all the family?

Whatever your age you will find plenty to entertain you at Eden. During the School summer holidays the Eden team run lots of kids entertainment, which while we were there included building a den from items such as poles, ropes, canvas, tarpaulin, material and whatever else you could scavenge! Also water challenges – including pumping water along family made river valleys. The children had great fun at these and then sat down and watched and took part in the fire starting demonstrations for over 45 minutes.

Eating

You can eat at the restaurants at Eden which are reasonable value for a major attraction. However, if you are there after 4.30 in the summer you can also enjoy a barbecue which is superb value and well worth doing. There was also a band playing to entertain you.

Plan your day

Before you visit Eden it is worth checking the website to see what is going on to make the most of your day. It is well worth knowing that after 3.30pm there are reduced rates for adults and children go free – this made a saving of £30 for our party of 5! Not only did it save money, parking and wandering around the attraction was so much easier later in the day.

Couple of other tips.
- Don’t forget the sun lotion as it can be a major sun trap.
- Its a long walk back to the car once inside, so make sure you take everything you need when setting off.
Location

St Austell, Cornwall, South West England

Where to stay

Caravan and holiday parks close to Eden: St Austell, Cornwall, South West England

Self catering and cottages close to Eden: St Austell, Cornwall, South West England

Lodges close to Eden: Cornwall, South West England

Review
- Value for money: 5 star – especially after 3.30pm
- All family entertainment: 5 star
- Parking: 5 star
- Overall: 5 star
New Perran Holiday Park, Cornwall

Date: 2010.08.14 | Category: Been there, Review 3 star | Response: 0

New Perran Holiday Park is on the north coast of Cornwall close to the popular beaches of Newquay and Perranporth.

The first thing you will notice about this park is the view. Situated in an elevated position you have a terrific view of un-spoilt countryside in all directions. In fact it is so completely surrounded by countryside and farm land, that New Perran has no traffic or car noise near by so you can really feel away from it all.

Of course an elevated position does mean that you notice the windy days more but most of the site is bordered by hedges which provide some protection. We would still recommend that you take along a wind break or two to give yourself some extra sun trap areas.

New Perran has caravan accommodation as well as touring and camping pitches.

Location

New Perran is ideally placed for Newquay, with the popular surfing and body boarding locations of Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay just 5-6 miles away. Even closer is the beach at Perranporth which is just 4 miles from the site entrance.

Touring caravans, motor homes and camping pitches

The pitches are large and well spaced around green central areas meaning that the park feels open and spacious. We visited this park in the school summer holidays and the site was busy but did not feel crowded and was not noisy.

The are a number of toilet blocks that have showers, washbasins and toilets. These are cleaned daily and during our stay were clean – although after everyone gets back from the beach they can get a bit sandy. There are also family rooms that include a baby bath.

Washing up facilities were located in the same blocks and these were adequate.

Facilities

There is a good sized ‘heated’ swimming pool on the park but during our stay the children found the pool very cold – although this was not helped by the wind.

There is a shop on site for your basic needs but this is open between 8am to 11am and 4pm-7pm so you need to be organised to be there before lunchtime.

There is a also a Cottage Inn on site but on our 2010 summer stay this remained closed. So it is worth checking before you book if you were expecting to have this bar facility.

For children there is a good adventure playground in the middle of the park that our children spent quite a lot of time on. There is also a toddlers play area and games/TV room.

For those traveling with pets their are large dog exercise areas at each end of the park.

Caravan accommodation

The park has a number of luxury holiday caravans catering for 4 to 8 people. Each comes with a shower, toilet, hot and cold water, tv, full sized cooker, microwave oven, fridges, gas fires and electric heaters. Some also come with central heating.

For more information about the accommodation>

Review scores
- Pitch sizes: 4 stars
- Washing and toilet facilities: 3 stars
- Entertainment facilities: 2 stars
- Swimming pool: 3 stars
- Overall score: 3 stars