Opinions please n help us decide as we're going round in circles trying to decide what to do..
We have 10 days booked at St Ives for end Aug, however we haven't saved as much spending money as we'd hoped so spending will be a bit tight,limiting days out to places we might otherwise have visited. I had asked if we can reduce our hol to 7 nights but the site still want payment for 10.
If the weather is sunny we will spend most dayS on the beach, My boys are 16 and 11.
We would lose our deposit if we cancel. The trip to Cornwall would be 4 hour drive.
Option 2 would be to cancel the holiday and go to fforest fields for 7 days,where if the weather is bad we can fish or go for walks. The cost of this hol is less than the balance of Cornwall and the travel time is 1.5hr so cheaper fuel,therefore giving more spending money.
We really can't decide but obviously have to as if we are going to cancel I would want to let them know soon.
10 days seems a long time to spend in a tent if the weather is lousy and we don't have lot money.
What is there around St Ives that doesn't cost much if the weaather is bad?
Would fforest fields be better option?
Anyone know the weather for end Aug or can magic some sunshine?
What is on the site? We went to newquay last week and to park in the town it was £4 a day.
We only went out twice and spent the rest of the time on site as there was a swimming pool and a park, but then our son is only 7.
If you're going off site then you're going to need spends. £4 a day parking is ok if you spend the day on the beach with a picnic tho as the kids could try bodyboarding.
If you shop at tesco you could use clubcard vouchers to order tickets for indoor attractions and save money that way?
Cornwall doesn't have to be expensive: there's great walking both on and away from the coast - and if the weather's bad you can wear the same waterproofs you would at Forest Fields.
Except for a bit of sightseeing, stay away from the touristy places that drain your money away and I'd say the hol will be a cheap as anywhere.
As for the number of nights - if you have to pay for 10 then you have to pay. If you really aren't enjoying yourself then just leave early.
At the end of the day it sound like Forest Fields is only a runner-up holiday to the one you really want.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
If you like walking there are some spectacular coastal walks all around the Cornish coast. http://www.walkingincornwall.info/index.php
You said you'd go fishing at Forest Fields if the weather is bad, why not do the same in Cornwall? Surfing is not sunshine reliant either. You're gonna get wet anyway! You can pick up body boards or surf boards dead cheap if you look hard enough. And contrary to popular belief you don't need a wetsuit!
I'm just back from a week in Cornwall....really didn't spend that much for family of 4 on spending money. I used club card vouchers for entry into Eden and went to the seal sanctuary but bought til in advance as cheaper that way. Perranporth is a stunning beach.....far less commercialised than Newquay so less to spend money on and most locals will tell you it's the one to go to! All the little harbour towns cost nothing but car parking to walk round. Maybe you could google to find good walks. Have you googled "cheap things to do near st Ives". I always do this before going away for inspiration!
------------- Sea View International, St Austell. Jul 2012
Home Farm, Radnage. Aug 2012
Marlie Farm, Kent. Aug 2011
Roundhill New Forest. Aug 2011
I would go with Cornwall just because its Cornwall.We just come back from there last week .We were on a budget (only had our 6 year old tho')and I used Tesco Clubcard(£12.50) points to buy £50 entry to Flambards & we still qualified for the return free for up 2 5 days (better check now its August might be different rules)they are on Facebook (Flambards) & you can ask questions directly to them.Some local paper have voucher for cheaper admission.
We had National trust cards so lots there for those for free.
We walked using an Explorer ordnance survey map I borrowed from library discovering ancients ,stones wells ets (not sure how much teenage boys are interested in those tho').
Beach is still possible if its cloudy.
just a few ideas
As already suggested, if you could afford a NT membership then there are loads of lovely places to visit that you could then get in for free - St Michaels Mount, Glendurgan Garden, Godrevy, and my favourite beach Chapel Porth which is NT so parking is free for members if you can get there early enough.
And just walk and enjoy the view.
Take picnics and flasks of coffee so you don't have to spend much while you're out.
For cheap fun in Cornwall for kids and adults alike you may want to have a look at Geocaching.
We as 2 adults in our 50's went and found some great caches in amazing places all around the Botallack, Lands End, Porthcurno etc.
Website at Geocaching.com sign up and many caches for free.
Small backpack filled with food and drink and you'll all have a ball!
With a Landranger Map we found some very secluded beaches, easily acessed and were the only couple on them with sun, sea and sand all to ourselves!! (PM me and we'll point you in the right direction)
Hot Tip - "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Do you take bikes? We did the coast to coast old tramway, St Agnes to Devoran. Stopped for a picnic on the way, not a difficult route. You can park on the road for free in St Agnes. We also started another ride at the cycle hire in Devoran and cycled up to the old tin miles. One quite steep climb on a road but the rest all off road. Even if it's raining it's fun, as long as you take waterproofs.
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
We have just spent our annual two weeks in Cornwall, myself, partner, 18yr old daughter & 6yr old g/daughter.
Didn't spend loads as things have been very tight this year.
We didn't eat out much other than pasties, took our own drinks & snacks to the beach, found lots of free parking in roads just a short walk from car parks.
Also check where the nearest supermarkets are for your shopping, we used Lidl's, Morrisons & Tesco's plus a few local farm shops.
I don't do the commercial stuff but love Bodmin moors, Golitha falls, the Cheese rings, all free.
Lots to do in Cornwall, Carnivals, craft shows, local exibitions, ohhhh I so wish I was still there, even in the rain with no spends
We have spent the last 2 years near Gwithian, there is a fantastic farm there where you can PYO.
We were really lucky as they had a local food festival there while we were staying.
Loads of demonstrations by chefs and loads of free tasters and samples.
The beach is beautiful.
If the weather is rainy take some wellies and coats, it doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy yourself on the beach.
There is a museum in the town at St Michaels Mount, last time we visited I think it was £1 each but the best one is in Porthleven.
4 floors of amazing things including the smallest stuffed Pointer dog in the world.
From Porthleven there is a walk to the largest fresh water lake in the UK , it's called LOE Bar . You have the sea on one side (no swimming) and this amazing lake on the other.
Look out for ads in the local supermarkets and free papers for free events that are on in the area.
we're currently day 7 of ten wet days at cherry cottage camping, nothing on site to do but it's cheap pitch price and clean, alternatively if you want more fishing, entertainment & outdoor pool Juliot Wells holiday park round the corner seems a good price (don't think its on here but google should get details).
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: cornwall dilema
