As interesting as The Eden project is - I would much rather spend my day visiting Heligan.  Stunning scenery aside it has a fascinating history. Built and owned by the Tremayne family for centuries it was in the 1800’s that the gardens began to be developed and many gardeners were employed to help achieve this. Nearly all of them however were called up for service in WW1 and sadly many never returned. Heligan house was used as a convalescence hospital for officers and the gardens fell into ruin.

In the 1970’s the house was coverted into flats and sold off. In 1990 the land was inspected and the severely overgrown and derelict gardens discovered. What followed was years of painstaking and back breaking work to not only restore but develop the gardens into what they are today – a superb day out for the whole family and dog friendly too!

There is an extensive and in some parts steep woodland walk full of hidden surprises and a small play area for the kids. You can follow this down to the Jungle area full of banana palms and other diverse tropical species and feel like an explorer crossing the Burmese Rope Bridge!

Eventually you will reach the animal enclosures with sheep, goats, ducks, hens and turkeys – many of which are on the endangered species list. You may even spot the Shire horse being trained to do work around the site.

Near to the house are the interesting and manicured formal gardens and glasshouses.

You can choose to split your day up and grab a bite to eat in the café or purchase some plants and things to take back home from the well stocked farm shop.

I admit I have never been much of a cider fan - always finding the mass produced stuff far too sweet and lacking in any depth of flavour however when one of our seasonal pitch holders here at The Laurels Holiday Park told us about a family owned cider farm just 4 miles from us in the village of St Mabyn I had to go and investigate!

Owned by the Bray family since 1919 the farm is in a beautifully picturesque setting – quiet with miles of rolling hills yet easily accessible.

We had booked in for an Orchard tour and were greeted warmly by Tom Bray (Chief Cider Maker)!

Since our first visit we have been back many times – from May through till August Bank Holiday they hold a weekly Sunday Cider Social – a wonderful gathering open to all with BBQ and a live band (mostly traditional Cornish folk which paired with the cider leads to lots of dancing and a great afternoon)!

No better way to enjoy Cornwall with kids and dogs roaming free around the hay covered yard with worn leather sofas and chairs mixed with wooden benches.

On Fathers Day they have the Haywood Farm Downhill (homemade cart racing again open to all) the entries starting from the top of the hill with the aim to make it down to the barn in one piece via some dodgy corners – the wackiest and the biggest wipeouts always raise the most cheers!

Near the end of January (Jan 19 2019) they hold a ‘WASSAIL’ which is a magical event basically blessing the orchards for the coming season. Flaming torches and recitals of the traditional shouts of Wassail are followed by live music in the warm and toasty barn with the addition of hot mulled cider and steaming bowls of stew.

The best thing about what Tom and family are doing at Haywood is the sense of welcome and community spirit – on their facebook page come Autumn there are regular plees for help picking the apples  rewarded with a BBQ and more delicious cider.

Featured on the BBC series ‘Back to the Land with Kate Humble’ and with The Duke of Cornwall HRH Prince Charles sampling some of their amazing cider at this years Royal Cornwall Show - Haywood Farm is making a real name for itself.

So Best Cider in Cornwall? I would say so and with one of the best and most unique experiences whilst camping in Cornwall this is something you do not want to miss.

To keep up to date with what is going on at Haywood Farm check out the events page on their website. Cheers and hopefully see you there!