I can sum-up my week at Piran Meadows in one word – ‘Wow’!

You’re probably looking for a bit more than that though…let me explain; I work for Darwin Escapes and I was lucky enough to bag a last-minute break at Piran Meadows Resort and Spa in Cornwall in early July. It is not your average ‘holiday park’. Piran Meadows Resort and Spa have raised the bar – this was the best caravan holiday either myself or my partner of us had ever been on.

wow – the welcome was warm and bubbly (literally)

wow – the accommodation was out of this world

We stayed in the Padstow Elegance and it has EVERYTHING you could ever need for a self-catering break including coffee machine, WiFi, picnic basket and PS4!

wow – the facilities were fantastic

We were spoilt for choice with the golf simulator, bowling and activities available. We thought we might be a little old for Splash Zone, but it did look like fun! We played pool countless times and I was a very gracious loser, politely carrying on as I was thrashed in every game!

wow – fantastic food

We ate in The View Bistro only one night at the end of the week and wished we hadn’t waited so long! The lamb burger was delicious and the rump steak was incredible – the best I’ve ever tasted, and as the weather was fantastic, we enjoyed it on the terrace (We know why it’s called ‘The View’ – we enjoyed the vista as we tucked into our meals.)

wow – Cornwall has some fantastic places to discover!

Being located in the heart of Cornwall, near to Newquay, we were able to get out and discover some fantastic beaches and attractions during our stay. We’d recommend beautiful Port Isaac, charming Mevagissey and no trip to the seaside is complete without Fish and Chips, so we headed to Rick Stein’s takeaway in Padstow; it was pricey, we had to wait a while and the chips ok, but the fish was absolutely outstanding. Mmmmmmmmmmm…I can’t find the words …the delicious batter has to be tasted to be believed.

wow – peaceful evenings

As I said before, it’s not your traditional holiday park. Though we went as a couple, we’d say it’s perfect for families with lots to do, but the resort doesn’t offer your usual bingo/cabaret/children’s character-type entertainment. For us that was a plus; but others might be looking for this. We found a peaceful drink in the evening, a board game in the caravan or a game of pool much more enjoyable!

We wish we could have stayed longer as we didn’t have time to go in the swimming pool (just the sauna and steam room – wow!) or try out the activities; plus there’s so much to do right on your doorstep – we didn’t even have time to visit nearby Newquay.

travel tip

Last minute deals are great for grabbing a bargain (we booked 2 weeks before) but there’s rarely any ‘premier’ accommodation left. These have a private outdoor hot tub, which would have been the icing on the, already fabulous, cake.

I’m looking forward to my next Darwin Escape!

book your stay at Piran Meadows

Holidays are an opportunity for relaxation, enjoyment and quality family time. Despite our best intentions and preparations, things can still go slightly wrong whilst taking a well deserved break. Whether you forget your headphones to listen to your favourite tunes or your luggage goes missing; Holiday Howlers can strike at any time.

With the help of industry experts, travel fanatics and influential bloggers we have compiled our top 10 Holiday Howlers so you can learn and more importantly laugh at our expense.

Contribute your own Holiday Howler today! We like to think that sharing is caring so let us know your howler to help “smarten up” other holidaymakers this summer. We look forward to reading all of your stories in the comments below.

Also, to celebrate the exciting launch of our new website, we’re giving you the opportunity to win one of three fantastic holidays!

Beach Cove in North Devon has gained the reputation as the romance capital of the UK since opening in 2013…

A couple’s haven in our quirky beach hut accommodation, all decorated with warm pastel colours, Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is the perfect getaway on the Devonshire coastline. On the cliffside of Hele Bay you can curl up and watch the world go by from your luxury hot tub, or wander around the coast, Devon has something for everyone, from the active couples to the strolling and taking it easy couples…

Ilfracombe sea safari

One of the most exciting ways to explore the coast, and the beautiful Lundy Island. The passenger boat trips offer different experiences, you can explore the ocean and spot some dolphins, seals and even a whale if you’re really lucky! Or take a day trip to Lundy Island and escape the crowds, while visiting the 150 resident seals in an unforgettable experience. There is also the chance to go diving and meet the sea creatures up close and personal with their sister company, the Bristol Channel Charters.

active escape

Offering endless activities for everyone from ages 8 to 80, including coasteering, stand up paddle boarding, paint balling to their famous zip lines and abseiling activities! Book a day with the team and you will get exclusive access to their private coastline, Watermouth Cove, with caves, cliffs and beaches galore. Instructors will take you through the whole day so you don’t have to worry about any level of skill, abseil down a 25 meter drop, through a blow hole and into their private cave to explore, before taking the 80 meter zip wire over the ocean. Then grab a hot shower, have a drink and bite to eat at the on-site café.

coastal walking paths

There are an unlimited amount of walking paths around North Devon to explore, the best place to find them is the Walking in Devon website, which chronicles the best walks in the area and you can download a map and a very helpful leaflet, which will tell you about toilet breaks (a must), how hard the walk is and if it is wheelchair and pushchair friendly, what kind of obstacles are in the way (steps) as well as local shops to stop and have a cuppa! The walks range from 1.5 miles to 8 miles, but all have breathtaking scenery, dramatic cliffs and outstanding beaches.

Hele Billy’s Bar & Restaurant

One of the most popular eating destination in North Devon, and it is less than 5 minutes away from our own Beach Cove Coastal Retreat. Barbara and Simon have owned Hele Billy’s since 2005, with a family friendly atmosphere it has become a huge hit with locals and tourists alike! With a huge range of wines, beers, real ales and award winning vodkas, as well as delicious food including season dishes with freshly caught Lundy Lobsters! You are always guaranteed a home cooked meal and  a warm welcome at Hele Billy’s.

Ilfracombe fish trail

A fun and informative self guided tour around a beautiful harbour, the fish trail has 8 information boards that each detail different activities and habitats of fish, and the rich history of the industry in the seaside village. Walking around the harbour you will learn about the local history, including talk of treasure, a ship coming from the West Indies in 1796 wrecked along the coast and was said to have treasure; in 1978, 18th Century gold coins were found washed up in the sand. Try your luck at the beach, or grab a bite at one of the charming cafes along the harbour.

Book your romantic getaway to Beach Cove Coastal Retreat and venture out into the stunning local area, or opt for a quiet holiday in the sumptuous surroundings of our unique beach hut accommodation, complete with hot tub and breath-taking views of the coastline.