Caravan Park near Padstow, North Cornwall

The days when self catering caravans might be considered "2nd class" accommodation are long gone. Modern caravans feature double glazing, central heating and even en-suite shower rooms. Larger caravans have more than one washroom/toilet just as you might expect from a quality holiday apartment.

The advantage, of course, is that caravans can be located in sites where planning permission for ugly holiday buildings would never be granted! Mother Iveys Bay is such a place and the caravans nestle comfortably in landscaped grounds that are lovingly planted out to be a blaze of summer colour.

All caravans on the park meet Rose Award standard meaning the interiors are fresh and comfortable (surprisingly spacious too!). Some have outdoor seating areas and decking. Details of caravans available can be found by following this link.

What sets this caravan/holiday park above the rest is that it offers direct access to its own private beach. The bay for which the caravan park is named is a sheltered cove on the north coast offering a peaceful location, golden sand and safe bathing (children should naturally be closely supervised though!).

Having this on your doorstep is the height of luxury as a trip to the beach is quick to arrange and the journey home takes maybe two minutes if you stroll! there's no need to worry about parking or traffic jams to enjoy a long lazy day (or three, or five!) on a sun-kissed beach that the children will love.

Being a north coast beach, the surfing conditions at Mother Iveys Bay are, frequently, very good so bring a bodyboard or surf board and make the most of the sea during your stay.

During your stay, if you can tear yourself away, there is much to occupy your interest in north Cornwall. Running from Padstow inland is the popular "Camel Trail" that follows the course of the river Camel. This former tramway offers easy cycling through some picturesque countryside inland as far as Bodmin. Cycle hire is easy to arrange locally.

Just along the coast is Tintagel, with its Arthurian connections and medieval castle ruins. This is well worth a visit but a large number of steps have to be climbed so its not best suited to the very young and not at all for those with severe mobility restrictions.

Near to Padstow, itself a town with much to offer, is Port Isaac (perhaps better known as "Port Wen" of Doc Martin fame) which is a wonderful unspoiled Cornish fishing port. Port Isaac is home to "The Fishermen's Friends" a local group who keep the tradition of sea shanty singing alive and well. Well worth seeing if you are in the area these shantymen have played numerous venues including the Eden Project and the Albert Hall in London.

Which brings me neatly to the Eden Project - a must-see for anyone who is interested in ecosystems, plants, the tropics or just one-off attractions! Eden is constantly growing and evolving with plans for a third Biome still actively being pursued. In summer a run of live music concerts is hosted at the Eden Project with tickets combining a day pass to the biomes with the evening's entertainment. I can personally vouch that such a deal offers a great day/night out!

For those wanting something a bit active, there is some great walking to be had in north Cornwall. The coast path passes Mother Iveys Bay so initially you have a choice of two coastal walks depending whether you turn right or left from your front door (or tent flap).

Inland, why not explore Bodmin Moor? Roughtor is a fairly easy climb, even for children and the views at the top are rewarding of your efforts. That part of Cornwall, too, has some amazing country houses and gardens including Lanhydrock (National Trust) and Pencarrow (privately owned). Strolling around these wonderful gardens is an excellent way to spend an afternoon and at Pencarrow dogs are warmly welcomed (if well behaved) and there's not a "keep off the grass" sign in sight to prevent the youngsters running off their energy. Most houses have refreshments on offer to complete your enjoyment of the house and grounds.

Wendy Redford-James, the head gardener and housekeeper at Mother Iveys Bay has been awarded the top award for Outstanding Customer Service. Wendy is a popular staff member with colleagues and park visitors alike and was put forward by her boss on the basis of a great deal of positive feedback from customers.

Wendy received her award from Comedienne Ruby Wax who, we are told, had some sharp humourous material on holidaying in Cornwall for the enjoyment of all the Award nominees.

Cornwall Tourism Awards 2008 Outstanding Customer Service

Cornwall Tourism Awards 2009 Holiday/Caravan/ park of the year.

Cornwall Tourism Awards 2010 Gold

Cornwall Tourism Awards 2011 Bronze

Tourism Excellence Awards 2010-2011 Gold

Mother Ivey's Bay Holiday Park is set in an idyllic location, nestling on the North Cornish coast, overlooking Mother Ivey's Bay with Trevose Head beyond, providing a wonderful backdrop for truly spectacular sunsets.

Mother Ivey's Bay has a great opportunity with a Caravan for sale.

Film crew at Mother Ivey's Bay!

Friday 13th is not always unlucky! There was great excitement here on Friday 13th January 2012 when a film crew arrived to film on location at Mother Ivey's beach. While none of us were talent-spotted, it was great fun to watch the film-crew working. Veronika and Natalie even got to work on set for the day, which was a fantastic experience for them.