There is still plenty to do in Cornwall this winter for everyone!

From walks around some of the most spectacular coasts & sandy beaches in the country to discovering the history of the Cornish tin mines.  Carvynick is the perfect location to explore all of Cornwall.

Here are just some of the fantastic attractions and English heritage that we at Carvynick recommend you see!

Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen, Penzance, TR19 7EW

Find out what it was like to work in a 19th century Cornish mine &  how rock was brought up from underground.

Geevor is situated on the North Atlantic coast and is the largest preserved mining site in the UK.  The Hard Rock Museum tells the story of Cornish tin and copper mining with interactive displays and many artifacts.

The Geevor gift shop has a range of quality gifts including locally made jewellery and something for the younger ones!

Open Sunday to Friday 10am – 4pm with the last tour 1 hour before closing (closed Saturdays)

For more information visit www.geevor.com or call 01736 788662

Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, PL24 2SG

Discover plants that have helped humanity since the dawn of time, trek through steamy jungles, past shacks, waterfalls &  plantations!

Eden has the largest rainforest in captivity with a 50 metre high tree canopy.  Wander through the Mediterranean Biome and smell the citrus orchards and the olive groves.

Also ice skating at Eden!

A new glacial theme for 2011/12. In addition to our  skating sessions, there are special sessions  for all ages and abilities, so come on down and get your skates on!

For more information call 01726 811972 or visit www.edenproject.com

Bodmin Jail, Berrycoombe Rd, Bodmin, PL31 2NR

A family friendly all weather attraction that is open all year!

Experience the life of an 18th century prisoner set within three acres of original grounds and buildings.  Visit the recently restored hanging pit where the original keys to the jail were discovered!

Explore all 6 floors of the civil prison as well as the navel prison

As well a the Jail Museum attraction, we also have superb restaurant and bar facilities, accompanied by our very comfortable Witness Box wine bar, where morning or afternoon tea and coffee can be served.

Join other weary travellers in the Warders Room where we serve a great range of home cooked food freshly prepared from local produce.

For more information on the jail and the paranormal evenings call 01208 76292 or visit www.bodminjail.org

Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard, PL14 6HQ

There are three caverns of cathedral proportions, hand created by local slate miners. During your tour you will go about 150m into the hillside and 60m below ground, via a flight of 60 steps. In the lower chambers you will find the subterranean lake with it’s crystal clear blue/green water.

Set amongst the wooded hillside at Carnglaze is a magical collection of limited edition bronze faeries, mushrooms & dragons. Walk through the terraced garden to see Shanhara and her friends, where seasonal streams and a waterfall add to the enchantment. Then follow the woodland path to a panoramic view of St Neot village before looping back to the main site: a round walk of approx 25 mins or longer if you are counting the faeries!

For further information please call 01579 320251 or visit www.carnglaze.com

Why not take advantage of our 3 or 4 night breaks in one of our self catering cottages, from only £180 this includes use of the indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, fitness suite, badminton court & golf course.

We hope to see you at Carvynick soon!

 Here are just a few of the firework displays happening in the area this 2011!

Bodmin, Priory Park, Football Field.

Saturday 5th November, gates open at 6pm.

Grand Firework Display and Bonfire. Open from 6.00 pm, fireworks 7.30 pm. Early arrival advisable.

Local schools ‘Best Guy Competition’ Children’s Rides, Hot Dogs etc. No sparklers please. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds to local charities.

The display is one of the largest and most spectacular firework displays in Cornwall and is fired by Celebration Pyrotechnics of Bodmin

Cubert, Smuggler’s Den Inn, Trebellan.

Saturday 5th November, gates open at 6pm.

Annual bonfire and firework display in aid of Cubert School from 6.00pm. Torchlight procession from the village of Cubert, free car parking and a free shuttle bus from the pub back to the village.

There is free face painting for the children, bbq, hog roast and a licensed bar. Also some kids games, disco and a raffle.

Bonfire lighting circa 6.30pm, the fireworks display approximately 7.30pm. For health and safety, no sparklers. The St John Ambulance are in attendance. Admission: Adults £5. Kids and OAPs £2.50.

