Glamping at The Fir Hill: A bohemian take on camping nestled in the Cornish countryside

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Situated approximately four miles from central Newquay, Fir Hill Estate is a secluded “glamping” site owned by Charlie Hoblyn.While the ocean vistas, local eateries and cosy pubs of Newquay are just a short drive away, the estate itself boasts peace and tranquillity with nothing but rolling hills, views of the nearby lake, and the sound of distant sheep or the occasional owl once the sun has set.

The estate has been part of Charlie’s family since the 16th century, though he only purchased the land and began to develop it into the magical glamping haven it is today in 2012.

Though Charlie has transformed much of the 60 acres, he has worked around many of Fir Hill Estate’s original features.

The site of the estate’s old cow shed, for example, has been transformed with modern barns housing amenities and both indoor and outdoor social spaces.

The Mongolian-inspired yurts spread across the surrounding grassland are, of course, the main attraction.

Of the 12 yurts on-site, guests can choose either a Family Yurt which sleeps up to nine or a couples yurt that can sleep up to three. All bedding and bedlinen comes included within the accommodation, though visitors will need to bring their own towels for shower time.

During our stay, we were lucky enough to stay in one of the couples yurts which Charlie dubbed “The Honeymoon” yurt.

When Fir Hill isn’t offering luxury breaks, it also doubles up as a perfect place for lovers to tie the knot.

Charle explained this is what Fir Hill calls a “Wed Fest” – keeping in line with the summer festival vibe.

As such, our yurt was kitted and featured a dainty posy of wildflowers sat on the bedside table.

The couples yurt offers a comfortable double bed as well as a smaller bed, ideal for a little one.

And while camping might bring about visions of chattering teeth once the sun vanishes, this isn’t the case at Fir Hill.

The 12 luxury yurts are made up of five material layers. These include a 12mm thick layer of 100 percent sheep wool felt, which keeps guests toasty in the winter and cool in the summer months. At the heart of each of the yurts is a cosy log burner, complete with a stash of firewood and firelighters.

Each yurt also has its own fire pit outside with a surrounding seating area, barbecue facilities and an outdoor kitchen shelter. While seasoned campers may be used to packing up the car with pans and utensils, Fir Hill’s kitchen area offers all the basic cooking necessities.

Each of the yurt’s personal cooking areas come kitted out with a gas stove, cool box, running water for drinking and washing up, tea and coffee making facilities, crockery, cutlery, cups and a range of pots and pans.

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Guests also have access to the main building, which offers large private bathroom and shower facilities, additional ice blocks for use in cool boxes and additional supplies of firelighters.

When Covid restrictions are not in place, there is also a hangout room with an indoor kitchen, comfy sofas and a television.

Charlie notes this is a particular favourite of younger guests on days when the rain clouds suddenly roll in. For families with furry additions, the site offers dog-friendly yurts with plenty of space for them to run around.

Along with the Mongolian aesthetic, there are also small nods to the “summer festival” experience throughout the site. From the hand-painted doors and beams within some of the yurts to the unique and colourful artwork featured in accommodation and dotted around the facilities.

These personal images are actually the creation of Charlie himself, who doubles up as an artist in his spare time.

Whether you’re a seasoned glamper, or a first-timer, Charlie and his staff are on hand to help explain how the site works, offer tips for cooking on the open fire and even deliver freshly chopped firewood to the yurts.

Though much of Fir Hill’s charm comes from the thoughtful details around the site, the site is accentuated by its natural surroundings.

We were lucky enough to enjoy a particularly blazing hot few days, which meant emerging each day from our yurt into the morning sunlight.

From breakfast to dinner time, the private seating area offers a tranquil spot to sit down and soak in the Cornish landscape.

If you’re looking for a relaxing few days completely secluded in nature, there are enough facilities to stay on-site without any problems.

However, for those looking to visit the nearby beaches of Newquay or the surrounding countryside, a car is a must-have. The good news is that there are a number of local car hire firms that service the Cornwall area, as well as two big-name car hire providers at Newquay airport.

If you are driving to Fir Hill, be sure to follow the instructions given by Charlie and the staff, rather than relying on a SatNav.

A series of Cornish rabbit warren-like roads lead the way to the site via the quaint village of Colan which can be easy to get lost within.

It’s also a good idea to stock up on any food essentials you might need before arriving on-site, though for anything you might forget there is a large supermarket just a short drive away.

For evenings when you don’t fancy cooking, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from in Newquay.

One highlight for us was 12 Beach Road, an all-day dining spot that boasts incredible views over the iconic Town Beach in Newquay Bay.

If the weather is good, sit outside on the upper balcony and watch the golden sunshine sink below the horizon.

As a vegetarian, I was blown away by the wide range of options, from burgers to tacos, healthy bowls to the most delicious cauliflower wings. There’s also an incredible menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

It’s this kind of accessibility, combined with the luxury glamping amenities, which makes Fir Hill the ideal place for first-time campers to dip their toes into a holiday nestled in the heart of nature.

Fir Hill Estate
The Fir Hill Estate is open from April to October. Yurts costs start at £110 per night (minimum stay three nights). For more information and to book visit www.thefirhill.co.uk
12 Beach Road
For more information and to book a table at 12 Beach Road visit www.12beachroad.co.uk

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