CHARTEROAK (Stonerush Ltd)
1 Saxon House
Saxon Way West
Corby
NN18 9EZ
Email: info@charteroak.co.uk
Sales: 0800 117 0883
Customer service: 01503 220 220
Charteroak Holiday Lodges in Cornwall
Charteroak Holiday Lodges in Cornwall
When you arrive in Cornwall, it’s hard to miss the distinct salty tang in the air – a reminder that wherever you are in the Duchy you’re never too far from the coast. From your base at Southern Halt or Stonerush Lakes, you’re within easy reach of some of Cornwall’s best beaches and stretches of coastline, so it’s with those that we kick off day one of your perfect holiday planner.
Day 1 – Coast to coast
Starting on your doorstep, the Polperro Heritage Coast has some superb coastal walks for anyone who likes to lace up their boots. Starting in the archetypally Cornish fishing village of Polperro, head east or west and spend a day soaking up dizzying views of the ocean. East from the village takes you towards Looe – home to a fantastic family beach with a town that offers all the amenities you’re likely to need. En route you’ll come across Talland Bay, which has superb rockpools for exploring, a family-friendly beach and Talland Bay Beach Café with a team providing warm welcomes, a mouthwatering menu and kayak hire.
An Experience Favourite
The coast path isn’t the only way to enjoy being by the sea! Cornwall’s coastal roads make for some spectacular summer driving, particularly behind the wheel of a classic car rental from Perranwell Garage. Hire an open-top Morgan or MG and experience Cornwall behind the wheel of an iconic piece of British motoring history. www.perranwell.co.uk
Day 2 - Glorious gardens
Now that you’ve explored the best that the coast has to offer, it’s time to appreciate Cornwall’s gardens in all their verdant glory. Take a 45-minute drive south east and discover one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions, the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Lost towards the end of the 19th century as the estate’s workforce went off to fight in the Great War, the gardens at Heligan suffered decades of neglect and it wasn’t until the 1990s that work began to restore them to their former glory.
Today, more than 200 acres of paradise are available to explore, with an array of different environments that include Cornwall’s only outdoor jungle garden. Set in a steep-sided valley, The Jungle enjoys a microclimate that’s at least five degrees warmer than the attraction’s Northern Gardens – a difference that allows a myriad of exotic species to thrive. Lose yourself in towering tunnels of bamboo, be awe-struck as you pass under the shade of giant rhubarb and forget for a moment that you’re still in the UK as you cross one of Britain’s longest Burmese rope bridges.
An Experience Favourite
The Minack Theatre near Porthcurno isn’t Cornwall’s only outdoor theatre! Sterts, on the edge of Bodmin Moor near Liskeard, has a summer schedule packed with outdoor performances and gigs, with the added bonus of a permanent awning, protecting you from the moor’s often unpredictable weather. www.sterts.co.uk
Day 3 - Attractions
There are a number of fantastic, family-friendly attractions just a short drive away from both our Cornish sites. The Eden Project, less than a half-hour drive away, is renowned the world over. Connecting us with the living world and exploring how we might work towards a better future, Eden Project’s massive biomes house the world’s largest indoor rainforest, with stunning plants, exhibitions and stories providing a wonderful backdrop to the site’s striking gardens.
If you’re with the grandchildren, a day out at Camel Creek Adventure Park comes highly recommended. This vibrant and welcoming visitor destination is a year-round favourite, delivering adventures in all weather. There are plenty of rides outdoors for everyone from thrill-seekers to those more comfortable on the teacups, while the indoor Dragon’s Kingdom is a must for any young knights, allowing them to lose themselves in the dragon’s lair with ball pools, tunnels, mazes and pulleys. The best part is, adults can kick back with a delicious coffee and a spot of lunch while the kids tire themselves out for the evening.
For an experience with a difference, why not head to Bodmin & Wenford Railway? Celebrating the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age, this 1950s Cornish branch line reveals to visitors the age of steam. From high teas to murder mysteries, even live music and special visits from childhood favourites, the calendar of events on here covers everything from the traditional to the unexpected, all on board Cornwall’s only full-size railway still operated by steam!
