Words by Ysy Lees
With the coast on your doorstep and a beach for a back garden, this escape promises both adventure and relaxation.
Nestled within 27 acres of tranquil gardens in a secret valley less than 300 yards from Mawgan Porth beach lies The Park, Cornwall, home to luxury lodges, cosy cottages, lavish yurts and park cabins. The Park offers a retreat for every guest looking to immerse themselves within the peacefulness of nature with their four-legged friend by their side. At The Park, Cornwall, the team understand that dogs are more than a pet but part of the family. The care that goes into making sure your pooch is well catered for is not only evident in its Dog Friendly Business of the Year win at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2019/2020, but in the attentiveness of the team. This is why over half of its properties are dog friendly with enclosed gardens, complimentary dog bowls and a doggie bag full of goodies waiting to greet your companion when you arrive.
Dogs are permitted in accommodation choices such as Valley View Lodge; this contemporary and stylish lodge can sleep a maximum of six, making it perfect for the whole family, complete with a luxurious hot tub and BBQ area, with a fantastic view across the valley to top it all off. Alternatively, choose Koweth Cottage, a charming dwelling for smaller families bringing their dogs. This cottage offers a cosy log burner, modern décor and a fully furnished kitchen so you can cook up a storm to enjoy on the patio as you watch the sun go down and your furry friend snoozes beside you. There is plenty of accommodation for larger families too; Goen Lodge sleeps eight people and provides an extra taste of luxury for those bringing their dogs to the Duchy. Inside, the lodge provides open-plan living and expansive spaces so there is plenty of room for everyone, with its own hot tub and a fantastic balcony.
If you venture beyond the comfort of your accommodation, you will find a vast array of facilities that also include dogs. Start your day with a full Cornish breakfast in the restaurant before heading out on one of the on-site trails for an early morning wander with your pooch. Grab a coffee at the restaurant before giving your pooch the opportunity to rest while you make the most of the indoor pool. From May half term until September, take a leisurely swim in the outdoor heated pool where you can indulge in the fresh air and sit back in the al-fresco bar area with an ice-cold drink. After this, visit the brand-new sauna and steam room for some serious relaxation, free of the distractions of everyday life. For younger children, there is always an exciting handpicked activity going on. From den-making to roasting marshmallows and foraging, adventure is available in abundance at The Park, Cornwall.
If your children have some extra energy that needs burning off, then utilise the soft-play area adjoining the restaurant as well as the outdoor play area with a giant trampoline, new pirate ship, tractor, swings and dedicated secure space for toddlers. Say hello to the on-site chickens and goats on the way who are always happy to receive visitors. Later on, take a stroll around The Park, keeping your eyes peeled for the five hidden painted pebbles. Once all five are found, your little ones will be rewarded with a prize and certificate; this is a great way to explore the beautiful facilities and surroundings of your Cornish retreat. While the luxurious facilities here go above and beyond your typical holiday park, the team makes sure the basics are covered too. Even though you might feel a million miles away from the trappings of daily life, The Park, Cornwall’s free superfast broadband won’t leave you feeling disconnected and for properties without laundry facilities, free washing machines are provided. The best way to describe the warm welcome from The Park, Cornwall has to be through its Sales and Marketing Manager, Dianne Viljoen, who says: “We’ve got everything you need for a truly memorable getaway, so come on over and make yourself at home.”
Step outside of The Park, Cornwall and explore the beautiful coast and countryside. Your back garden is acres of golden sand, rolling surf, stunning footpaths and picture-perfect sunsets in the form of Mawgan Porth beach, which is dog friendly all year round. The Park, Cornwall couldn’t make it any easier to take your little ones and furry friends on a seaside adventure. No need to struggle with endless bags and toys, simply start by hiring a beach trolley for £5 a day, or £25 for the week, and tow your beach essentials with ease. If you’ve forgotten something, just pay a visit to reception; The Park, Cornwall has a range of robies and beach towels for you to stay warm and dry after a day in the water, plus plenty of deck chairs and windbreaks so you can relax to the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Available to hire or even buy for your future adventures on the water, The Park, Cornwall offers a sustainable alternative to disposable bodyboards. Locally made Dick Pearce retro wooden slider bodyboards help you do your part in the Ocean Recovery Project which aims to eliminate litter and particularly hard-to-recycle plastics from our beaches. Before heading back to your cosy cottage, luxurious lodge, or welcoming yurt, refuel at one of a number of dog-friendly pubs or restaurants nearby that welcome four-legged friends with open arms. As the sun disappears beyond the horizon, don’t forget to utilise the colourful dog showers, ideal after a day on the beach or a muddy walk amongst the woodland. Spend the evening under a blanket of stars in your hot tub, admiring the view from your patio as the BBQ sizzles in the background, or simply relaxing in the warm envelope of The Park, Cornwall.