31 Jul Why we chose Atlantic Reach for our first family campervan adventure…
- Atlantic Reach Campsite
- Laser Tag and Cornwall Slip and Slide
- Paddle Boarding Adventure on the South Coast
- Dinner at The Manor Arms
- Coasteering on the North Coast
- Sunday Lunch at the Bowgie
- Mini Golf, Arcades and the Indoor and Outdoor Pools
An amazing visit from Ashleigh George of @thegeorgesadventures
Atlantic Reach recently hosted the lovely Ashleigh George and her family – mum, dad, 3 kids and dog – for an action packed weekend – and we can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Ashleigh is a Cornish local and an outdoorsy super mum who does heaps of activities with her family. Ashleigh is a huge ocean lover, and a lot of her content focuses around Cornish tidal pools, sheltered swimming spots and spending quality time with her kids is the great outdoors.
The George family are recent campervan converts, and chose Atlantic Reach for their first minibreak due to its prime location, close to many of Cornwall’s greatest attractions and beaches. By basing themselves here, Ashleigh and her family had both the North and South coasts within striking distance, loads of activity options right at their fingertips – perfect for a family who loves Cornwall!
The family threw themselves into their weekend itinerary, and boy did they get lucky with the weather! The sea conditions were calm and inviting, and the sunshine was glorious… and their pictures could be mistaken for an exotic holiday abroad!
Ashleigh told us, “We love Cornwall because of its stunning coastline, picturesque beaches and charming villages! There is no better place to explore with my family and we love that we have so much to do on our doorstep, especially when we can go on stay-cations to wonderful places like Atlantic Reach!”
Ashleigh’s spacious camping pitch
Ashleigh and her family parked up at one of Atlantic Reach’s spacious pitches, with plenty of room to spread out their chairs, kick a football around and cook up a storm on the barbecue. Nothing screams summer quite like cooking over hot coals, so this was how the Georges’ spent their Friday evening, cooking, chatting, laughing and making s’mores!
The campsite at Atlantic Reach offers 170 spacious pitches across three fields, suitable for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. There is a play park and a snack bar called “The Hut,” as well as ample recreational space to enjoy.
A Leisure Pass is included for campers who book direct, so Ashleigh and family had full access to all of the amazing facilities at the resort, such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, mini golf, the gym, and fitness classes.
Saturday morning fun at Atlantic Reach
On Saturday morning, the family set off to further explore the resort, meeting back at the cafe for a well deserved breakfast and some fabulous coffee. The cafe is in the main reception, next to the indoor pool and leisure club. It has large windows and the sunlight floods in – it’s a convenient and delicious spot to fuel yourself up for the day ahead.
First activity of the day was a family game of Laser Tag. This state of the art facility is on the resort and brilliant fun for adults and kids alike. So much fun was had as the family battled it out under the neon lights – pretty sure Ashleigh was the winner but we heard from the kids she had some sneaky tactics!
Next up was the famous Cornwall Slip and Slide – again another incredible activity right here at Atlantic Reach. Wetsuits can be provided, along with giant inflatable rings, and then it’s up to you to see who can slide the fastest and who’ll scream the loudest! You can see from the photos the family absolutely loved their morning at the resort!
The Georges’ voted, and “our favourite three things we did on our weekend trip were laser tag, having a family bbq and playing football in the field we were camping!”
Afternoon paddle boarding excursion on the South Coast
After a morning of fun and games at Atlantic Reach, the family decided to stretch their wings for the afternoon. Just 13 miles away from Atlantic Reach, and just a 1 mile along the coast from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charlestown, is the beautiful, sheltered and family friendly Porthpean beach.
Porthpean Beach is arguably the best beach in the St Austell area. Although not the largest you’ll come across, it has a huge amount in its favour. On the right day you can mistake Porthpean for the Mediterranean, the steep cliffs that back it are topped with trees and the clear water looks turquoise in the sunlight.
Ashleigh took her own paddle board and the kids took their wetsuits, and what an afternoon of fun they had on the water! The conditions were calm and the water so clear you could see right down to the golden sandy bottom. Such a simple afternoon of paddling, swimming and exploring. So much fun was had, and so many fabulous memories were made.
