The Fir Hill, Newquay: Luxury glamping on the Cornish coast

Looking to plan a special staycation to the coast? Escape to The Fir Hill Estate in Cornwall and enjoy luxury camping in cosy traditional yurts, close to a buzzing beach location.

What’s the buzz?
Just a stone's throw away from the energetic surf town of Newquay, The Fir Hill Estate offers luxury glamping for anyone who wants to enjoy both the Cornish countryside and the coast. This secluded site has several Mongolian-style yurts all nestled on a sloping meadow, surrounded by tranquil woodlands and spectacular views. The Fir Hill Estate’s 60 acres of land has been owned by the Hoblyn family since the 16th century, with current owner Charlie Hoblyn renovating the grounds and its old buildings in the past decade to create somewhere rather magical. Charlie himself is an obliging and welcoming host, attentive to all his guests’ needs and with many fascinating stories about the estate up his sleeve. Days can be spent wandering the historic site on foot – perhaps a stroll through the orchard, or a visit to the nearby reservoir for bird-watching. For a livelier scene, take a trip into Newquay and make the most of the ocean swell with a fun-filled surf lesson from one of the brilliant instructors at Newquay Activity Centre (surf lessons £35pp)

Read Move to Newquay 

What are the rooms like?
The yurts here are enchanting, vibrant and spacious, with three extremely comfortable double beds in the family-sized yurts and finishing touches such as a wood-burning stove and colourful art décor adding some homely charms. The yurt itself is made from materials designed to keep cosy in the winter and comfortably cool during the summer. Clothing rails and a chest of drawers provide sufficient storage for all your belongings. There are shared facilities, including modern toilets and wet rooms, which are cleaned throughout the day, as well as an entertainment room with TV and games for children – all of which can be found in one of the newly renovated barns.

Best view?
Although not a sea view, when stepping outside your yurt you get to enjoy the extraordinary scenery of Porth Reservoir as well as the stunning Cornish countryside. Out on the guest terrace, where there’s a barbecue area and sofa chairs to relax in, there’s an even more picturesque sight, best experienced during the evening as the sun sets.

How’s the food?
As it’s self-catering accommodation, guests should bring their own food, but the private facilities at Fir Hill really help you make the most of your glamping break. Each yurt has its own outdoor kitchen, equipped with running water, gas stove and an open fire pit, with crockery, cutlery and other utensils, even a marshmallow fork, making cooking as effortless as possible. Coolers and ice packs are also provided to keep your food fresh.

Eco-credentials?
Working harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape, the off-grid site deserves recognition for its sustainability efforts, with a section of the glamping field taken up by 10kW solar panels, as well as thermal panels on the barn roof, providing power and hot water for the buildings. When the cooler months come, facilities are kept warm with an efficient log boiler and the back-up generator is put to use. The sheer amount of work Charlie has put in to make sure the estate is as eco-friendly as possible is inspiring, as the whole operation is extremely impressive.

What will it cost?
Yurts are available to book for weekend, mid-week and week-long stays from April to October and cost from £120 per night (minimum stay five nights June-August and bank holidays). The Honeymoon Yurt costs from £75 per night. This gorgeous site can also be booked for wedding celebrations, dubbed as 'wedfests'! The wedfest price guide can be found on the website. 

How do I book?
Call 07831 800701 or visit thefirhill.co.uk.