Cornwall/coombe mill fans, places to go during the day

[mollysmum82]

I just wanted to thank everyone who recommended Coombe Mill farm to me, we're off next week and I'm so excited!

For those who have gone, other than the on-site activities, what did you do during the day? I don't know Cornwall very well but I'd love to hear about any good (or bad!) experiences you have had! We're taking our 20 month old daughter

Many thanks

[surfitlive]

I'm jealous, we're booked for October half term! It works really well for us because there is so much to do on the farm (feeding animals, playing in the play areas...) that you don't have to go out somewhere every day, but we have had a few days out. My girls are a little older than yours, so the activities may not be as age appropriate for you! We went to the beach a lot (Polzeath - best for surf around!) My oldest daughter and I had a couple of water skiing lessons over at Rock, we cycled and walked bits of the Camel Trail which starts in Padstow and finishes just near Coombe Mill. It's a very long way in total, but you can do bits of it which are nice - perhaps with your daughter on your back? There are some lovely little harbour towns to wander round - Foye, Looe, Padstow. Crealy is an adventure park, but for bigger kids... something for a few years time maybe! Not sure how helpful this is, 20months seems a long time ago!

[jessicastevens07]

We took our twin girls (then 18 months) to Coombe Mill for their first holiday in Feb. It was too cold for the beach, but I know Polzeath is close. We're really keen to go again, but think we would definitely book for summer time so we can spend time on the beaches. We went to Dairyland which is basically a farm/adventure play area. The girls did enjoy it and it's fine as a day out, but the farm side of it was pretty lame compared to what you could do at Coombe Mill. The girls didnt do anything new there, put it that way! We spent a day at Padstow; played krazy golf, wandered round the shops, had Rick Stein's fish and chips and took the ferry across to Rock. Your week will fly by!

[purplesnowball]

Brilliant, youll have such a wonderfull time. Theres so much for you to get involved in either on the farm, i.e animal feed runs, fishing just hanging around the site during the day is great. Theres Bodmin moor literally 5 mins by car up the road for an explore or picnic. Also plenty of nearby beaches that are amazing, such as Trevone or Harlyn which are better for sunbathing or sandcastle competitions! Then theres places like Port isaac and Padstow which are your historic (and stunning) fishing villages, they also play host to an amazing amount of reasonably priced cafes and restaurants. Then for the more enegetic days theres Springfields pony centre which is more suited for the younger children. I found it to be really low key, laid back and was able to just let the girls go off, they loved it and we went back later in the week with the return pass. Take a picnic though as the cafe is rather overpriced! Have a great time :)

[surfitlive]

Is it this week you're at Coombe Mill? Hope you have a lovely time! I'd be interested to know what you get up to... and any news from the farm! :)

[mollysmum82]

Hello ladies! Thank you so so much for all your tips! I frantically printed off your suggestions before I left, along with my satnav haha!

It was absolutely amazing! We did Padstow and Polzeath as well as a gorgeous beach called Daymer Bay. We also went to the famous fish and chip shop in Camelford! DH treated me to a trip to Kits Herbery too, yummm! But you were so right, there was so much to do on site we could have quite easily hung around there all week!

I can't imagine wanting to go anywhere else now, Coombe Mill was so perfect! Now its my turn to be jealous Surfitive that you're off in October! Have a wonderful time!

[Phoenix]

What did you stay in? I've started a thread about Coombe Mill a few hours ago asking about the riverside lodges. Do they look nice? We were in Cornwall last week too (at Court Farm, Bude) :o

[mollysmum82]

We stayed in pencarrow, one of the scandanavian lodges. It was absolutely gorgeous...although probably much bigger than we needed so we'd definitely consider staying in a riverside lodge in future (at a huge saving!) The riverside cottages looked fine, they seemed quite small for the outside but we met a few families of 4 who were quite happily staying in them. They were overlooking the same green as the scandanavian ones and were really well placed for the playgrounds. I hope you have a wonderful time! Message me if you want more details! x

[Phoenix]

Thank you, that could be our decision made then :o

We only left Cornwall this morning and can't wait to go back :o

[moragbellingham]

Sorry Molly I don't feel too bad about hijacking now you're back....

We're going soon Phoenix and have seen your other thread and imagine will be following suit!!

Any tips about the area and what to do? We've been to Watergate and will be going back - same for Padstow, but don't know anywhere else.

[Phoenix]

Mevagissey is nice. Very similar, but smaller, to Padstow.

[moragbellingham]

Ah yes, we did go there...in the rain