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what to bring - Cornish Tipi Holidays

what to bring

Bedding* (sleeping bags, pillows & rugs, or sheets, duvets & blankets – it’s up to you) and your kitchen kit (camping crockery/cutlery & pots & pans/kettle etc) if you're planning on cooking. If you can't face packing up all these bits & pieces you can book a full kit in advance from the office (£75 for a large kit and £55 for a medium). If you've booked a Village Field tipi you may also need to bring other basics like a stove & cool box, water container etc - just check with us if you're unsure - but these are provided in the Private tipis, plus a handy little inside table.

*If you're staying in a Private Site tipi we provide the sort of camping mats that you see carried at the bottom of a traveller’s backpack, which are fine for younger children and hardy adults; but most people prefer a bit more comfort, so bring your own airbed (foot pump only) or old futon to use as well. If you have a small baby or toddler, travel cots work well in the larger tipis, so do bring one with you.

• Towels (for tipi & beach, also hand and tea)

• Groceries - don’t forget we’ve got our own on site café serving breakfast, lunch & lovely home made cakes for all the family

• Ice packs (you will be able to re-freeze your own ice packs in the big freezer in our reception area)

• Torch(es), candles/nightlights etc.

• Matches/lighters for campfires etc.

• Surfboards, wetsuits, lifejackets, floats & swimming aids, fishing gear etc

• Sunblock, hats, hot weather gear

• Wellies (especially children’s), wet weather gear

• Medicines & personal medical kit including treatment for any stings or burns as our warden is not allowed to offer such supplies from our site first aid boxes

• Books, paints/pens, instruments, toys & games

• Binoculars & Field Guides for birds,butterflies, flowers etc, telescope for stars at night!

• Maps of Cornwall & surrounding area

• Folding chairs if you want individual seats you can move around

• Additional storage boxes/baskets for your food/belongings if you feel it necessary

Please see our FAQs page for information.

News & Press - Cornish Tipi Holidays

Cornish Tipi Holidays in Muddy Stilettos finalists award for top glamping site in Cornwall

**Forget your general election blues** & vote for something where your voice really will be heard - we've been tipped for the top in the Muddy Stilettos finalists award as 1 of the top 5 glamping sites....

Everybody please support & vote for us anytime over the next 7 days - click on the link below & may the muddiest heel win!

Voting in the Finals starts at midday on WEDNESDAY 7 JUNE and goes for one week only until midday WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE.

https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote/glamping/

Life Under The Stars

It's taken a while but at last it's here; our new look website, put together by the endlessly patient Jaz at Impress 51. We hope that our make over will make things easier for you all to find the information you want as well as giving a real feel for life under the stars here at Cornish Tipis.

Our even more amazingly up to date online booking system is also in the mix & will be available to use soon - until then we hope you don't mind still using historic means such as phone, email or kindly pigeon to get hold of us with your booking enquiries which we'll happily process as usual.

Glamping 2017

Beginning to think about this season's camping trips? Don't miss Wild West Country article showcasing what Cornish Tipi Holidays does best from family travel writer Emma Leask in Glamping Magazine Spring 2017 - the whole feature is available to buy online https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/camping/store/reader-offers/#FullDescription or in print.

videos - Cornish Tipi Holidays

videos

Testimonials

What an amazing place.....we all came back so relaxed it felt like we had had the effects of a spa. We had lots to keep us all entertained with the lake and woodland to explore. Our two children loved it and getting away from it all and making up stories together around our camp fire will stay in my memories forever. Thank you.

As a couple who frequently enjoys wild camping we were very excited for our first trip here and we were not disappointed at all. From start to finish our stay at Cornish Tipi Holidays was an absolute treat. We were greeted upon arrival with not only a warm welcoming but also incredible service. Will suggested a different pitch than what we had originally picked due to the inclement weather they were expecting and we could not have been more grateful. We received our pick of many pitches and although we ended up loving the one we picked, we could have easily been happy anywhere else. Every pitch was kept in excellent shape and had amazing features such as personal fire pits and access to water on site. We spent 4 nights and 5 days here and enjoyed every second. From taking the boats out on the lake to enjoying a nice big fire while staring at the stars above, it really was a wonderful wild camping experience. We also enjoyed the privacy we were given. Help was easily accessible at all times but the staff were very accommodating in letting us have our own space which is always appreciated. The scenery was breathtaking and the location is perfectly placed nearby beautiful towns such as Boscastle and Tintagel which we also spent some of our time in. We loved our stay and definitely plan on returning.

