Independent Campsite Reviews

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, St Austell, Cornwall

Lire cette page en Français Lees deze pagina in Nederlands

Home
Mail Me
Search
send me a review
What's new

Site Details

  Pentewan Sands Holiday Park
Pentewan
St Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6BT
 
Phone:
+44 1726 843485
Fax:
Website:
www.pentewan.co.uk
Email:
info@pentewan.co.uk
Online maps:
streetmap.co.uk
MultiMap
Google Earth
Paper maps:
Ordnance Survey Explorer
105 : Falmouth & Mevagissey
Ordnance Survey Landranger
204 : Truro & Falmouth, Roseland Penninsula
Latitude:
50°17'17" N
Longitude:
4°47'2" W

Sponsored Links

Independent Reviews

Each review represents the opinions of its author. The webmaster cannot confirm its veracity. As with all such information, you must judge for yourself whether you wish to use this review as the basis for any decision you may make.
To express your own opinion, please fill in the form which follows these reviews.

These reviews are shown in date order, with the oldest shown first.
Click here to show the newest first.

 
  Author: Fiona Tracey
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: June 2002  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
nearly all of people who voted thought this review was accurate
 
  I love the site. My parents took me when I was young, and now I take two young children. My 3 year old daughter cried when we came home last year. The site is always lovely and clean, you never see any litter, and there are lovely flower beds and hanging baskets. The beach is fabulous: lots of shells and stones to collect and I have always found that the sand nearer the beach is excellent for sandcastle making. Good entertainment in the club for both kids and older. I wouldn't go abroad. If the weather is good, there is nowhere else we would rather be. Pentewan village is lovely in itself to wander round and look at the interesting old houses. My mum, dad, sister, her partner and also my grandma still go with us and they also think its great. There's a really lovely golf course and driving range 5 minutes drive away, the Lost Gardens of Heligan just up the road, and lots of things for the kids.

©Copyright Fiona Tracey and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 128
optimistic 9
pessimistic 5
   
 
  Author: Nick Porter
Total 41 reviews (list)
generally considered accurate, tending to pessimistic
Last Visit: August 2002  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
over half of people who voted thought this review was pessimistic
 
  This is a large site, with plenty of static caravans as well as touring pitches. It is in a beautiful location, in a wide bay, with rocky headlands either side. The sea is generally calm, due to being in a bay, and due to facing east, away from the prevailing wind. Despite the great number of body boards in evidence, there is seldom any surf.
There are a wide variety of pitches, all pretty level, but of varying sizes, clearly delimited. Ours was plenty big enough, but some parts of the site seemed a bit cramped. Toilets and showers are also variable, some being new and smart, with others being older and not so attractive. However, they all functioned well, and were well cleaned and maintained.
There is an outside pool, but no indoor pool, of adequate size, but a large part of the pool is quite deep, so there is not much room for poor swimmers.
The beach is private to the campsite, and is clean (dog free), but mostly rather gritty, the real sand only appearing at low tide. There's plenty of room on the beach for everyone. There is a marked boat launching lane, and some (but not enough) buoys to keep the swimmers and boats apart. At low tide, there is nowhere to swim, as the buoys are at a very shallow depth.
There is also a large field between the pitches and the beach, for flying kites, playing football, or whatever takes your fancy.
There is a bar/restaurant and a well-stocked shop. The 'club' entertainment goes on to 1:30am.
And finally, there is a very pleasant cycle track from Pentewan village alongside a river almost all the way to St Austell, and you can continue to the Eden Project. The picturesque port of Mevagissey is just 2 miles away.
Overall, the site is great. Unfortunately (from my point of view) it attracts a clientele which is rather noisy. Many visitors had boats of various sorts, and much of the day was disturbed by people testing their engines. There were frequent late-night parties, and people coming home from the club well after midnight tended to be rather noisy. This slightly spoilt the holiday for us, but it might suit you down to the ground.

