Our Cornwall Holiday – Waterloo Farm Holidays

We recently embarked on our longest car journey with the children as we headed across to Cornwall for a family mini break. The girls really enjoyed their farm holiday back in October last year so I picked something similar this time and so we headed to Waterloo Farm Holidays.

The journey really did feel like the longest time. The girls all fell asleep for nearly two hours of it but were awake for the other three. P3 was even a bit travel sick when we still had a whole hour to go. It was a pretty journey about half way through where the roads started to become quieter and sweeping through so many stunning fields. Waterloo Farm is situated in Launceston which is the outer part of Cornwall and roughly in the middle of the two shorelines. Stepping out of the car felt like I was going deaf, no traffic noises at all with just the sound of cows, sheep and birds.

We were greeted by the lovely owner Alison who showed us around the Haypole Barn that we were staying in. Downstairs the ceilings are tall and so incredibly spacious. The living area is all open plan with the longest dining table I’ve seen seating 8 people. The lounge has a beautiful gas fire with three huge leather sofas. The original Haypole wheel hangs from the ceiling as a beautiful light. Downstairs also has a twin room with a wet room suitable for disabled guests.

The Haypole Barn can accommodate 8 people plus a cot. I decided to invite my MiL, her partner and Hubby’s brother along for a weekend away too. Upstairs has two generously sized double bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms. One room is slightly larger than the other but equally as beautiful. Then there’s a bathroom with bath and toilet on the landing and a very cute bunk bed room. It was just like a little den. We actually popped the cot in this room as the girls are used to sharing.

The Haypole Barn has so many quirky features. There’s exposed brick downstairs, the Haypole and wheel, a landing overlooking the lounge and windows in the rooms that overlook the high ceiling area that the girls really enjoyed peeking through. All the upstairs feels very small with slanting ceilings especially the bath/shower rooms which have no windows. But it’s all part of the character and I soon got used to it. In fact it felt so incredibly homely.

As I said earlier, Waterloo Farm is literally in the middle of nowhere and that obviously comes with fresh air and peace. Outside our barn there’s a lovely paved patio area with seats, table and bbq. Although we were extremely lucky, it wasn’t quite bbq weather for us this time. Through the little picket fence you can access the games room which has pool tables and a football table. Going down towards the fields there’s a lovely fire pit area perfect for warmer summer evenings. The girls most enjoyed the huge sandpit with climbing frame which became a sun trap. There’s also a heated outdoor swimming pool open in the summer months.

Waterloo Farm is a family run working farm. Alison and her husband John offer paid for activities like clay pigeon shooting and cooking pizzas in a clay oven. Alison took us on a farm tour too which the girls really enjoyed and this took me back to my own childhood where we used to help my Grandad’s farmer friend with his farm. In fact the strong smell of farm whenever you open the door or window really made me feel nostalgic. The girls were able to see the lambs, bottle feed one and get close to the cows. They loved it!

Although there’s plenty to do in terms of space in the accommodation and the sandpit, we wanted to explore Cornwall a little. On our first day we actually found a really amazing indoor soft play that had so many features we hadn’t seen before. In that area there was also a swimming pool and a little town. We planned a trip to Eden Project which was about an hours drive from Waterloo Farm. We also went to the beach near Eden Project for a quick visit too. We had planned to go to a nearby Cavern but on that day the weather was a bit wet so we just decided to travel straight home.

Haypole Barn had everything you needed to feel at home. A beautiful Rayburn plus an extra gas hob, microwave, huge fridge/freezer and plenty of cupboard space. We originally decided to order a food shop delivery but the Tesco was pretty close so hubby just went there on the first evening. Alison actually told us about a nearby pub, the Countryman Inn, which had a special fish and chips menu on Fridays and with it being P1s favourite food we just had to go. The service was amazing and so we returned when the wear was warmer so the girls could play in the play area outside.

I created a video of our trip which can be viewed above. Holidays make me so happy yet sad at the same time. It’s like a new way of life, especially in stunning places like Waterloo Farm. We were made to feel right at home with the fantastic accomdation and it was so conveniently situated so we could access so many activities if we wanted to. I am certain we’ll return in the future as the prices are amazing too and completely worth every penny. Thank you to Alison and her family for making it an unforgettable holiday.

Disclosure: We were invited for a break at Waterloo Farm Holidays free of charge in return for my honest opinions.