I’ve been visiting and reporting back on all sorts of child-friendly days out in Cornwall for my ‘Nanny Pat’s days out’ blog series for some time now. Recently I’d become aware that we hadn’t visited the ever-popular Crealy Adventure Park (now Camel Creek). So when I was searching for a campsite for a weekend in October (our last trip in my camper van Muriel for the year!) I was thrilled to discover that Crealy had recently opened up their own campsite next to the park, complete with electric hook ups and a shower block. I booked us in and off we went to explore.
When we arrived we were shown down to the camping field, which was very secluded with lovely countryside views and a herd of deer in the field next door. The kind lady asked me if I would be happy here as they had nobody else booked in and I would be alone with the Wilf and Megs in the night. I told her I was a farmer’s wife and used to the dark (I would live to regret that confidence) so we pitched up and made our way to the park entrance.
We entered the toddler zone and went on everything. It was just right for Megs but a little tame for Wilf. We were early so had the undivided attention of the super-friendly and helpful staff and spent a happy half hour before moving on to the Beast! They both loved this ride and weren’t scared at all.
Next stop, the Zorb balls, which were great fun, but left them very puffed out with red faces! A short walk took us to the water rides. They both adored the water chutes with inflatable boats. You climb to the top of a hill and jump into a rubber boat and go really fast down a water slide – and of course get wet. We did this over and over again with much happy shrieking.
The log flume was a bit scary for Megs so Wilf and I took the challenge. We loved it, but we had to invest £2 in the drying machine to make walking round afterwards bearable! They both really enjoyed the dragon roller coaster and went on several times on their own.
Megs’ favourite were the horses that cruised around on train tracks. We joined in the animal feeding, held a snake and spent lots of time on the massive zip wire and playing air ball on the pirate ships firing at some other boys with make-believe canons.
The children had an absolute ball and you could easily spend a whole day here as we did and still not do everything. I suggest you take a picnic as the food is typical of these theme parks, not very good quality and expensive. I couldn’t even drink the coffee!
We stayed until closing time, played a few outdoor games and had some tea after it got dark. Luckily I had a DVD with me because it kept them entertained and stopped them hearing the roaring of the stags next door. I must admit to feeling a bit uneasy as the roaring merged with a family of owls and the barking of a fox! Hey oh, that’s what you expect in the countryside!
We woke after a good night’s sleep, had our breakfast and headed for Padstow, but that’s another adventure to watch out for…
Useful information
Check the website for opening times – during the winter they are only open at weekends, although they are open for additional days over the Christmas/New Year period.
Top tip: If you book online in advance you can save 20% on the admission price on the door. You can return for free within seven days if you validate your ticket before you leave.
Getting there
Camel Creek is in Tredinnick, near Wadebridge. Post code for SatNavs: PL27 7RA. From Bosinver it’s approximately 35 minutes’ drive.
Nanny Pat is always on the look out for interesting child-friendly places to visit in Cornwall. If you’ve got any suggestions about where she should go next, do let us know. Why not leave a comment below, tweet @Bosinver or post on our Facebook page?
