You could call site-owners Debbie
and Peter Walker’s relationship with Arthur’s Field something of a love
affair. And a pretty passionate one at that. When they first visited the site
with their two young sons, to surf and explore the south coast at the point
where Cornwall dips her heel into the dazzling waters of Falmouth Bay, the
field was little more than a grassy farmer’s paddock. One visit, though, and
the Walkers were in love. The next time they arrived they were moving in.
Sitting on the cliff-top just
above Treloan Cove, and within strolling distance of postcard-pretty
Portscatho, Arthur’s Field is a site that stressed-out urbanite campers can
only dream about. Certain things have changed since the rustic meadow of old
but the place is far from overcome by the Cornwall summer hordes, retaining that simple-but-effective campsite charm. Having pitched your tent,
there’s really no need to get into your car again until going-home time comes
around. Problem is, you’ll probably never want to go home at all. Just like
Debbie and Peter, you’ll end up wanting to live the dream.
Every dream comes with a certain
amount of variation, it must be said, and the couple have left ample room for
each to live out their own. Crafting a site for all, the tents and caravans
that were always welcome are now joined by a cosy eco-pod and yurt, offering
some seaside glamping comforts. Against the outside of the pod walls you’ll
find sandy buckets and spades leaning idle as children abandon beach plans to
follow the sound of Debs’ ringing bell. The resident sheep, chickens and pigs make this an authentic camping-on-the-farm experience, and in the morning it’s up to the little ones to
collect freshly laid eggs. This is also a time for them to socialise with other
families, meaning by evening, when you recovene around the fireside for one of
the famous weekly social events, firm friends have already been made. Between
the campsite, the beaches, the animals and the friends, the only downside at
Arthur’s Field is plain for all to see. Taking the kids home can be a more than
tricky business and since the Walkers aren’t going anywhere I’m afraid you can’t
move in.