Flambards, Helston, fireworks start at 7pm.

Wednesday 26th October 2011.

Firework Spectacular. Cornwall’s largest pyro-musical firework display provided by Celebration Pyrotechnics of Bodmin. Spectacular display with Space Odyssey theme with musical choreography.

Tickets are now available online at a very special rate of £10.95 per person for the whole day and evening. Tickets must be purchased by 3pm on 25th October. Tickets can also be bought at Flambards, by phone or at Oliver’s Butchers in Helston. Special guests include Titan and Cool Hand Luke – a fire eater and juggler.

Newquay, Mermaid Inn, Alexandra Road, Porth Beach.

Saturday 5th November at 7.30pm.

Sponsored and funded by the Mermaid Inn Porth. A spectacular cliff top display provided by Celebration Pyrotechnics of Bodmin. Admittance free of charge but please donate to the chosen charity collection. Burgers, hot dogs, drinks etc available outside the Mermaid Inn.

Newquay, Tolcarne Beach.

Friday 28th October

The Maharajah Restaurant, Newquay, will be staging an aerial firework display during the evening of Friday 28th, as part of its Dewali celebrations. Weather permitting. From Tolcarne beach. The restaurant will be offering a special Dewali menu on Wednesday 26th, Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October.

Truro, Tremorvah Playing Fields, Bodmin Rd, TR1 1BN

Friday 4th November, gates open at 5pm

Annual bonfire and fireworks display organised by TremorvahPlaying Fields Group, in association with Truro City Council.

The event is kindly sponsored by local solicitors Stephens Scown and will raise money for Shelterbox.

Gates open at 5pm with the fire lit at 6pm and fireworks set off at 6.30pm. The event will finish by 7pm.
Hot food and refreshments will be on sale and there will be stalls selling snacks, glowsticks and sparklers.
Admission is adults £3, children over 4, £1 and under 4′s are free.

We hope you have a happy & safe 5th November!

October fun for all the family in Cornwall.

If you are looking to keep the family entertained this half term here are a few of our suggestions! 

Face your Fears at the Bluereef Aquarium, Newquay, Tel 01637 878134

Venom – October Half Term   

Come face to face with the planet’s deadlest sea creatures this week at “Venom” with everything from the deadly stonefish to venomous lion fish! 

Halloween at the A-scarium! 31st October 2011

 The aquarium will be staying open late tonight for special torch light tours. Not only will the aquarium be decked out in Halloween themed decorations there will also be activity tables and a fancy dress competition. 

So join the spider crabs, and batfish 

www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk 

Expl – awe at Newquay Zoo
2nd October 2011 – 30th April 2012

Join Newquay Zoo for a celebration of the strangest, bravest or unluckiest journeys and explorers of the world. Celebrate the 175th anniversary of Darwin’s journey around the world, and his return to Cornwall on 2nd October 1836. Learn handy survival tips from Victorian explorers including Darwin’s cousin Francis Galton and his rough guide The Art of Travel. 

A must for any budding explorers! Don’t forget your compass, top hat or pith helmet! 

Halloween Zoo Boo Party! October 31st 2011 

Boo! Scary witches, jolly pumpkins, black cats and wizards will all be at Newquay Zoo this Halloween, and you are invited to join them! Go trick or treating and receives some tasty gifts, take part in ghostly challenges and ghoulish games, meet our scary and creepy creatures and visit Hubble and Bubble in their witches den. Be careful who you bump into! Prizes for fancy dress – yes adults too, and tickets include a witches brew, a yummy Halloween cookie and a goodie bag for the children. 

This is a ticket only event and booking is essential, as tickets tend to fly out. Adults £9.95 Child £6.95. The Halloween Zoo Boo Party starts at 6.30pm and finishes at 9.30 pm. www.newquayzoo.org.uk 

Rock climbing at the Eden Project!

Latest news: the Rock Wall will be open in every weekend in September and October, and every day during the October half-term (Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October). 

• View Eden from a whole new perspective on our Rock Wall!
• There are five routes up the cliff face to the left of the Rainforest Biome, each of varying difficulty.
• Expert tuition and all the equipment you need are provided.

