WHEN ALL'S SAID & DUNE
I went to the UK holiday park named the best in the country with beach-view lodges, hot tubs & camping from £33 a night
The highlight, though, was the hot tub overlooking one of the county’s most stunning beaches
PULLING up to the luxury lodge that would be home for the next four nights, my first word was “Wow!”.
We had arrived at Gull Rocks Beach in Holywell, Cornwall, just as the sun was setting over the bay — and the sky was a beautiful mix of blue, purple and pink, with the Atlantic glistening beneath it.
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It couldn’t have been more picture-perfect.
These tranquil lodges are part of Trevornick Holiday Park, which was recently named the AA’s Holiday Park of the Year for 2024/25.
It is an accolade we weren’t surprised to hear about once we set foot in our gorgeous property.
Our three-bedroom lodge was shiny and modern, with a fitted kitchen, large comfy sofa and plenty of room for our family to make themselves at home.
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The highlight, though, was the hot tub overlooking Holywell Bay, one of the county’s most stunning beaches.
Owned by the National Trust, this mile-long stretch of sand, backed by grassy dunes, is a great spot to spend the day, especially if you’re a keen surfer.
Make sure to visit the mysterious St Cuthbert’s Cave at the northern end of the beach. It can only be reached at low tide and is said to be home to a “holy well” whose waters have miraculous healing properties.
If you prefer peace and tranquility, visit out of season like us and you’ll likely enjoy the beautiful beach without the crowds and just the occasional dog walker.
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If you want action-packed family fun though, the holiday park’s facilities open at Easter and are excellent for kids.
They include an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and spa as well as a kids’ club and indoor soft play area.
Cosy cottage in the heart of Cornwall
Active youngsters will love the football pitch and playground. And there are even two stocked fishing ponds that eager anglers can take advantage of.
If budgets are tight, you can camp from £33 per night for two adults and two children sharing a pitch.
Or you can book a pre-erected, safari-style “Euro tent” which comes with gas and electricity and a mini kitchenette.
Sunset views
The lodges are well worth it for a special treat, though.
We found robes and slippers in the wardrobes for going to and from the hot tub. The towels were huge and super soft, and the beds couldn’t have been more comfortable.
You could easily stay on site for the whole of your holiday, but if you do want to check out what else Cornwall has to offer, Trevornick is well placed for making short trips to the rest of the county.
Newquay is less than ten minutes by car and the beautiful village of St Agnes, with its four beaches, is 20 minutes away.
For a good feeding, I would thoroughly recommend Bowgie Inn, located in the nearby village of Crantock. The huge pub is on the West Pentire Headland and there are stunning sea views at every turn.
The menu includes proper pub fare such as steak and ale pies with chips and gravy, as well as steaks, burgers and pasta. And you can pick up a curry or classic cod and chips for less than £15.
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If you fancy going further afield, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are worth visiting.
As well as 60 acres of rugged woodland, it has a farm that is home to sheep, chickens and other livestock, which also provides fresh produce for the attraction’s restaurant, Heligan Kitchen.
The outdoor play areas are seriously impressive, too.
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After a long day exploring this rugged coastal region, nothing could beat a long soak in our lodgeside hot tub to round off the evening.
And we’ll remember those sunset views for years to come.
GO: CORNWALL
STAYING THERE: Lodges at Gull Rocks Beach start at around £91pp for four nights, based on six people sharing. See .
OUT & ABOUT: Admission to the Lost Gardens of Heligan is from £20 per adult and £9 per child. See .
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