An honest comparison of Cornwall caravan holiday parks and small farm campsites, covering facilities, atmosphere, price and who each one suits.
Search for caravan parks in Cornwall and you will find two very different kinds of place under similar names. On one side are large holiday parks with pools, clubhouses and entertainment. On the other are small, independent campsites, many of them on working farms. Both have their fans. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.
What a holiday park usually offers
Larger caravan holiday parks often include:
- Static caravans and lodges to rent, as well as touring pitches.
- Indoor or outdoor pools, play areas and sometimes a clubhouse or bar.
- Evening entertainment and organised activities in peak season.
- An on-site shop and sometimes a takeaway.
They can be excellent for families who want everything in one place. The trade-offs are usually more people, more noise in the evenings and higher prices, especially in the school holidays.
What a farm or independent campsite usually offers
Smaller sites tend to focus on the basics done well:
- Grass pitches with more space around them.
- Showers, toilets and washing-up facilities rather than leisure facilities.
- A quieter atmosphere, especially after dark.
- Owners who are on site and can answer questions directly.
You will need to drive or walk for shops, pubs and entertainment, but many campers prefer it that way.
Side by side
| Holiday park | Farm campsite | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Lively, busy | Quieter, more space |
| Facilities | Pools, bars, entertainment | Showers, toilets, washing-up |
| Accommodation | Statics, lodges, touring pitches | Mainly touring and tent pitches |
| Price | Often higher in peak season | Often simpler and lower |
| Best for | Families wanting on-site activities | Walkers, couples, families who explore |
Questions to ask before booking either
- Is it a touring pitch or a hired caravan?
- What is included in the price, and what is extra?
- Are there limits on group sizes or noise?
- What is the dog policy?
- How far is it to the places you want to visit?
Where Lower Pennycrocker Farm sits
We are firmly a farm campsite. Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a family-run site at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle, run by Colin and Karyn. We take tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. We do not have static caravans for hire, a pool, a bar, a shop, a play area or evening entertainment. What we do have is free showers, toilets, a disabled toilet, a washing-up room, optional electric hook-up (£7) and parking beside your pitch. Groups are limited to 8 people.
If you are bringing a tourer or motorhome, see touring caravans and motorhomes and our touring caravan tips for Cornwall. For tents, see tent camping. Families can read family camping in Cornwall for ideas on keeping children busy without a play park.
Frequently asked questions
Are farm campsites cheaper than holiday parks in Cornwall?
Often, but not always. Compare the full nightly cost for your group, including extras such as electric, awnings, dogs and showers.
Do farm campsites take touring caravans?
Many do, including ours. Check access, pitch size and whether hook-up is available.
Is a farm campsite suitable for children?
Yes, if your family enjoys beaches, walks and days out. If your children want on-site entertainment every evening, a holiday park may suit better.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