If you want to recreate Ashleigh’s afternoon but don’t have the kit or the experience, Porthpean Outdoor hires out single kayaks, double kayaks, single stand up paddle boards (SUPs) and mega SUPs. They also offer guided excursions if you’d like to explore the breathtaking coastline alongside a knowledgeable local activity instructor. We recommend that you book your hire or excursions in advance of your arrival to avoid disappointment.
Ashleigh’s top tip: “My recommendation would be to make the most of the people at the facility you are staying in, ask them for their top spots to visit! You can find some of the best spots with the staff’s local knowledge! As well as enjoying the campsite, don’t be afraid to branch out and find the best Cornish beaches too! You really can do it all!”
Dinner at The Manor Arms Pub
After a full day of exploring, swimming and paddle boarding the family were delighted to sit back and relax and let the wonderful team at The Manor Arms do the cooking. They enjoyed a selection of tasty pizzas and a beautifully cooked steak and chips! The menu is varied and there are loads of different options to choose from, but you can’t really beat pizza can you! Thanks to the Manor Arms for looking after Ashleigh and her family so well!
Coasteering Adventure in Newquay!
Just six miles away from Atlantic Reach sits Newquay, the jewel in the crown of the Cornish watersports scene – and today’s featured activity was coasteering! Coasteering is a super fun, land and ocean adventure that combines swimming, caving, climbing and jumping. Often seen as an adrenaline-fuelled activity, please know that each individual coasteer tour is adapted to suit the tide and ocean conditions, as well as the water confidence and ability levels of the participants.
Newquay Coasteering is an independent business that prides itself on delivering top quality coasteering tours along the most scenic and spectacular parts of the Newquay coastline. They are one of the best operators along this stretch of the coast, so Ashleigh was in the best possible company.
Ashleigh and her kids had never coasteered before, but led by their expert guide, Freddie, they were soon off on a journey along the coastline in the most exciting and imaginative way possible, getting close to nature and exploring a side of Newquay that not many people experience. Newquay Coasteering can adapt the routes to suit all members of the group and ensure everyone has a great experience. Coasteering is about pushing your boundaries in a supportive and fun way, and that’s going to look different for every member of the family.
Ashleigh’s low down on the coasteering – “The coasteering was one of the best parts of the weekend! We got to swim with a seal and jump off the local cliffs, it was absolutely epic! We were told all about the history of the area whilst scaling the rocks and all about how Newquay was used for smuggling tea way back in the day, visiting the caves they used for it on our journey!”
The family were well looked after by Freddie! They all had a great time and the kids were smiling from ear to ear – such a wonderful family experience!
Sunday Lunch at The Bowgie Inn
After a full on morning, the family were delighted to sit back and soak up the incredible view at the Bowgie Inn, on West Pentire. The Bowgie has an incredible position overlooking Crantock Beach and is right on the South West Coast Path – so it’s the perfect spot for exploring the trails and admiring one of the best views in Cornwall.
Ashleigh and the kids enjoyed a delicious roast dinner, and reported back that it was incredible! So if you want unbeatable views and incredible vibes, the Bowgie is certainly a top recommendation for a pub grub or drink stop in this neck of the woods. Thanks to Sally and her team for their wonderful hospitality.
Activities at Atlantic Reach
The Georges’ really made the most of the facilities and activities on the resort at Atlantic Reach, especially the indoor and outdoor swimming pool and the arcade. They enjoyed rounds of mini golf, had a delicious brunch at the cafe, and a pizza feast for dinner at The Manor Arms. They also grabbed early morning take away pastries from The Hut to fuel them for their coasteering adventure.
The family had an amazing game of Laser Tag, and a fun-filled session on the Cornwall Slip and Slide – both of which were just steps from their campsite. There is so much to do at Atlantic Reach that it could provide ample excitement for a stand alone weekend on its own. But when you add the incredible ocean adventures and activities the family enjoyed, this really does add up to an amazing weekend experience!
Ashleigh says, “What I loved most about the resort is how much is on offer for all ages! From soft play for younger children, to laser tag and an arcade for older kids! We especially loved after a busy day of exploring, being able to come back to the campsite, have some food at the Manor Arms pub and then go for an evening swim in the pool!
It was the best family fun holiday we have had in a long time! Full of epic adventures and quality time spent together, doing the things we love!”
If you’d like to try out this amazing Cornish itinerary for yourself, then book your holiday at Atlantic Reach this year. You can find out more about our self catering cottages and camping options, and check availability online.