We’d wake about eight in the morning. Yes, eight. Fresh air really is the drug that made our early risers sleep beyond their usual five o’clock. We’d have a cooked breakfast – then we’d wash up, en famille. Everything is done en famille at Tipiland and the children love it. Amazing conversations and flights of fancy take place over the washing up bowl as washers, rinsers and wipers stand in line by the picnic table. …by eight in the evening they would be asleep in bed, tired but happy. Then it was our time. Cathy and I would stargaze. Living in a city you forget how mesmerising the night sky can be. Four layers of stars we saw, whole galaxies. And we talked and relaxed deep into the night, well 10.30pm, really. A magnificent time was had by all

The lake is brilliant, wooded at all sides, flitting with bright dragonflies and seventy foot deep…Baxter, Jackson and Cameron come grinning back up the path with two big rainbow trout in a bucket. It occurs to me – while I’m cooking the fish on the fire and the kids are singing a song down at the old log pile, and the sun is shining and my wife is pouring us a cold beer – that without adversity to sap your spirits you can’t have moments like these to revive them; that to endure the innate punishments of camping is to find reward in the simplest of pleasures. The trout is delicious

Camping in Britain has never been my holiday of choice – however my two daughters were keen to experience sleeping under canvas. The tipis rose majestically above the wildflowers in which they were situated… they were so beautiful and romantic-looking as we entered the site that they took my breath away. This was better than Jessica, 13 and Louella, 9 had imagined possible. The floor was layered with Turkish rugs that would not look out of place in a London loft apartment and the hanging lanterns gave a romantic glow as dusk set in…it is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all location

This is heavenly for children and really quite wonderful for grown ups. Hidden in the middle of the Cornish countryside…you find yourself in this magical tipi world. The tipis are clean and beautifully arranged…with everything supplied it makes travelling much lighter than for the usual camping holiday…the shower and toilet facilities work well and are very clean. Every single one of the children (9 in all) had a fabulous week. Playing in the surrounding woods, gathering wood for the fire and generally running free in a totally safe and large haven. We saw our 6 year old about twice a day – she was off exploring most of the time. The children refuse to even discuss an alternative holiday option

eco weddings – green ideas that won’t cost you the earth – at Cornish Tipis at St Kew you can arrange your very own blessing under the trees, or even under canvas if you prefer, at this serene and beautiful site. When the party is over you and your guests can settle down under canvas for a romantic lantern-lit night. If you’re feeling really adventurous, rise with the lark and take a dip in the freshwater lake on site

The tipis were great fun and to have our own little plot with a fire and space to muck about in was fantastic for the kids. They loved getting the water each day and especially liked chopping up wood for the evening fire…we all agreed the lake was the highlight of the trip. It took me right back to my childhood and I was able to recall memories that I had completely forgotten about. It was great to be able to settle down with my 13 & 11 year old at night and have some real heart to heart conversations with them. The tipis seemed to have a really homely and safe feeling to them which I will never forget

We had a fantastic time, it was everything we expected and more. The tipis were amazing, the children loved sleeping in them and thought the whole holiday was a great adventure. John the warden was brilliant and nothing seemed too much trouble for him. One of the best bits was lighting the fires at night and watching the night sky – the stars were beautiful with no light pollution. Thank you for a great holiday and we shall certainly do it again

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FAQs - Cornish Tipi Holidays

What’s your policy on cars?

In a place with few rules this is the one we ask you most strongly to respect. If you cannot bear to be parted from your car this may not be the holiday for you. We also request an absolute maximum of two cars per large tipi booking and need advance information of make, registration number etc.

Can we manage without a car?

Not very easily, see above.

The sad reality is that due to the lack of public transport, unless you are truly committed and wish to bike everywhere, a car remains the best way to enjoy the surrounding area. If you are part of a group/larger family booking we encourage you to car pool as much as possible.

How big are the tipis? Do they have partitions inside?

Our medium tipis are roughly 16 feet in diameter, and our large approx 18, our extra large 20-22 feet – very large indeed ! Tipis never have partitions of any sort – that’s part of their charm.

What are the facilities on site?

We have 2 shower/loo blocks at either end of the site, plus 1 showers only block.

Last season we put in composting loos dotted about the site with more to come this year. We know they’re not for everybody, so only use them if you fancy it – but they’re the real deal & lots of people get a kick out of using our Thunderboxes!

What’s provided inside the tipi?

All the tipis are equipped with the basics you might need for your visit, custom-made groundsheets (just so you know, these aren't attached to the main canvas as tipis aren't manufactured as sealed units like modern tents, so sometimes you get gaps!), warm Turkish rugs and solar powered fairy lights or mini-festoons. The central space is open for you to add a nice comfy airbed or similar for your tipi adventure.

Private site tipis contain the above, plus basic roll-up camping mats, a camping stove & gas bottle, cool box, water container & outside buckets plus a low wooden inside table.

With our lovely onsite café @thetipikitchen (open in mid & peak season only) you shouldn’t need much else, but if you want to try your hand at campfire cooking and would like to add one of our kitchen kits to your booking please do so well in advance. It’s £55 for a medium tipi kitchen kit and £75 for a large one.