©Copyright Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 22
optimistic 2
pessimistic 31
   
 
  Author: Elaine Butler
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: August 2002  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
over three quarters of people who voted thought this review was accurate
 
  As said by Nick, the site is large and sheltered, and in a beautiful location. I have been visiting here since the children were little. The eldest is now 25 years old!
The pool at its deepest only comes just above my head, and I'm only 5'6" so unless you're a midget (or, of course, a child - webmaster)it's not that deep. There is a small pool attached to the main one especially for the tinies to splash around in.
I find that even at low tide it's safe enough to wade out to swim.
The club and entertainment facilities are good for all age groups (it must be else why would I keep going back year after year)
As for it attracting noisy clientele, people go on holiday to relax, unwind, and de-stress themselves, so a little noise cannot be complained about surely!
My two daugthers now go on holiday on their own with their partners, and guess what? They go to Pentewan too, so something must be right, perhaps it's the friendliness of the folk down there, or the pace of life. Maybe it's just a good all round camp/caravan site.

©Copyright Elaine Butler and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 32
optimistic 3
pessimistic 1
   
 
  Author: Leah
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: July 2003  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
  This site is one of the best I have ever been to. No in fact it is the best I have ever been to. I know am going again after 4 years of not. I wish I never stopped. At last now I can keep practising kneeboarding and one year I might learn to ski. There is plenty to do; that is why I want to go for 3 or 4 weeks instead of two. At night the club is a good place to go; the entertainment is amazing. The staff are so welcoming. I will go again next year, and I hope to see you there as well. X X X X

©Copyright Leah and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 5
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Emma
Total 3 reviews (list)
generally considered accurate
Last Visit: August 2003  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
  We had our first visit to this site last August (2003). We had a very spacious pitch, which was very level and very well maintained (bearing in mind it was a very dry summer). I loved the site and my children (2 & 4) loved the beach and my 4 year old particularly enjoyed the children’s evening entertainment. We also found the site to be very clean. The shop stocked nearly (no camping Gaz) everything you would need. Nearly everyone we spoke to told us they returned every year to this site and had been doing so for many many years. However, on the downside We found very long queues every day of our stay in the shower blocks (although I must say the site was full for the duration of our stay) but more disturbingly we and our children were disturbed in the early hours nearly every night of our stay by drunks returning from their evening out. We would lie in bed listening to swearing, shouting and one night a fight, which resulted in a neighbouring tents windbreaks being snapped into pieces. Another night we were forced to listen to a couple canoodling in very close proximity to our tent. On the night of the fight a neighbour (who told me she had been visiting this site for 16 years) contacted security with her mobile phone, who arrived very swiftly to deal with the incident and took the matter very seriously. Security were apologetic & explained that as the site is a family site such behaviour is not tolerated and if those responsible had been caught they would have been asked to leave the site.
I think I would return to the site but take the advice of a well seasoned Pentewan Sands visitor and next time chooses a pitch towards the back of the site where apparently it is a lot quieter at night and not pay the premium of a beach front pitch as we did on this visit.

©Copyright Emma and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 7
optimistic 1
pessimistic 4
   
 
  Author: Natahsa Heath
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: August 2003  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
  I went to this campsite only last week. It was fantastic. The campsite itself was really nice, the beach club was good for both children and parents. Only problem is though that you could not leave children on their own, and the campsite should improve on this to let parents have a rest. But the other facilities were good apart from the water which is not very warm. The site is very good, and I would rate it at a good 7/10.

©Copyright Natahsa Heath and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 0
optimistic 1
pessimistic 9
   
 
  Author: Susan Reucroft
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: June 2004  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
  My husband and I, along with our daughter went to Pentewan Sands in June 2004. We had quite a bit of bad weather, but when the sun came out it was red hot. We all had a great time. We took our speedboat with us: the skiing was brilliant and very safe. The only thing we didn't enjoy was the Eden Project. I thought it was geared up to make you spend money. We don't think it's right you have to walk through the gift shop to get out. But still, we enjoyed our time on the campsite. Also the caravan was spot on. We enjoyed it so much that we booked there and then for 2005.

©Copyright Susan Reucroft and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 9
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Val Woodward
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: July 2004  
 
This review is rather old. Treat it with care.
 
 
  We have been going to Pentewan on and off for the last 20 years we keep trying other sites but always end up back on Pentewan Sands. The site is great for kids with the beach so close at hand (my three all explored every corner of it). The beach being private to the site means if you want to go out for the day you can still go on to the beach later on without having to pay high car parking fees like elsewhere or struggling to find somewhere to park. We found the site excellent for exploring Cornwall as no where is too far away.

