The enchanting mix of young trees, open glades, granite boulders and, in places, sea views, has long made Retallack Woodlands a popular choice for outdoor wedding celebrations in Cornwall. This year, however, the Robertson family have opened their gates to campers, instead. It's just another way you can come here and make life-long memories, enjoying all the fun and relaxation of the site without having to shop for any wedding gifts.
Set around 50 acres of native woods, Retallack Woodlands is home to just 20 spacious pitches, most in a nicely mown meadow space but with the option to explore a little further and squirrel yourself away in smaller spots. After all, no two campers are the same so why should two pitches be? Choose between grassy spots under sunny skies, surrounded by the moss-spotted boulders and yellow gorse, or pitches sheltered away within the woods. The hardest part of your experience won’t be pitching your tent but choosing which area to camp in.
All pitches are within 50 yards of loo and shower facilities. And you can reconvene with your fellow campers around the communal campfire pit to debate who has the best view of the sunset. The fire adds to the community feel of Retallack, giving you the opportunity to get to know the people you spotted at the washing up station that morning and share camping tips while the kids run amok and find new friends. If you’d rather stick with your camping group, there are also individual campfires which you can use by your tents. For maximum relaxation, meanwhile, you can also book a session with a fully qualified masseuse, who visits the site to offer spiritual healing sessions in the wooded surrounds.
When it comes to leaving camp, you're in the prime position for exploring Cornwall. It’s a 15-minute drive to the seaside town of Falmouth, home to a clutch of beaches, as well as all the shops, overlooked by 15th-century Pendennis Castle, and it's a 10-minute drive in the opposite direction to the Helford river, a popular spot for sailing and sea kayaking (or enjoying a pint in a waterside pub). For those wanting to stay closer to home, there are a multitude of circular walks right on your doorstep, one or two taking in the local village shop if you need to stock up on a few extra supplies for dinner.