FEEL THE DRAMA OF POLDARK COUNTRY
START among the surfers in Newquay and drive 48km south-west to St Ives. While sporty types head to the beach, culture lovers can see the Tate gallery or the Barbara Hepworth Museum And Sculpture Garden. Stay at Ayr Holiday Park.
Roads get crowded so short distances are best. Head 16km to Penzance where there’s a lot to fit in, including the Art Deco lido. Close by are Land’s End, the cliffside Minack Theatre and perfect Mousehole. Stay at Treen Farm Campsite.
Drive 24km to Helston on the edge of the National Trust’s Lizard Peninsula. Hike to the lighthouse or find seal pups, otters and penguins at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Stay at Poldown Caravan Park.
It’s 40km east to St Mawes where the ‘little village with the big harbour’ is a glorious place to tuck into Cornish ice cream. Stay at Trewince Farm Holiday Park.
Start early to make time for The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project as you drive 56km to Bodmin and the heart of Poldark country. Check if there’s a Scary Cinema Night on at Bodmin Jail, with horror films projected against its walls. Stay at Mena Farm.
Head 32km north to Tintagel Castle, where King Arthur’s legend was born. The gorge footbridge is a wonder. Stay at Trewthett Farm.
Another 32km takes you to the foodie paradise of Padstow, home to celebrity chefs such as Rick Stein. Stay at Padstow Touring Park, then it’s 32km back to Newquay.