If you’re interested in sneaking a glimpse into the murky past of Cornish crime, Bodmin Jail offers visitors the chance to discover life behind bars as an 18th century prisoner. Explore the many cells and features that will make your visit both fun and educational, and at times, a little scary! You can wander through the depths of the jail over five levels, browse creative exhibits depicting penal life in Victorian Cornwall and even see the Execution Shed.
An Experience Favourite
Just seven minutes from Southern Halt on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor you’ll find Carnglaze Caverns. This all-weather attraction is one of Cornwall’s premier underground experiences and, as well as offering visitors the chance to explore the caves, the team also hosts concerts in the underground Rum Store – an acoustic experience like no other! www.carnglaze.com
Day 4 – Out in the country
Nothing quite beats lacing up your boots and filling your lungs with fresh country air, especially here in Cornwall where it’s almost always infused with a hint of the ocean. Fortunately, from Stonerush Lakes and Southern Halt, there are some superb countryside walks right on the doorstep. From the seemingly desolate expanses of Bodmin Moor, to the enchanting canopy of towering trees in Cardinham woods, you’ll love getting out and about on foot in north east Cornwall.
Dating back to the Carboniferous period of geological history (that is, to around 359 million years ago!), Bodmin Moor is one of those places that gives an
immediate sense of perspective. Its rolling terrain stretches as far as the eye can see, augmented with impressive, towering tors that offer gentle ramblers
and avid hikers alike plenty to explore. Cornwall’s highest point can be summited at Brown Willy, while Rough Tor – Cornwall’s second highest peak – stands
on a site that’s also home to a large number of Bronze Age hut circles and a Neolithic tor enclosure that dates back millennia.
On days where the wind is howling and exposing yourself to the elements doesn’t seem quite so appealing, you may prefer to head for the sanctuary of the woods. At Cardinham Woods, less than 20 minutes from your lodge at Southern Halt, there is truly something for everyone. In fact, Cardinham is famed for its walking trails. The four routes range from easy routes to longer walks that include steep valley climbs and astounding views that make all the effort worthwhile! There’s also the family-friendly Zog Activity Trail, which is perfect for kids wanting to embark on an exciting forest journey with Zog the dragon and his friends!
An Experience Favourite
Tumbling through the remains of the ancient oak woodland that once covered much of Bodmin Moor, Golitha Falls Nature Reserve is simply beautiful to behold. You’ll find it just a half-mile walk from the car park at Draynes Bridge, near St Cleer.
Day 5 – Historic houses
To really gain an insight into the area’s history, it’s a good idea to pay the county’s historic houses and estates a visit. Take Lanhydrock, for instance. Owned by the National Trust, with a magnificent late Victorian country house, garden and wooded estate, Lanhydrock is well worth exploring. When Thomas Charles refashioned Lanhydrock after a fire in 1881, he wanted to create ‘an unpretentious family home’. And, while his idea of everyday comfort might be different from our own in this modern age, it’s quite clear that family is at the very heart of this house. The difference between ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’ living is also apparent, with a fascinating contrast between the kitchens and servants’ quarters downstairs, and the grand family spaces above.
A walk through the house will introduce you to the people who lived and worked at Victorian Lanhydrock, with portraits, letters and possessions on display to peruse. There are some true historic gems to be found too, including the Lanhydrock Atlas in the museum, artefacts from the First World War, plus a book that once belonged to Henry VIII, which was used to help him annul a marriage!
Similarly, the Elizabethan manor house at Trerice offers a fascinating look back to the 1500s. Also owned by the National Trust, friendly room guides at Trerice will happily show you around, sharing stories of the home’s history and helping you make the most of your visit. From the original 16th century glass in the Great Hall window to a collection of over 1,000 pieces on show for visitors of all ages, there’s plenty to see here, with the home’s history spanning across three families.
