Drove down through Truro and Helston to the National Trust campsite at Teneriffe Farm, Mullion. It’s a small but well positioned site with a new shower block. We took the 15 mins walk to the coast and then along the cliff tops of the South West Coast Path north to Mullion Cove – a tiny fishing harbour. The views on the walk were superb.
One of the main attractions of this site is that it has direct access to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. We spent several hours wandering through the 200 acres of these very impressive gardens (and their excellent farm shop too!).
The story of this estate is legend – originally owned by the Tremayne family and at it’s peak in the late 19th century, it fell into disrepair after World War I and remained overgrown and neglected until the 1990s when it was discovered and restored by a team led by Tim Smit – who was also responsible for the nearby Eden Project.
After an pleasant overnight stop at a Britstop pub in Somerset (just off the M5) the three of us (Ruby included) headed initially to Lanhydrock, a National Trust house near Bodmin. Ruby wasn’t allowed in the house so we walked around the woods on the estate which had plenty of flowers such as bluebells in full bloom.
After this stop we drove on to the Heligan Camping and Caravan Park where we were staying for 2 nights.
Off for the weekend with Ruby to the Home Farm CMC CL at Stoke Bruerne. It’s a beautifully positioned site right next to the Grand Union Canal. The ground was too wet to park on the grass but fortunately there was enough hardstanding for 3 or 4 vehicles.
The scenic village is very small and was split in two when the canal was built but we are pleased to report there are two good pubs and an Indian restaurant!
We went for a walk along the canal – watching the rental boats having fun and games getting through the locks!
On our way home we stopped at Stowe. The House, parts of which date back to 1683, looks very impressive and is now used as a private school. In the 18th century Viscount Cobham spent a huge amount of time, effort and money creating spectacular garden full of lakes, arches and follies. Over time the grounds became run down and were eventually handed over to the National Trust in 1989. The trust has done an incredible job restoring the gardens to their former glory and we would certainly recommend a visit.
