Review: Penmarlam Lodge Retreat offers an oasis of luxury in the most magical part of Cornwall ☆☆☆☆☆
Looking for the ultimate family holiday in the UK? Let us introduce you to Penmarlam Lodge Retreat, from Lovat Holiday Parks.
This beautiful little park near Fowey promises a true Cornish getaway — a spellbinding combination of coast and country with panoramic views, rewarding rambles and being completely at one with nature. And before you tell yourself it's going to cost the earth - check out their prices online, because you'll be pleasantly surprised!
Facilities
Penmarlam Lodge Retreat boasts a wealth of amenities designed to enhance your Cornish escape. Its coastal setting is perfect for nature walks, offering breathtaking scenery and direct access to the ferry point for easy crossings to the vibrant town of Fowey. Families will find it great for kids, with plenty of outdoor activities to keep them entertained, while dog owners can take advantage of the dog-friendly policy and convenient dog shower.
For those seeking relaxation, many lodges feature private hot tubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. The park also offers superfast Wi-Fi, ensuring you stay connected during your stay. Electric vehicle owners will appreciate the EV charging points available on-site. Additionally, guests have access to Penmarlam Boat Yard, making it easy to embark on maritime adventures.
Accommodation
The accommodation is stunning. We've stayed in many lodges before, and none of them come close to this. Everything in the lodge is immaculate, and everything is high spec. When our kids walked in, it was with open mouths. "Wow! This is nicer than our house!". A massive tv, and sprawling corner sofa, a modern and fully equipped kitchen, beautifully decorated bathrooms and bedrooms… it really is first class.
Everything was so comfortable, so clean, well equipped… it meant it did feel home from home and we were instantly relaxed. Our small dog, Axl, was also most the chilled he's ever been! Whilst at home he's often hyper, here, he loved laying on the veranda and flopping on the bed.
If you want to enhance your stay even further, you could choose a lodge with a hot tub. We wish we had done, as the kids looked on in envy as our neighbours spent each of their evenings chilling in the bubbles!
Beyond the lodge itself, the park is equally as well kept. It felt so safe and secure. Our children loved playing on the play park and visiting the well-stocked on-site shop. In the main reception, staff could not have been more helpful, answering our questions about how to get to here and there.
Fowey
The location of this park couldn't be better. A few minutes drive away is the car and passenger ferry which takes you across the estury into the main town. This estury is picture-perfect. It's like something off a postcard and is simply beautiful. The town of Fowey is fantastic; incredible bakeries, magnificent little pubs, real quality shops and eateries. There is also the most magical beach.
Readymoney Cove is absolutely glorious; As with most of the amazing beaches in Cornwall, it has its own shop and serves drinks, snacks and fresh coffee! It meant we could unwind whilst the kids went into the sea, under our watchful eye.
And when they eventually tired of the water, we all walked up the cliffs to the incredible St Catherine's Castle from which the views are just breathtaking.
Other highlights
Now the great thing about our holiday park is it's location. Not only is Fowey so close, but it's also really easy to get around. It was less than 60 minutes to Padstow for example, and we also visited St Austell, Bodmin, Boscastle and many other gorgeous towns, villages and beaches. We simply couldn't fit it all in, and all of us want to return as soon as we can!
St Austell: A Blend of History and Natural Beauty
Our first excursion took us to St Austell, a town known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. The Eden Project, just a 25-minute drive from Penmarlam, was a highlight. The kids were fascinated by the massive biomes housing diverse ecosystems, and we all learned a lot about conservation and sustainability.
After a morning at the Eden Project, we explored the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a magical place where the children enjoyed the jungle walk and discovering hidden sculptures. St Austell's charm lies in its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a perfect day trip for families.
Padstow: A Culinary and Coastal Delight
Next, we ventured to Padstow, a picturesque fishing port renowned for its culinary scene. The journey was scenic, and upon arrival, we were greeted by the vibrant harbor bustling with activity. We treated ourselves to fresh seafood at one of Rick Stein’s famous eateries, where even the kids devoured the delicious dishes.
Padstow’s Camel Trail offered a fantastic family-friendly cycling route. We rented bikes and spent an exhilarating day riding along the estuary, surrounded by breathtaking views. Padstow’s blend of gourmet delights and outdoor activities made it a hit with everyone.
Boscastle: A Quaint Harbor Village
Our final destination was Boscastle, a quaint village that felt like stepping back in time. The scenic drive along the coast was an adventure in itself, with stunning cliffside views at every turn. Boscastle's historic harbor, with its narrow, winding streets and charming cottages, was a delight to explore.
We visited the Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which fascinated both the kids and the adults with its intriguing exhibits. The coastal walks around Boscastle offered spectacular views, and we enjoyed a peaceful picnic overlooking the rugged coastline. The village’s serene atmosphere and dramatic scenery provided a perfect end to our Cornish adventure.
Whether you’re looking to book a temporary stay or purchase a permanent retreat, Penmarlam Lodge Retreat provides an idyllic base across the river from Fowey.
Your Cornish Adventure starts with Penmarlam Lodge retreat
Over the last couple of years, we've experienced and reviewed holidays in locations as diverse as Los Angeles, Estonia, Norway and New York, and I have to tell you, this holiday to Cornwall was up there with all of them.
Our family fell in love with the place; everywhere is so clean, everyone is so friendly, all the facilities are top notch and the views and locations are out of this world. What really made the holiday though, was Penmarlam Lodge retreat. Well located, well maintained, beautifully decorated, five star comfort… it has it all. We also need to add that the company is a dream to work with; They'll answer any question you have, before or during your stay, with so much enthusiasm and knowledge.
Our children and desperate for us to go back here, or to try one of the other many sites in the Lovat Parks portfolio.
Visit https://lovatparks.com/ today to get a quote for your ultimate family getaway.
