Im looking for advice on cornish campsites..It'll be our 1st time and my partner is nervous so i need to make it good. Im looking for a site that is close to beach ( short walk) and cliffs with nice view if possible or secluded... no need for bars or discos - dont want a huge site either...Good toilet/facilites is a must and evening sun would be nice. Picturesque too would be good
thinkin around south of newquay like Porthtowan or further north like / tintagel / padstow / etc...
Many thanks...it could be 1st & last time if i get it wrong...no pressure !!!
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Hm, not so close to the beach, but certainly small with loads of facilities and very pretty. Have a look at Poldown campsite at Helston. We went on our very first camping trip and I loved it! Poldown Campsite
I know it's a bit further down but it's certainly worth it.............check out Ayr Holiday Park ,St Ives. It has stunning views from its cliff top position, easy walk into town with great pubs, etc., and fantastic 5* facilities.
I can guarantee you that your partner will love this site!
If you want to see some photos of the site and the views check out our blog and head for December 2009 (we spent a wonderful Christmas there!).
------------- More adventures in 2026 -
Feb - Steamer Quay CAMC, Totnes
May - Cheddar & Dulverton
June - Lake District
July - Devizes, New Forest & Dorset
September - TBA
Christmas - Ayr, St Ives
New Year - Hillhead CAMC, Brixham
Porth Beach just outside Newquay used to be great. Short walk across the road to the beach. Haven't been in a few years so you may want to double check with others first
------------- "Money can't buy you happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes"
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You're right Tweetypie57, Porth Beach is a fab site.
We were there just 3 weeks ago!
Expensive but highly recommended!
Kernow Camper
------------- More adventures in 2026 -
Feb - Steamer Quay CAMC, Totnes
May - Cheddar & Dulverton
June - Lake District
July - Devizes, New Forest & Dorset
September - TBA
Christmas - Ayr, St Ives
New Year - Hillhead CAMC, Brixham
For the area you specify I'd recommend Dennis Cove in Padstow.
It's in a great location; right on the Camel Trail within 10 minutes easy walk of the town. There are some lovely beaches about 15 minutes walk away, or you can get the foot ferry over the estuary to the beaches near Rock (Daymer Bay etc). Lots of lovely cliff top walks along the SW coast path, out to Stepper Point or further afield to Harlyn and beyond. There is also a footpath from the site up to Dennis Hill where there is an obelisk built in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee & some stunning views. Bike hire for the Camel Trail is a short walk way. Also great fish and chips are available on the quay from Rick Stein's chippy (yum!).
It's a small, friendly and fairly secluded site. I'd say it would qualify as picturesque. There are great views over the Camel estuary from the pitches in the upper field, although the downside is that they do slope slightly. The small lower field is flat but you don't get the same views; still very pleasant though, surrounded by trees and fields. No bar, club house or children's playground, pretty basic facilities but plenty of hot water (showers 40p) and clean.
It can get busy in the school holidays, so we tend to avoid it then; otherwise it is quiet and relaxing. This was the first site we stayed at and are still going back years later.
Otherwise I'd recommend Little Meadow near Ilfracombe - it's North Devon I know, but a really fantastic site that again meets your criteria. Not as convenient for the town but the views from all the pitches are amazing and the site is immaculately maintained. It is definitely one of my favourite campsites.
Would agree with Dennis Cove but do book! Also one just outside St Just, near Lands End, sorry name escapes me but go on site reviews here. I wrote review of it last year. Very sheltered site and small with added benefit that you are invited into lounge of the b and b on the site for evenigs TV etc and also for breakfast and evening meal!!
------------- bridie
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How about Treveague Farm, gorran haven, lovely site with great seaviews views, you can walk to the beach, they have a shop on site, with the secret garden restaurant, lovely site we have been twice and plan to go back again!!!
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: OUR 1ST TIME