So what do we need to bring?

As our bed mats are the basic 3/4’’ foam ones we recommend that adults/bigger children bring an old futon, airbed or similar bearing in mind that with no mains power only footpumps will work. Travel cots work brilliantly in the larger tipis, so do bring one if you need it. Our what to bring list should give you the rest, but don't forget a good torch as we are completely off-grid.

What do we cook on?

Enjoy the fun of cooking on your campfire outside or bring your own camping stove for Village Field tipis with no pre-booked kitchen kit.

For Private Site tipis (or added kitchen kit in Top Village tipis) cooking is on a 2 ring/grill gas cooker inside the tipi or your outside fire complete with trivet which takes pots/pans/kettle etc.

Is a tipi holiday suitable for very young children and/or babies?

Lots of people come to us with very young children; babies & toddlers love low level tipi living and frequently sleep far better than at home…

Can we bring our dog?

Sorry, no dogs of any sort (except assistance dogs). Anyone arriving with a dog will be asked to remove it immediately.

We do however have a friendly kennels nearby who will B&B your best friend for you, although with so many Cornish beaches & footpaths now not allowing dogs throughout the summer season you might find it easier if your pet stayed at home.

Can we drink the water?

We often get asked if the campsite water is suitable for drinking, and we explain we've all been drinking it for years with no ill effects. However the full lowdown is that mains water enters the site and is then piped around by our own delivery system (not by a mains delivery system) which means that it is not classified as mains water at the point of delivery ie the standpipes & basins. This means that some campers prefer to drink bottled water while staying with us, as many people now do even at home. It's up to you which you prefer.

Can I charge my phone/laptop?

We’re lucky enough to be off the National Grid which means you can’t use/recharge any electrical appliances on site.

Can I use hairdryers etc in my tipi?

With no power on site your hairdryer won’t work, but the sun & wind should do the job.

What security is there on site? Can you lock a tipi?

We've got full time staff living on site who are on hand to help you throughout your stay & its only campers & staff about the place. With the nearest village a couple of miles away you’ll be in the heart of the countryside & its very secure. Having said that, tipis & most tents aren’t lockable units, so be on the safe side & leave your diamonds & Airbooks at home. We’ve never had a problem in 20 years & aim to keep it that way!

Can we have visitors/guests?

If you have friends/family in Cornwall who want to visit you during the day, they’re most welcome to meet you at The Gastropod Cafe for a meal or a drink. We do reserve the lake and boats etc for paying guests only - staying with us onsite.This of course alters if they want to spend the night, in which case you need to contact the office to make a booking in the usual way.

Can we put up a small tent alongside the tipi for extra stuff/friends/children to sleep in?

The only sort of tent that we allow next to a tipi is a baby sun shelter or younger children’s play tent. We do not allow extra tents for storage, teenagers, nannies, visitors etc – if you need more space by all means book an extra tipi!

Is there a shop on site?

Sorry no food shop or laundry on site due to our lack of electricity but there are village shops a couple of miles away in just about every direction or a little further to Wadebridge for bigger stores. Our staff & info at reception or in the tipis will tell you all about local produce, farm shops etc, & don’t forget we’ve got our own on site café serving breakfast, lunch & lovely home made cakes for all the family. We consider the whole site to be a playground for all ages.

Can I bring my own kayak/canoe/Topper and use it on the lake?

With pleasure, as long as you look after it rather than us.

Can we bring our bicycles?

It’s a great idea to bring bikes for all the family especially with some of the lovely trails nearby, but we do ask that only under 14’s use them on our site to minimise the impact on all of us, and our flora and fauna.

Shall we bring fishing rods/licences/lifejackets?

Yes please, although we do have a large bunker of lifejackets for those that don’t have them at home.

Consideration for Others

For many of you a holiday with us is focused on the tranquillity of both the tipis and their situation. To ensure this we ask that you come prepared to tread lightly in the landscape; without amplified music, and remain aware of the needs of families with young children for relative quiet after dark.

terms and conditions - Cornish Tipi Holidays

terms and conditions

Cancellations/changes to bookings/T&C's

By making this booking you agree to our Terms & Conditions. We always charge £35 + any Stripe/third party fees for alterations to bookings.* We advise you take out separate travel insurance to cover all eventualities such as sudden illness/injury etc. It may be possible to roll a booking over to later the same season or the following year, but extensive notice is required (6 weeks minimum). If we attempt to re-book some or all of your original booking for you & are successful enough to make you a refund then an additional £35 + any Stripe/third party fees will be charged (ie £70 + Stripe/third party). We are always unable to roll over or re-book your booking in peak periods without this notice so please do not ask us as even a polite refusal can offend.

Cookie Policy - Cornish Tipi Holidays

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