Cost: £10 for a 45-minute climb 

 Dates and times  

The Rock Wall will be open every weekend in September and October, and every day during the October half-term (Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October). 

Climbing sessions will run at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm each day *. Please arrive on site at least 30 minutes before your climb and be at the Rock Wall at least 15 minutes before your climb. 

* Please note that due to the Eden Marathon taking place on Sunday 9 October, climbing sessions will only be available at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm on that day. www.edenproject.com 

Falmouth Oyster Festival

Falmouth Oyster Festival marks the start of the traditional oyster dredging season in Falmouth, and will be opened this year by special guest Tim Anderson, winner of BBC MasterChef 2011.

 The festival celebrates the start of the oyster season which runs from October until March, when local boats will trawl the natural oyster beds of the surrounding area using traditional methods of sail and oar, in search of the prized local native oysters renowned for their sweet, delicate flavour. 

 Throughout the four-day event, Events Square in the heart of Falmouth is transformed into a Cornish Cornucopia of stalls brimming with oysters, seafood, wine and other delicacies, celebrating the venerable mollusc whilst showcasing the variety and diversity of local produce. 

 For full details of the festival programme please visit www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk

Extreme Academy BSUPA Championships

Rounding off the year Watergate Bay will see British champions crowned in the deciding round of the British Stand-Up Paddlesurf Association (BSUPA) Championships. Held on the weekend of the 15 & 16 October, the Extreme Academy BSUPA competition will showcase the skills of leading British exponents of this burgeoning sport which has its origins in the beaches of Hawaii. 

 There’s lots more to see & do in Cornwall this October so why not take advantage of our special offers and come and stay at Carvynick!

The Best Beaches in Cornwall

Cornwall has some of the finest beaches in the UK and Europe, with over 150 beaches around the Cornish coast to visit we at Carvynick have named 10 of our favorites.

1. Sennen Cove Beach                  Distance from Carvynick: 1hour (approx)

Sennen Cove lies just one mile northeast of Land`s End , at the southwestern tip of Cornwall.
Sheltered by the mighty headland of Pedn-men-du Cliff.  The Cove was originally established as a fishing station , and at the end of the nineteenth century , many men and women were employed in the pilchard fishery – the men catching the fish, and the women processing and packing them.
There is a small sandy beach in the harbour at Sennen Cove – and swimming is safe ….best to choose high tide because the harbour dries out at low tide!
There are lots of rock pools for budding young fishermen to explore – and plenty of sand for those just wanting to enjoy the sun.

Amenities include:

Refreshments
Disabled access
Seasonal dog ban, Easter to October
Surf rescue equipment
Parking
Toilets
Shop or cafe nearby

2. Crantock Beach, Newquay        Distance from Carvynick: 20 mins (approx)

Crantock beach forms part of the expanse of sand between Pentire and West Pentire headlands. At the southern end of the beach are high cliffs providing some shelter from the wind. To the north is the mouth of the River Gannel.

Hardly outside of Newquay it can be a different world here, handy for avoiding the summer crowds.

Amenities include:

Beach kiosk serving refreshments during the summer months, Parking & Toilets

Dogs allowed

2. Watergate Bay Beach       Distance from Carvynick: 15 mins (approx)

At low tide the beach at Watergate Bay becomes a vast expanse of unbroken golden sand backed by high cliffs. Watergate can be considered the first of a succession of fabulous beaches leading to (and through) Newquay. The bonus is with it’s size and distance from the town (2 miles) you can still find a quiet piece of sand to yourself.

The beach is set between the cliffs Trevlegue Head to the south and Stem Point in the north and the coast path here is well worth exploring. The neighbouring beaches of Porth and Mawgan Porth appear positively diminutive compared the stretch of Sand at Watergate Bay.

As with all the beaches in Newquay Bay, Watergate provides some good waves. Combined with it’s size and location this has made it very popular with local surf schools and perhaps best known the Extreme Academy.
The Extreme Academy offers a range of “extreme sports” including surfing, kitesurfing and kite buggying.

In May this year celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, opened a Watergate Bay branch of his Fifteen Restaurant right on the beach

Lifeguard cover is provided in summer months & dogs are allowed.

