Bodmin

Ancient stones scatter across wild moorland where prehistoric settlers once carved their mark into the landscape. This is proper Bodmin Moor territory - rough, windswept, and absolutely magnificent on a clear day. The town of Bodmin sits at the moor's southern edge, serving as your gateway to some of Cornwall's most dramatic inland scenery.

Climbing Garrow Tor or Carbilly Tor rewards you with sweeping views across the granite landscape, while archaeological treasures like King Arthur's Hall and the Stannon Stone Circle tell stories stretching back millennia. The mysterious Fenacre Stone Circle stands testament to Bronze Age communities who knew this place intimately.

Colliford Lake offers a gentler experience - Cornwall's largest freshwater lake where you can fish, walk, or simply watch the light change across the water. When the moor feels too exposed, Lavethan Wood provides welcome shelter among ancient trees.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A30 runs right past Bodmin, connecting you to the rest of Cornwall and beyond. From London, it's roughly a five-hour drive, though the final stretch through Devon can test your patience during peak summer.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around Bodmin makes complete sense. You're perfectly positioned to explore the moor's wilder reaches - those tors and stone circles aren't exactly accessible by public transport. After a day scrambling over granite outcrops or puzzling over ancient settlements, returning to proper facilities feels rather civilised. The contrast between raw moorland and comfortable accommodation suits Cornwall perfectly.