Summer ‘Stay-cation’ 2009 | Is Cornwall calling?

Finally! After record snowfall and cold temperatures this winter, it’s about time we warmed up to the prospect of some decent weather. Looks like the darkest days are finally behind us and thankfully, spring has once again come to the UK.

The blossoms are out. Clocks have returned back (to ahead), where they should have been all along.

Surely, planning your summer holiday cannot be too far behind.

If you are anything like most people, you’ll feel slightly guilty from time to time that you have visited many exotic tourist destinations all over the world but you have sadly neglected to explore the delights of your own back yard. This summer, why not give your skin a much-needed break from its annual sun beating? (Your unsightly tan lines have only just faded from last year, after all). Why not avoid the miserable airline staff telling you your weight allowance only permits you to carry one pair of espadrilles and a bottle of Bacardi? Why not do your bit for the environment and decrease your carbon footprint? This year, shake off those recession blues and stay right here in the UK; explore those places you’ve been meaning to visit for years but haven’t quite got round to it…and have yourself a very merry “staycation.”

You won’t be alone. Much like last summer when over one third of the UK public said that they were switching their plans from a holiday abroad to a holiday in Britain, the very same trend is happening again.

Did someone say, Cornwall? Devon?

The south lays claim to some of the very best seaside resorts in England. If your only memories of the South-West coast are sand pails, plastic shovels and your parents’ 1982 caravan, it may just be the time to revisit. Only 2-3 hours away by train from London, it is no stretch to say that Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire make up some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the UK. And there is no lack of things to do once you get there.

From Land’s End to Hayling Island, spotted over entire the south-west coast are high end, yet affordable resorts to kick back and let your troubles melt in the best weather in the UK.

Here are 5 recommended places to rest your weary bones:

(1) Sea Acres Holiday Park, The Lizard

Sea Acres’ stunning cliff top position offers spectacular views over Kennack Sands. Spend days exploring the Lizard coastline or try something new and learn to dive at the park’s PADI Dive centre. In the evenings head to the Family Club House for some great light entertainment or enjoy a glass of wine on your veranda while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Sea.

(2) Torquay Holiday Park, Torquay

Torquay is set in a superb hillside location, surrounded by rolling Devon countryside with stunning views in every direction. This park is a great base for exploring the English Riviera, its stunning beaches and the nearby resorts of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay. Feel as tall as a giant discovering the amazing scale models at Babbacombe Model Village or choose from eight different flumes at Quaywest Water Park.

(3) Sandford Holiday Park, Poole

You’ll be spoilt for a choice of things to do at Sandford. There are superb indoor and outdoor heated pools, a choice of play areas plus fantastic live entertainment. Test your skills on the lanes with a game of mini ten-pin bowling or take in the scenery on the nature trail. For a day out, head to the Nearby New Forest and spot the famous ponies or visit the bustling resorts of Poole and Bournemouth.

(4) Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay

Ruda has it all. Golden sands, world class surfing and excellent park facilities set in the charming hamlet of Croyde. Learn to surf with the school on park, explore the coastal path to Baggy Point for stunning views of Lundy Island or ‘go wild’ in the park’s indoor Tropical Adventure Pool.

(5) Holywell Bay Holiday Park, Newquay

This park is ideal for beach lovers with the famous Gull Rocks of Holywell Bay beach just a short stroll from the park. Nestled in the Ellenglaze Valley, Holywell Bay is the perfect family retreat with an outdoor heated pool and a multi-sports court and fantastic evening entertainment in the Surfrider Club. There’s a great range of facilities at Holywell Bay Holiday Park, you can shoot down the giant waterslide and learn to surf with qualified instructors or enjoy a relaxing walk along the nature trail.

SOURCE: The Times | Cornwall.com | ParkdeanHolidays.co.uk