Penstowe Holiday Park

Penstowe Holiday Park sits on sprawling grounds at the northernmost tip of Cornwall. The property, complete with rolling countryside views from some areas, is well-suited to vacationing families with children. There is plenty of space for running around outside, including a wooded eco-park for kids. A beautiful stone manor house with retained period features, such as arched wooden doors, holds the reception area -- a cozy space with blue carpeting, wood-paneled walls, a green marble fireplace, glass china cabinets, an ATM, and tourism brochures. Inside the same building are the Leisure Club and Lounge Restaurant, the latter of which has a lovely picture window and decorative flags. The wood-paneled bar is particularly charming and homey. There are some musty corners in the building, and the cushioned chairs and booths could use a refresh. Roads weave throughout the property, and some guests have complained of poorly maintained roads leading to the Chalets. 

The property is well-situated for outdoor activities. Popular surfing beaches at Sandymouth are 10 minutes away by car, as are beaches near the seaside resort town of Bude. Moorland walks are available at Dartmoor National Park and Bodmin Moor, both about 50 minutes away by car. Clovelly Village, an old fishing village with cobbled streets, is a 15-minute drive, and guests can reach either Cornwall or Devon in about 50 minutes. This rural area offers little in the way of public transportation -- just a bus that stops a few times weekly -- so guests will need a car or pricey taxi ride to reach the resort. 

There are a variety of units of varying sizes here; some units fit only four people, while others have space for up to 10.  All have tube or flat-screen TVs, full kitchens, bathrooms with walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and bed linens and comforters; electricity is included in the rates of Manor House Apartments and Premier Units, but in other units guests have to pay extra for it using coin meters. Decor is pretty consistent throughout the different lodging types and includes simple wood furnishings, white bedding with a few colorful accents, and leather couches in living room areas. The most affordable options are Chalets, some of which fit up to six people. Lodges feel more modern, with sleeker kitchen appliances and more natural light. Premier Apartments and Lodges have various special features, such as dishwashers, DVD players, private patios, roof gardens, and washing machines. Kitchens in some units could use a deep clean, though otherwise the units are generally cozy and well-kept. Pets are allowed in some units, and cots and highchairs are available. Wi-Fi is free in all units.

The Leisure Club includes a dated gym with cardio and weight equipment and an arcade with billiards and video games, as well as two heated pools: one outdoors with a kids' pool, and one indoors with a hot tub. All guests get free access to the Leisure Club, though there are extra fees for use of some features. Squash, tennis, and badminton are on the grounds, and there's a dance floor with nightly entertainment and discos. The restaurant serves pub-style fare -- including take-away -- and has a bar; there's also a beer garden with picnic tables on a tree-shaded lawn. The spa offers massages and beauty treatments, and there's also a spacious sunbathing terrace for free relaxation. Activities for kids are held at the children's club, and there's an outdoor Eco-Club in the woods where kids can play.