Our first full day at Coombe Mill started off pretty much perfectly. A reasonable night’s sleep (never likely to be good whilst looking after Master C!) and a beautiful morning. So nice in fact that I was able to sit outside with my morning cuppa and listen to the birds and the River Camel running through the site. A much more relaxed start to the day than I’m used to.
Once the kids had woken up though everyone was buzzing with excitement as this was our first morning on the famous Coombe Mill feed run. The way this works is that every morning, bar changeover day, Farmer Nick (or one of his assistants) takes the children out on the tractor to feed all of the animals on the farm. Over the last couple of years I’ve seen so many lovely pictures of this on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and various blogs that I just knew that the kids would completely have a ball and how right I was.
After meeting Farmer Nick in the car park all the children were handed their official farmer hats and given a couple of instructions before boarding the tractor to start their journey around the farm. Little Miss C happily climbed aboard, but for the first part of the journey Master C was nervous enough to need me to accompany him. Once he was in the swing of what was going on though he was happily on his own.
Round the farm they went with all the grown ups walking behind. Meeting and feeding the pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, ducks, donkeys and even the fallow deer. They went hunting for eggs which LMC took to like a natural. So many new experiences for them both and they had a blast. It really is such a wonderful thing for all the children to do – completely magical and a brilliant learning opportunity too.
After the feed run and a quick change of clothes we headed off to find the beach – probably the thing LMC had been looking forward to most on our holiday. After advice from others at Coombe Mill we set off for Daymer Beach and we also found a gem of a place for lunch. At the top of the hill, before you head down to the beach itself, was Mowhay Restaurant/Cafe. Us going there was purely based on the guy running the beach car park suggesting we’d get something for lunch “somewhere at the top of the hill” and we found this place, but I’m so glad we did.
We seemed to be the first there at 12.30 and decided to sit outside in a lovely shaded garden which was conveniently full of toys to keep the children entertained. Service was attentive and very friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. Definitely one to recommend.
We then headed back down the hill to the beach itself and spent a lovely couple of hours playing in the sand and paddling in the sea. The simple pleasures that a seaside holiday should include.
It’s fair to say that LMC was in heaven. This is what she’d been looking forward to ever since we told her we were going on holiday.
We couldn’t stay for too long though as there was something else important at the farm to head back for – the daily train. As if the morning feed run weren’t magical enough for the children, every evening one of Nick and Fiona’s sons runs a small train around a loop circuit in the grounds. Both LMC and Master C love trains so once again I knew they’d enjoy this and they did just that.
Master C watched LMC go first and then when it was his go he found his own unique way of sitting in the compartment to make sure that he was safe. His departure from the station on his first trip has to be one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen though.
It’s no wonder that we all collapsed into bed exhausted that night is it?
Now that is my idea of the perfect day at Coombe Mill, Feed run. beach lunch out and all back for the train. So pleased you managed to fit it all in and lunch sounds like a real find too. That little video clip is heart melting, enough to keep Farmer Nick tinkering on the line!
I must be sure to pop in and visit when I’m in Cornwall later in the year! I always hear such good things about Coombe Mill. Master C looks a bit older and independent sat in that train doesn’t he? Bless!
I love the look on their faces!
I have heard so much about Coombe Mill that I really must think about a visit sometime soon x
The feed run is amazing isn’t it. Glad you had such a lovely time.
WE havent stayed at Coombe Mill but did pop in when we were down there at Christmas and loved it. I love this train and the idea that the children are encouraged to help out with the feed run.
I might have to book in for a week next year just so that I can do it, I am such a big kid 🙂
Ahh look at Master C! Just adorable. I can say, absolutely hand on heart, that my single biggest regret about leaving the UK is that we never managed a holiday at Coombe Mill before we left. I’m just gutted, because every single post I read about it makes it look like the best holiday for children ever. I can tell already that reading yours are going to make me doubly sad because I’m going to be wishing myself in Cornwall with you and all the Cs! xx
Oh this has made me miss Coombe Mill SO much! I wish I was back there now.
Coombe Mill…i so want to visit IT!
I love that first paragraph of you describing your relaxed morning! I so wish my morning will be more like that rather than how they are right now – agitated.
I really must get organised and book a stay at Coombe Mill, every review I see, it just gets better and better. Ahh Master C looked so happy in the train. Mich x
looks so much fun x
oh coombe mill is such a fantastic place. we stayed over new year, keen to get something booked in for next year but maybe a different season as would love to see the place at a different time of year.
x