It was six years ago when we first visited Trevella Park, in Crantock, Cornwall.
Back in those days, we were a family of five, it was our first trip to Cornwall, and we had no idea how life would turn out.
Life has not always gone as planned, but one thing that has become a continuity for us, is our annual trip back to this stunning campsite, in a most beautiful part of the world. My heart literally sings when we come home to Trevella.
I have come to this place when I was happily married, when my marriage was stumbling to a finish, as a single parent, and each time my small family and I have created memories to sustain us through the winter.
This year was no different, except it came with a twist.
Two summers ago, as I started on the path of single parentdom, I met a friend on the beach.
A mum, with her beautiful baby daughter all tied up in a sling. She stood and watched her husband and older daughter surf the waves as I stood and watched my two elder children learn in the same lesson. We chatted on the shore and realised we were both tenants of Trevella. By the time our children emerged from the waves with their surfboards in hand, I had a new friend.
Throughout the rest of the holiday, our kids played, I met her husband, and I left that year with two new grown up friends who I knew I would see the following year.
Last year, we made it official, and booked tents side by side for this summer.
Because holiday friendships can last, with a bit of Trevella magic!
I’ve holidayed on my own with my children, it’s fun, but nothing beats the happiness of settling down at night with a glass of wine in hand and chatting among friends as the children run wild.
My holiday friends made my Cornish week more than special.
Plus, the company didn’t stop there. From my ramblings here about the splendour of Trevella, with its quiet nature, but fun filled pool and parks, a friend had booked for the same week, and our group of eight extended to thirteen most evenings. A number unlucky for some but idyllic for us.
On the nights when the Prosecco didn’t clear my memory, I recall, sitting back, watching the sun slide away behind the hill, thinking how bloody lucky I was to be surrounded by such amazing people…
Even on the night of the Talent Show….
One of the beautiful things about Trevella is that is shies away from the entertainment shows that feature in so many caravan parks. Instead, visitors make their own entertainment, forcing families together to get up to mischief and fun. Creating memories unique for each child.
Put three families together with a tent that transforms into a stage, add a bit of Cornish cider and wine, and suddenly you have a show to rival X Factor.
We saw twerking, singing, dancing and a comedian that got funnier as the bottles got emptier. Trevella’s Got Talent dominated the campsite one Wednesday night in August and I don’t ever remember laughing so much.
I also don’t recall doing the worm across the stage – so we can agree it never happened!
Trevella has changed a little in the last year or so, the crazy golf course has been upgraded, but it is still 50p a go. You can hire surf boards and cycles on site with Crantock’s top instructor Rob Little.
The parks still keep the small people smiling, and the pool is heated to perfection, so if the British weather lets you down, you can still swim without sunshine.
I love this place.
It heals me, calms me, makes me want to come home and achieve my ambitions. Whatever they put in the air in Cornwall is flipping good stuff.
We have already booked for next year.
Trevella’s Got Talent will be back for 2017.
Watch this space!
With special thanks to Trevella for letting us come year after year. Finally to my friends, Kelly, Neil, Emma and Steve – you made our holiday more amazing than ever. It is not easy always being the only grown-up, but I never felt like the one without the partner with the four if you. You, and this years trip will hold a part of my heart. Thank you xxxx
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