©Copyright Val Woodward and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 8
optimistic 1
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Emma
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: July 2004  
   
  A fantastic place: I really can't put into words how much my family enjoys it. We first visited in 2001 and apart from last year we go every year (decided to try the other coast last year and came home very disappointed by the campsite). I think we would struggle to find anywhere as good!!!

Other family members come with us now and this year there will be 3 family groups!! I defy anyone to be disappointed here!!

Facilities are always good; pitches are as described; only thing you can't depend on at Pentewan is the weather, but then where can you in the UK! Check out the webcam on Ocean Sports website.

©Copyright Emma and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 3
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Nikki
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: August 2004  
   
  I think it's a lovely place. It's really big, and so much fun. I had the time of my life. I never wanted to leave. The beach is fantastic. It's so clean. I don't have lots of things to say about it because you should go and see for yourselves.

©Copyright Nikki and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 9
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Sarah Orchard
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: March 2005  
   
  The Bond family started going to Pentewan Campsite in the early 1960, visiting my Grandfather who lived in Fowey. Now over 40 years later and having visited over Easter virtually every year, there are my parents Mrs and Mr Bond, my sister's family, brother's family and my family.
Not one person in the now group of seventeen would dream of missing it. Sadly my Mother died 8 months ago, so we shall be one less in body, but not in spirit!

©Copyright Sarah Orchard and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 0
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Jillie
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: June 2005  
   
  The site and facilities were fantastic the entertainment was more enjoyable than cabaret shows at top places like Butlins and Ben Murphy is a very well recommended act although he incorporates the rude jokes for the adults he also makes it child friendly. On the whole it is a very highly recommended site to visit.

©Copyright Jillie and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 8
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Dave Ayers
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: July 2005  
   
  We have been going to this site now for over 17 years with out missing a year. Only once did we have any problem, and it was sorted out straight away no question asked. What the brochures say, well they are not far off, good sand yes bit gritty but nice safe sandy beach, could do with life guard at peak times but then if you look after your own children then all’s well. The weather: well the site can not sort that, they just give (I think) value for money. Looking forward to this year 9/07/06: two weeks of bliss.

©Copyright Dave Ayers and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 1
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Miranda
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: July 2005  
   
  FANTASTIC site!!!!!. Went 1st two weeks in July 2005; will book again for next year as soon as they open for bookings. Beach very safe and clean enjoyed many days there swimming, sunbathing and using boat to go fishing. All members of staff extremely friendly and helpful. Pitches large and level. The best pitches to the right of the site away from the harbour. Great pub ship inn for entertainment and food. If you visit this site the showers have push button for water, which does not stay on that long: we made devices from strong elastic to wrap round pipes to provide continuous water when we showered. People have commented on cleanliness of these facilities: we did go slightly out of season, however came across no problems at all: all domestic staff worked hard to keep showers and toilets in order. I found the best showers in the heat of the day were the old basic brick block lovely and cool inside. The only complaint I have is that the entertainment is repeated the second week. Very large Asda 10 min drive away.

©Copyright Miranda and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 5
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Ann Barnes
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: July 2005  
   
  Spent the first week of our 2 week holiday at this site and compared to the second site it was paradise (and cheaper). The only thing that spoilt it was the rain for the last part of the week. The entertainment was good, shop well stocked, toilets/showers spotless, site clean and staff pleasant and helpful. It was great having the beach so close and not having to drive.

We went to the village a couple of times to eat in the pub as the take away was anything with chips and the carvery in the restaurant ran out of food early, so if you want to have a carvery remember to book.

We wanted to stay for the whole 2 weeks but the plots with electrical hook-ups were fully booked for the 2nd week (start of school holidays), this is obviously a very popular site and if I wanted to stay during the school holidays next time I would certainly ensure I book in advance.

