The camping pods at Caradoc of Tregardock are a cosy alternative to camping on the north coast of Cornwall – just off the coastal path and within walking distance of the nearest beach. With a location on a clifftop midway between Tintagel and Port Isaac, they offer far-reaching, west-facing views over the sea and, in good weather, that means beautiful sunsets. Thanks to a pricing policy that is as fair as the view, we’d hazard a guess that these pods might just be one of the best-value sea-view accommodation options in Cornwall.
They are probably one of the most simple too. Each of the three pods offers a set up to suit those who are pretty self sufficient. Your pod comes with comfy mattresses, a solar supplied 12-volt power system that’ll charge your phone and well, that’s about it. As we said it’s an alternative to camping. On a Cornish cliff top, it feels like a pretty good one which means that you can enjoy this beautiful spot, whatever the weather. You’ll need to bring bedding, torches and your cooking kit too. The camping vibe extends to the facilities which are a short walk away from the pods and simple but perfectly adequate: a loo, a blissfully hot shower and an undercover place to wash up.
It’s the kind of site that will suit people who are pounding the South West Coast Path or who want to spend days getting sandy and salty down on the beach. The closest is a mere 15-minute scramble down a nearby footpath; lovely, secluded and quiet Tregardock Beach. It’s the scramble that deters the crowds – and if it deters you too, just hop in the car to drive to nearby Trebarwith Strand (four miles away). Or drive further to Polzeath, Daymer Bay, Rock or, to be honest, countless others. This is Cornwall and you’re spoilt for choice. There’s also Tintagel with its castle, Port Isaac with its harbour and plenty of other places to visit. If, that is, you can drag yourself away from that view.
The campsite is just a couple of hundred metres off the South West Coast Path so going for a walk on it is almost obligatory as is scrambling down the footpath off it to Tregardock Beach. It’s tidal so make sure you check tides before your visit. Other beaches within easy reach are Trebarwith Strand (four miles) and Polzeath (10 miles) which are both good for surfing. More sheltered waters can be found at Daymer Bay (11 miles) or Rock (12 miles) – from where you can also get a ferry across to Padstow. The closest harbour village to the pods, though, is Port Isaac (as captured on camera in the Doc Martin series), six miles down the road. Tintagel Castle is five miles north on the coast, Pencarrow House is 11 miles and Lahhydrock Gardens are 17 miles away.
From the Caradoc of Tregardoc pods, it’s five minutes in the car (two miles) down the road to the closest shop, fish and chips and pub – all of which are in the nearby village of Delabole. The pub, The Poldark Inn, does a traditional menu of pub food. There are also options down at Trebarwith Strand including the Port William which offers a modern menu from 11am to 10pm and The Strand cafe which serves homemade food. Port Isaac offers plenty of options for well-cooked, fresh seafood too.
