Chyan Farm

Harking back to the good old-fashioned days of bucolic living here, when camping was all about building dens, living in nature and off the land, watching wildlife, using the stars for lights and swimming in the stream to wash. On Cornwall’s glorious southern coast you can do just that and have a truly one off experience, with a stay at Chyan Farm Camping; an eco-friendly cultural centre and community project offering way more than just a holiday. It is a completely beautiful and unique place to camp; intentionally wild and basic camping - no electric hook ups - but with a few touches thrown in to make life easy and relaxing. There are twenty pitches in total so no overcrowding here, and motorhomes, caravans, campervans and tents are all welcome. They also have three hostel rooms available too.

At Chyan Farm there is absolutely masses of open space to roam about; among orchards, woodland and wildflower meadows with hidden nooks and niches to explore. Kids will love it but so will adults too. The lovely people who run the Cultural Centre and camping here at Chyan want their visitors and campers to come and enjoy the experience of connecting with the land, camping in a remote and rural setting, leaving the modern world behind, getting closer to nature and wildlife and when they leave, feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Facilities are paired back but lovely, with composting toilets, hot solar heated showers, fresh spring water to drink and a washing up area. Some locally grown produce (including delicious apple juice from their orchards) is available to buy. Because of the wildlife and the nature of the campsite and fields at Chyan, dogs are not allowed (except guide dogs) so you will have to leave your furry friends at home for this stay.

Campers have access to the Community Field, which, aside from the polytunnel and vegetable plots, has large natural play areas (for all ages!) and a large willow playground for children fashioned from a living willow tree into arches, tunnels, domes and dens, as well as a mud kitchen and a small playpark with a seesaw and swings. The Community field has grown from a disused wild area in 2002 to a wonderfully alive and prospering space, thanks to the many hours put in by volunteers. Their aim here is to spread the word; how to produce local, organic food, how to live sustainably, using traditional crafts and methods, and encouraging a connection with what is around us. There are all sorts of courses available to join, teaching all these skills and more. Harbouring a sense of community and creativity is at the heart of everything they do at Chyan.

If you do want to leave this lovely setting, the location of Chyan Farm is wonderful if you want to get out and about and explore Cornwall. There are some wonderful walks around the immediate area, and lovely Falmouth with its crystal clear waters and spectacular beaches is a 40 minute cycle ride away, so you can happily ditch the car and do some exploring by foot, bike or even kayak around this charming coastline. The charming town of Penryn, steeped in history, is also close by and well worth a visit, with its labyrinth of pretty cobbled streets and stunning scenery. It is also a place of creativity, art and food so perhaps a good place to try out a traditional Cornish tea.

Back at Chyan you can swim in the natural spring fed swimming pool, relax in the wood fired sauna or even book one of their spa treatments for a really luxurious experience. Fire pits are available to hire and wood can be bought onsite too, so light a campfire and sit back and relax in the tranquil beauty of Cornwall's stunning landscapes.