©Copyright Ann Barnes and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 5
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Dawn Harrison
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: September 2005  
   
  We have been going to this campsite for 5 years but didn’t go last year because we went to see family in Sweden instead. Once you have been to this site its like eating Pringles, you can’t stop and want more. Anybody who is thinking of going, I would suggest if you want it quieter on a night time book a pitch at the back as it can be quiet noisy, with people coming back from the pub. Also there is usually a gang of teenagers, who go down to the beach on the left hand side. Although they are not causing any problems, just a little excitable at times.
The site is very clean and tidy, toilets and showers are cleaned at regular intervals during the day. We cant wait to visit this year, but this time we are staying in a static so hopefully this will relieve the yearly row between husband and myself as we are putting the awning up after having no sleep and driving for 10 hours

©Copyright Dawn Harrison and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 5
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Susan Cheeseman
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: June 2007  
   
  My family and l have been coming to this campsite for the last three years. We all stayed in three of the large three bedroom caravans. The caravans were brilliant, very clean and plenty of room. My father has a large boat, which was put into the water for us and there was plenty of room to park both the boat and cars at the side of the caravans. Although we were quite close to the club we rarely heard any noise and we were not disturbed when in bed. The shop on site had most things but a quick run to Asda in St Austell was better on prices. The sand and sea was clean and there was more than enough room, there was hardly anyone on the beach. The weather was not as nice as we hoped, but we still enjoyed it very much. All my family are coming again this year for two weeks on 5th July and we are very much looking forward to it. This year is a little different, my father, husband, daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren are staying in a three bedroomed caravan again. But my other daughter, son-in-law and grandchild are staying in a tent near to us.

©Copyright Susan Cheeseman and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 2
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: D Ellis
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: August 2007  
   
  I think that the Pentewan Sands site is over rated. There shouldn’t be mixed pitches they should be either for a tent or caravan/motorhome not both. They are also all cramped together which they should be marked out individually. But saying that we still had a good time.

©Copyright D Ellis and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 1
optimistic 2
pessimistic 6
   
 
  Author: Sha
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: September 2007  
   
  I have been going here every year since I was 2 - I am now 55! I have watched it change over the years (but not that much) and feel as though I have not had a holiday unless I have been there. We now go out of season and stay in a static caravan. It is wonderfully relaxing and quiet. I could sit and watch the sea for hours - wait, I do sit and watch the sea for hours! My only problem with it is not being able to take my dog. She would adore it!

©Copyright Sha and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 3
optimistic 0
pessimistic 0
   
 
  Author: Philip Peacock
This is the only review by this author
Last Visit: September 2007  
   
  We have just spent our first week under canvas and we chose this site for our Holiday. We were there the first week in September and had a wonderful holiday.
We had booked the holiday on line, the first time we had used the internet to book a holiday, and had selected a pitch near the beach (G18). On arrival a quick visit to reception furnished us with our electronic pass to get through the barrier and a programme of events etc. We were soon pitching our tent for the first time. The site was quite busy and most of the pitches near the beach were full.
We were quite close to the new toilet block which was kept nice and clean. Also we were near to the boat launching area.
We found the whole site and the beach very nice and clean and not too noisy, we did deliberately pick the first week after the school holidays.
Our kids, all late teens, enjoyed the swimming pool and we all enjoyed the club in the evening.
The shop on the site had most things we needed however a visit to ASDA a few miles away in St.Austell was well worth it for price and variety.
The weather was superb and we all enjoyed the holiday and will be booking to go again next year.

©Copyright Philip Peacock and Nick Porter

 
   
Have you been to this site?

Click a button on the right to rate this review.
Votes so far
accurate 9
optimistic 0
pessimistic 2
   



What's Your Opinion?

 
  To register your own opinions of this campsite, please fill in the short form below. If you'd like to tell me about a campsite which is not yet listed here, click here.  
 
Hints
Booking
Arrival
The Pitch
Washing facilities
Play facilities
Pool etc
Entertainment
Food
Shopping
Location
Staff
 
  Your Name:  
  Your email
(so I can contact you for clarification, if necessary):
 
  Date of last visit to campsite:  
 
You can also send me some photos, if you have any, by selecting their filenames below:
 
 
Select the file

Enter a description or explanation
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Nearby Sites

Each band represents 10km map of nearby sites

Find other campsites in Cornwall at
KwikBreaks


Photos

Click for a full-size image

Overall view of Pentewan Sands
Overall view of the Eden Project
Home
Mail Me
Search
send me a review
What's new