The Local Area
Places to Visit in Cornwall: Camel Side Cottages are the perfect holiday base for exploring Cornwall. From the local village pub, famous Camel Trail and stunning Bodmin Moor on the doorstep to the beaches and attractions of North Cornwall just a short drive away.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Steeped in history, The Lost Gardens are a fabulous family day out. Discover the painstakingly restored gardens around the Heligan estate, lost to the overgrowth and decay as The first world war hit and rediscovered in the 90’s. Heligan is ever expanding and has some wonderful places for kids to explore, like The Jungle, acres of raised boardwalks along giant exotic plants with the longest Burmese rope bridge in Britain, and The Mud Maid, a living statue hidden in the woods.
Approximately 50 minutes and 27 miles
Camel Trail
Off road walking and cycle trail from Wenfordbridge via Bodmin and Wadebridge to Padstow along the old railway line following the river Camel. Beautiful and flat all year round. If cycling the whole way (17 miles) sounds too ambitious why not do a little from the village and from Wadebridge to Padstow another day.
Bodmin Moor
St Breward is a moorland village and passing over a cattle grid tells you you have entered the moor. An area of outstanding natural beauty this rugged landscape is home to grazing animals, streams, old bridges and granite outcrops. Beautiful for cycling, walking or driving through. It is a popular retreat for families with a picnic offering great freedom for children and dogs and much quieter than the beaches at busy times. Just a little further towards Camelford and you can enjoy the delights of Rough Tor and Brown Willy with their breath taking views and rocky outcrops which the children love to climb and hide inside.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is a must-see in Cornwall, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the view of this castle on top of an island shut off at high tide from Marazion. With beautiful gardens to explore as well as the small village on the edge of the island it’s hard to not want to explore.
Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes and 55 miles
Photo: Mike Newman
Tate St Ives
Explore the history of Modern Art in Cornwall with a walk through the Tate St Ives. Set on the edge of Porthmeor Beach with regular activities for children and regularly changing exhibitions it makes a wonderful afternoon out.
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and 55 miles
© Tate photo: Ian Kingsnorth.
Tregardock
A beautiful hidden beach managed by the national trust between Tintagel and Port Isaac. It’s well worth a visit but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart with very little car parking space along a narrow lane followed by a 15 minute cross country walk and a steep cliff side decent onto the beach itself. Beautiful once there with waterfalls, high rocks, caves and soft sand, though it is inaccessible at high tide.
Approximately 20 minutes & 8 miles.
Places to Visit in Cornwall : On the Doorstep
The Old Inn St Breward
The Old Inn at St Breward is a truly old world Cornish pub that is the closest pub. It is both welcoming and pet freiendly. Moorland Grills and Sunday Roasts are their specialty but be warned the portions are big. This is a favourite with locals and holiday makers offering a cosy friendly atmosphere and good value.
- 2 miles from Camel side cottages
The Camel Trail
17 miles of stunning cycle path from Wenfordbridge to Padstow along the old railway line beside the river Camel. Pass through beautiful countryside dotted with tea bars and picnic benches. Enjoy estuary views and even stop off at the Camel Velley Vinyards. Take the ride at your own pace, perfect for beginners and children being flat. Bike hire at Wenfordbridge snails Pace Cafe, Bodmin or Wedebridge.
- 1 mile from Camel Side Cornish Holiday Cottages
Bodmin Moor
For a breathtaking walk, cycle ride or drive take the moorland lanes over Bodmin Moor. Follow the cycleways from St Breward and take in the rugged beauty of the landscape. There are some idyllic picnic spots, river tributaries to dip your feet in or let your four legged friends splash about.
- 2 miles from Camel Side Cornish Holiday Cottages
Places to Visit in Cornwall : A Short Drive from Camel Side Holiday Cottages
The North Cornwall Coast and Beaches
No trip to Cornwall is complete without visiting the Cornish beaches and harbour towns. Dine out at Rick Stein's Padstow, enjoy Jamie Oliver's 15 at Watergate Bay or Nathan Outlaw's Seafood restaurant in Doc Martin's town of Port Isaac. For golden sandy beaches, rock pools, surfing and costal walks then take a look at Polzeath, Daymer Bay, Trebarwith Strand, and Tregardock to name but a few.
- 6 miles and upwards from Camel Side Cornish Holiday Cottages
The Eden Project
Take a trip to The Eden Project and get a flavour of the famous Tropical and Mediterranean Biomes. Ice Skate in Winter or catch a concert in summer. Plenty of activities all year round for children and adults to enjoy.
- 19 miles from Camel Side Cornish Holiday Cottages
King Arthur's Tintagel
Tintagel Castle is a clifftop castle steeped in History, with stories of Cornish rulers living there since the dark ages. Interlinked with many Cornish folk stories including the legend of King Arthur and Tristan and Iseult. Spread over the mainland and a headland island, it’s a sight to see and now boasts a new walking bridge with stunning views for easy access for all.
- 10 miles from Camel Side Cornish Holiday Cottages
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Steeped in history, and perfect for gardenners from the ameature to expert. The gardens around the Heligan estate fell victim to the first world war but were painstakingly restored in the 90’s. Heligan is ever expanding and has some wonderful places for kids as well as adults to explore. See the Jungle, acres of raised boardwalks along giant exotic plants with the longest Burmese rope bridge in Britain, and The Mud Maid, a living statue hidden in the woods.
- 27 miles from Camel Side Cornish Holiday Cottages