Ask ten different campers to explain their favourite thing about East Crinnis Farm and you’ll probably receive ten different answers. Some like its peaceful rural setting, others might opt for the sparkly-clean facilities, while a few may even choose the tasty Cornish pasties, served along with a night of storytelling round the campfire. Whichever aspect of this family-friendly campsite takes your fancy, you will undoubtedly enjoy this rustic retreat in the heart of Cornwall, where time seems to stand magnificently still.
The range of camping experiences on offer is pretty impressive. Traditionalists can pitch on one of the large, flat, grassy spaces, which are secluded by hedges. For those in search of creature comforts, log cabins and geodesic glamping domes are also available. The domes are situated in an exclusive area of the site (catching the best of the afternoon sun) and come equipped with log burners. What’s more, a six-metre transparent allows for unimpeded star-gazing come nightfall.
Although this is essentially a rural location, East Crinnis is only a short jaunt away from the beaches, ice cream kiosks and breathtaking scenery of the southern Cornish coast. It takes 45 minutes to wander the coastal path to Charleston harbour (of the BBC’s Poldark fame), following the high cliff edges above nearby Crinnis beach, while cyclists will enjoy the moors and mineral trails inland. But it’s not all about the Great Outdoors. The nearby traditional fishing ports of Mevagissey and Fowey both offer a pleasing variety of food and drink, activities and shopping, plus their very own summer festival season.
After a busy day discovering the ancient kingdom of Cornwall, switching off the car engine and wind down at East Crinnis is a joy. Despite the farm’s wide range of facilities, the general ambience of this place is far away from the ‘holiday park’ vibe you might expect: as the night draws in, parents sweep up their offspring and head for a sing-song and snacks round the campfire. Glampers, meanwhile, head back to their geodesic cocoons to watch the skies in comfort. Whichever route you pick, this is camping as it should be, with a lovely atmosphere in a truly special location.
