Out And About

East Crinnis is a set in a wonderful location in the middle of Cornwall. With good transport links it provides an ideal setting to springboard to any location within the county. Only half a mile from the Holiday Park is the South Coast of Cornwall and a 15 min walk to the South West Coastal footpath towering above the high cliffs of Crinnis beach. By car The Eden project is only 2 miles away and within 30mins drive you can reach the Atlantic surf of the north coast of Cornwall, the Duchy capital of Truro, The Lost Garden’s of Heligan and the wonderful Roseland Penisula. For the more adventurous King Arthur’s Castle at Tintagel, Lands End, St Ives and The Minnack Theatre are also easily reached for a great day out.

East Crinnis is situated in the middle of St Austell Bay with many coves, beaches and harbours on the door step to explore. The nearest beach is Crinnis and this can be reached in approx 20min by foot from the holiday park. The views from the top of the cliffs offer breathtaking views of Gribbin Head to the East and Black Head to the west.

All within walking distance of East Crinnis is the Britannia Inn, Cornish Market World, Charlie’s play world, Par Garden Centre and the 12 volt camping/caravan shop. The nearest public house/restaurant is the Britannia Inn which offers a good variety of local Ales, good pub grub and a separate restaurant. The Brit is also locally renowned as one of the best pubs in the county to watch live sports and is only a 15min walk from East Crinnis. Also within walking distance is the Cornish Market world offering 70,000sq ft of indoor retailing which opens every Weekend and Wednesday’s throughout the summer season. With fresh local fish to high street fashion there’s something for everyone. Also open every day here is the kids play world called Charlie’s with drop slides, soft play, crazy golf and much, much more. On the opposite side of the road is the 12volt camping shopping which stocks everything you need for your caravan or camping experience. Par garden centre is also within 5mins walk and conveniently offers a tea room and restaurant.

The little port of Charlestown only 5mins drive or 40min walk has a real charm of its own and is the home of the historic tall ships that shelter in the harbour. The location is regularly used for filming movies, documentaries and dramas including the Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Three Musketeers’. Here you will also find the Shipwreck and Heritage Centre and a variety of places to eat, while Charlestown regatta is not to be missed.Slightly further away are the larger local fishing villages of Fowey and Mevagissey both rich in tradition, with a variety of activities, cuisine, shopping and each with their own summer festival seasons. The local town of St Austell has recently been redeveloped and includes the new White River shopping centre and cinema centre, while only a 5 min drive from East Crinnis is a 24hr Tesco for all essentials during your stay or slightly further on is an Asda hyper store.

The Eden Project – East Crinnis is ideal camping/self catering near to the Eden Project as we’re on the door step of ‘The living Theatre of Plants and People’. The Education Charity which aims to inspire global change through an attraction is a great day out at all times of the year. With the rainforest biome constantly between 18 – 30deg and now with a canopy viewing gantry high up in the top of the trees, the bulbs in spring, Music sessions in the summer and the winter wonderland with Ice rink there really is something for everyone. Having worked at Eden for nearly 10 years in a management role we can offer great tips and guidance for the best visit, how to beat the crowds and the best things to get see at different times of the year. If you want to be really green, the Eden Project can be reached on foot from East Crinnis and we have a trail map for you to follow, although please note this route is up steep hills and takes around 30mins. We also offer a wonder guided tour service at a small charge to see the world famous Biomes – see guided tour info.
The lost gardens of Heligan – the wonderfully restored gardens are only a 20min drive away. Now in its second decade since restoration, the world famous garden now takes in more of the wider estate continuing to work with nature and give visitors an insight into best practice and the heart of what has been achieved.

Lanydrock House and Respryn – Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. Used for many films and documentaries this beautiful house with wooded gardens and nearby Respryn on the banks of the river Fowey are a perfect day out, while only 15mins away.

Beaches – East Crinnis is situated in the middle of St. Austell bay so all 8 of the beaches are all within easy reach and offer something for everyone. Crinnis beach is within walking distance from the holiday park, while Polkerris beach is home to an extensive watersports centre or the sheltered bay at Porthpean is a lovely sandy cove offering safe bathing for the family. We can also recommend the right beach for you to consider crowds, dogs, sites, walks, adventure, wildlife etc. We are very much a family who loves the sea and having walked the whole of the Cornish footpath we know most coves, harbours or bays within the county.

Surfing – East Crinnis is a great location for exploring the Atlantic surf in Cornwall. Situated on the South Coast, when low pressure is in the Bay of Biscay or mid Atlantic the nearby beach at Crinnis offers a really good low tide surf break. Surf in St Austell bay is more common in the autumn through to the spring where there are a number of reefs, sand bars and wedges that are relatively unknown. Having been a surfer for nearly 20years now and taking part in competitions in my youth I can offer really good surf advice and where to get the best conditions within Cornwall on any given day. The north coast beaches of Fistral and Watergate are only 30mins away while the world famous Porthleven can be reached in under an hour. We also can recommend surf schools for an introduction to the sport.

Water sports – with the Atlantic on the door step there’s so much fun to have in or on the water. Boats can be chartered or hired from the nearby harbours at Fowey, Mevagissey or Looe, while only a few minutes’ drive away is the wonderful water sports centre of Polkerris who offer courses in windsurfing or sailing and is a great location for snorkelling or kayaking. Fowey estuary is also a great place for Kayak adventures in more sheltered waters and the nearby diving school at Pentewan is only 15mins away.

Fishing – Our pond is stocked with a variety of Carp, Rudd and Roach but due to its recent creation the fish are only up to a max of 2lb. We hope in future years the pond will become more mature offering excellent fishing, but currently it offers a good relaxing fishing or great for beginners to the sport. Please note all fishing is subject to a Environment Agency Licence but is free to all guests.
In the local St Austell area there’s really good fresh water venue’s with a mixture of match, course or fly fishing venue’s that we can recommend.
Sea fishing is extensive from boats trips in Fowey, Mevagissey or Looe tailored to suit your fishing abilities or harbours, points, estuaries and beaches, there really is something for everyone.

Golf- The championship golf course of Carlyon Bay is right on the doorstep from East Crinnis as access to the beach takes you through the heart of the course. Carlyon Bay is a wonderful links course with stunning views. Also nearby is Porthpean golf course which offers 18 holes for under £20, while only 1mile from East Crinnis is the 9 hole par 3 course of St. Austell Bay which is great for the family.

Walking – With the southwest costal footpath reached in 10mins from East Crinnis there’s wonderful walks directly from the holiday park. Having adventured the whole of the south west coastal footpath we can help recommend wonderful walks to all our guests. In land the picturesque walks at Lerryn, Respryn and Luxulyan are easily reached by car. We also take special walking groups at different times of the year – please see special offer page for more details.

For more information check daysOut.co.