An Experience Favourite
For an insight into a very different area of our past, why not head to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle? Less than an hour away from Southern Halt, the museum explores the intriguing and often dark history of British magical practice, from ancient times to the present day.
www.museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk
Day 6 - on two wheels
Cornwall is home to some spectacular cycling routes, taking in the very best of both coast and countryside with long country roads and winding trails that are perfect whether you’re an avid distance cyclist or looking to trundle at your own pace. We’ve already visited Lanhydrock in this feature, but did you know that the estate is also home to a variety of green, blue and red trails (that’s easy, moderate and difficult)? From the National Trust website you can download a copy of the map which will show you each route in detail. Lanhydrock also offers both half and full-day cycle hire, perfect if you don’t fancy loading up the bike rack for your journey down!
Similarly at Cardinham woods, cyclists can enjoy an array of off-road cycling, with the 12km Bodmin Beast blue trail and two tough red trails. Hire is available here too, along with a trail tune service and available replacement parts, meaning your day needn’t be ruined by mechanical breakdowns!
If you’re looking for a truly relaxing cycling experience, head on over to the north coast at Wadebridge, where you’ll find the start of the Camel Trail. Winding its way around the beautiful Camel Estuary, with its abundance of wildlife and crystalline waters, this level trail is just the ticket for families looking to enjoy a relaxed afternoon on two wheels.
Hire your bikes at the start of the trail from Bridge Bike Hire where you’ll find everything you need, whether it’s special needs bikes with wheelchairs, trailers for dogs, child seats, balance bikes or mountain bikes. When you finish, you’ll find Stein’s Fish & Chips perfectly located at the end of the trail, and nothing beats a fish and chip lunch overlooking the water!
An Experience Favourite
Why not swap two wheels for a paddle and head out on the water with a canoe from Tamar Trails? Enjoy a scenic paddle up the River Tamar, from the quay at
Cotehele, past the village of Calstock and into the wilds of the upper tidal limits. www.tamartrails.co.uk
Day 7 – Retail therapy
Your holiday wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a spot of retail therapy, now would it? Fortunately, Plymouth is just a 35-minute drive away. Drake’s Circus Shopping Centre offers more than 60 shops selling everything from clothes to electronics, with a number of top high street names. From here, you can take a short walk to the Barbican where, in the warmer months, you’ll fi nd a whole host of bars and restaurants with terraces spilling out onto the quayside.
Just over half an hour in the other direction on the north Cornish coast you’ll find the ancient market town of Wadebridge. With an array of small independent and quirky shops, there’s a wealth of unusual gifts, artwork and clothing available here, perfect for picking up a souvenir at the end of your trip. Or, if you’re looking to round off your holiday with a true taste of Cornwall, why not head to Wadebridge Country Market? Taking place every Thursday at the Town Hall from 8.45am until 12.30pm, this is just the ticket if you’re hoping to cook up a storm in the evening, with freshly caught fish, locally sourced meat and produce all available from the local area.
Eating out
If you’re looking to enjoy an evening out then we recommend a trip to the Jamaica Inn. This charming country pub and restaurant has been put firmly on the map thanks to Daphne Du Maurier’s novel, named after the inn.
This historic coaching house has welcomed weary travellers crossing Bodmin Moor for nearly 300 years. Full of legend, mystery, romance and even, according to folklore, the odd friendly spirit, the Jamaica Inn continues to welcome guests into its award-winning restaurant.
Enjoy a great selection of local ales and wines and choose from a comforting menu that includes delicious steak pies, succulent gammon steaks, fillets of salmon and much more, including a great number of vegetarian options. The team serves a hearty Sunday roast from 12pm until 3pm, perfect if you’re looking for that ‘all the trimmings’ experience!
Eating in
Alternatively, if you’re hoping to relax after a long day spent exploring the area, we couldn’t blame you for wanting to stay on site and enjoy an easy meal, but who said it can’t still be delicious? If you’re staying at Stonerush Lakes, The Old Mill Bar and Restaurant can be found at the heart of the site serving a dynamic, seasonal menu and it’s also only about ten minutes away from Southern Halt. Using some of the finest local produce, each dish here is packed with flavour, offering you the chance to enjoy a delicious evening meal and a relaxing drink within the peaceful sanctuary of the park. The team also offer takeaway, so you can make the most of the menu from the comfort of your lodge!
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