Amenities:

Beach Cafe, Toliets, Shop,

4. Perranporth           Distance from Carvynick: 20 mins (approx)

Perranporth’s miles of golden sands have always attracted surfers and sunbathers. For those who are a little more adventurous, there are caves to explore and interesting rock formations to investigate.
A recent addition to the resort is the giant cliff top Millenium Sundial. But beware, if you are thinking of setting your watch by it! It tells Cornish time which is 20 minutes ahead of GMT.

Life guards during the summer months & dogs allowed.

Amenities:

Toliets, Beach bar, Cafe, Parking

5. Fistral Beach          Distance from Carvynick: 20 mins (approx)

Newquay, if not Cornwall’s, most popular beach and at the very heart of the British surfing scene.

The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand with the headlands of Pentire and Towan to the south and north respectively. On the Towan headland, overlooking the beach, is the imposing victorian bulk of the Headlands hotel.

Fistral is often dived up into three areas: South Fistral, the main beach and Little Fistral. The first two are fairly self explanatory, Little Fistral is the norhtern most part of the beach and is only really there at low tide.

Cornwall’s hot venue for the UK’s leading surf competitions including the Rip Curl Boardmasters, the Quicksilver Skins, the UK Pro Surf Tour, and the BUSA Championships.

Relax in a choice of cafes or enjoy eating in the Fistral Blu restaurant with panoramic views across the bay.

Amenties:

Surf Centre, Cafe, Tolilets and a nearby golf course

No dogs (Easter to October)

6. Kynance Cove           Distance from Carvynick: 40 mins (approx)

Popular since Victorian times, the brilliant turquoise water and white sand, with islands, caves and unexpected views are still a powerful draw today.
Located less than 2 miles from The Lizard and once remote and difficult to get to, The National Trust built a new toll road to a large car park on the downs above the cove.
The beach’s defining features are the serpentine rock formations with a disnctive pinnacle to the north of the beach.
All in all Kynance is one of the prettiest coves in Cornwall and as a result one of the most painted and photographed.

No dogs (Easter to October)

Amenities:

Beach Cafe & Toliets

7. Porthcurno Beach         Distance from Carvynick: 45 mins (approx)

Popular family beach with lots of soft sand. Steeply shelving beach attracts more experienced swimmers. The stream at the top of the beach is ideal for children paddling. All facilities available. Close to Minack Theatre and Telegraphy Museum.

Lifeguard service in the summer.

No dogs (Easter to October)

8. Holywell Bay Beach & Cove     Distance from Carvynick: 20 mins (approx)

Just how did Holywell Bay get its name? History says that a holy well was a source of water that was used for divinatory purposes, such as physical healing, for seeking blessings upon one’s family and self, and for cursing enemies!

Marvel at the famous Gull Rocks that rise up from the beach at Holywell Bay. Explore the rock pools and rolling dunes or hire a surf board and catch some waves on the same beach that was once a film set for the Bond movie ‘Die Another Day’!

Amenities:

Shop & toliets in village

9. St Ives Harbour & Beach     Distance from Carvynick: 45 mins (approx)

The historic fishing town of St Ives is the main holiday resort of the Lands End Peninsula and is home to the St Ives School of Painting.

Porthmeor Beach is popular with surfers and Porthminster Beach is the first of a string of golden beaches stretching along St Ives Bay as far as Godrevy Lighthouse. A mild climate, beautiful beaches and numerous hotels and restaurants make St Ives an ideal venue for family holidays.

Parking can be difficult in the busy summer months

Amenities:

All can be found in and around St Ives.

10. Tolcarne Beach, Newquay  Distance from Carvynick: 10/15 mins (approx)

Large west facing expanse of sand thatjoins up with neighbouring Great Western and Lusty Glaze at low tide.  Great views of the harbour and headland plus some good surf makes this beach popular with families.

Dogs are allowed.  There is a lifeguard in the summer

Amenities:

Shop, Surf School, Crazy golf, Cafe & Toilets

Of course there are dozens of other beaches that are just as beautiful.  Have we missed your favourite?  Then let us know!

