I should preface this by saying that we have been Carnon Downs regulars for at least 10 years. Make no bones about it, this is a super campsite; spacious, good quality cloakroom facilities, in a marvellous position near Truro with a bus stop in easy walking distance, a beautiful modern licensed bar/cafe, storage facilities, a large dog walking field and sympathetic and intelligently designed landscaping. However, this was all put in place by the original owner and has simply been taken over as a going (indeed, thriving) concern by the Club. We have now stayed twice since the takeover, and I do have some concerns about the new direction, and some of the old aspects that need urgent attention.
The first major concern is safety. The site is designed in paddocks, and the far paddocks are the other side of a lane that runs right through the campsite to properties and other facilities. This lane is completely open so that people can access the campsite from the road. Previously there was an understanding that this lane was off limits to users of the site and this was briefed on arrival. but I saw several campers simply access the site bypassing the reception. This is terrible security. This has to be dealt with before something worse happens. There is also no barrier at the entrance; there never was, but that’s not acceptable any more. The facilities are great but starting to look tired. They need redecoration – simple things like varnishing the doors to stop the wood deteriorating. One toilet block is permanently shut. The staff mow the grass every other day - which sounds fine until the entire day is full of loud, droning lawn mowers and you are cleaning grass cuttings off everything all the time. Not quiet or relaxing.
We weren’t allowed to choose a pitch beforehand – but once we arrived little signs started appearing on pitches saying that they had been prebooked. I don’t understand how that can happen.
However, the most spectacular change must be the pricing. The prices used to be higher than most, but fair. The prices have risen stratospherically since the Club took over. Stay on a serviced pitch in high season, which is most of the summer, and you are paying almost £45 a night for two people and a caravan or motorhome. Add £12.50 a night for any additional person, add for another car and it all mounts up very quickly indeed. You can get a hotel room for that! And really - what are you getting - a piece of a field with a tap and a power point and not even one you asked for. I have to be honest and say I think Carnon Downs is no longer value for money.
