The sun has been roasting the UK in recent days, leaving us all warm and a bit sweaty, but keen to make the most of it regardless. If you’re looking to get out into the countryside the old fashioned way, one campsite in Cornwall could be calling your name.
Every year, VisitEngland holds its Awards for Excellence, which recognise those providing the very best experiences for tourists across the country. This ranges from the best hotels – which you can read about here – to experiences like ‘cow cuddling’, and, of course, campsites.
The category for ‘Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year’ is won by the campsite which is committed to providing ‘truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business’. Pretty high standards. This year, the title went to… Polmanter Touring Park in Cornwall!
This park, near St Ives, has something for everyone, not to mention the views of the Cornish coastline. It’s got excellent facilities including a swimming pool, a local shop for all your essentials, a spa, a bar and restaurant, and a shuttle service into town if you want to explore for a day. Whether you fancy loads of coastal walks with your dog, or lounging by the pool and getting neck massages to unwind, you’re covered. Plus, you’re only a short drive away from the beaches at St Ives if you somehow get bored of the campsite.
Polmanter has also been owned by the same local family since opening 50 years ago, so you know that you’re in good, caring hands during your stay.
The judges at VisitEngland commended the place for providing ‘an exceptional camping experience’, as well as offering self-catered apartments.
The tourist board added: ‘Just moments from beaches and breathtaking coastal walks, this family-run park has been a cherished retreat for generations.’ Although Polmanter got the gold, two other campsites were highly commended. Mendip Basecamp in Somerset was awarded silver, and a Suffolk glamping-site, Hipperson’s Boatyard, earned the bronze award. Both offer excellent customer service and a wide variety of camping, or glamping, options.
You can discover the rest of the winners of VisitEngland’s 2025 Awards for Excellence on the website here.
Planning your 2025 staycations
If you’re currently on the hunt for a perfect 2025 getaway but are not the camping type, here’s our favourite family friendly holiday digs. But you deserve to have fun too – here’s some tree houses you can rent out for something a little different. We’ve also got guides to the country’s cosiest cabins, and the coolest castles you can stay overnight in.
Plus: The UK is home to three of the best road trips in Europe.
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