After a recent inspection in April Carvynick is delighted to have received a 95% high recommendation from the AA and received a 4 pennant accrediatation for our touring park and facilities. We are absolutely delighted with the news and goes to prove that Carvynick really does set the standard for motorhome holidays in Cornwall!

What the AA says about us:

Located in a rural setting, the facilities, which are varied and spotlessly clean, include an excellent Restaurant with lounge bar, and a luxurious indoor leisure area with swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, solarium, a fitness suite and badminton court. There is also a games room with a pool table and electronic games. As from this season (2011), the Park can now accommodate European Motorhomes in addition to RV’s.

Beautiful manicured grounds with well matured trees this site has all extra long hardstandings and individually hedged bays of ample proportion to give that feeling of space, and each pitch is fully serviced with electricity, water, drainage and sewerage outlet. There is also a 5-hole Golf Course and a good children’s playground.

 Plans for 2012:  A completely new toilet block, which should take this site to a 5 Pennant.

 I can confirm the AA 4 Pennant grading with a high Quality % score of 95%.

Looking for things to do in Cornwall this half term?

We have a few suggestions that may keep the little ones entertained this holiday!

Freaky Nature at The Eden Project 

At our Freaky Nature season, kids will learn about the bizarre side of nature, including interactive exhibits about plants and, new for this year, poo! 

For more details visit www.edenproject.com or call01726 811911

Venues around the River Val: Fal River Festival

A celebration of life on the River Fal this 10 day event hosts over 150 events from singing, swimming, gig racing and lots lots more.  For further details go to http://www.kingharryscornwall.co.uk/festival

Newquay Zoo: World War Zoo

Discover how zoos survived wartime at the wartime garden event.  Follow the World War Zoo trail & pot and palnt your own sunflower!  For more details go to www.newquayzoo.org.uk or call 0844 474 2244

Bodmin and Wenford Railway: Paddington Bear

Come and meet everyone’s favourtie bear! Paddington is on his adventures so come and meet him and have your photo taken.  Also included in the price of the train ticket are Brake Van Rides, miniture railway rides along the platform and a livey childrens entertainer. For maore details go to http://www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk/or call us on 0845 125 9678

Falmouth, Pendennis Castle: Time Travellers go seafaring!

Anchors aweigh! Set sail on a nautical adventure as you learn the ropes of seafaring, 1800s style. Prepare for naval battle, enjoy plenty of hands-on activities and find out about life on the open seas in days gone by.  For details ring 01326 316594

There are plently of things to do & see in Cornwall this half term so take advantage of our Whitsun Week offer and book your family holiday today!!

Top 10 Restaurants in Cornwall

Recommended by readers of this is Cornwall here is a wide selection of places to dine whilst you enjoy your stay at Carvynick.

We hope that you’ll find these suggestions useful and there are plenty more great places to eat out in Cornwall, just ask at reception for further information.

*Carvynick staff recommended

Easter fun at Eden!

Only at the Eden Project this Easter from 9th April to 2nd May.             

Everyone’s flocking to join Shaun the Sheep & friends for the championsheeps!

From sheep space hopper races to cabbage football and naughty pig sack races.  Shape up with Shaun this Easter on the farmyard assault course.  There’s something for all the family.

See more information at the Eden Project website here

The Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG

Join the fun at Easterfest, only at Cornwall’s Crealys!

It’s full of family fun at Cornwall’s Crealy Great Adventure Park open daily from 1st April 2011

Your Easter fun is guaranteed this Easter holiday whatever the weather. You can  meet the rabbits and babies in Macdonald’s Farm – from English Giants to tiny Dwarf Lops. Cuddle them for yourself in our Bunny Bonanza, PLUS of course all the fluffy day-old chicks, bouncy lambs and perky piglets free-ranging across the Park.

Easter M’Egga Bank Holiday Weekend

Throughout the bank holiday weekend there’s even more “eggstra” fun with thousands of chocolate mini-eggs hidden throughout the Park. How many will you find? There are Bunny Hop Races too with Chocolate Bunnies to win. And best of all, all this extra fun is for free!!

For more information visit Cornwall’s Crealys here