If you can’t choose between Cornwall’s rugged north coast and the softer, often sunnier south, why not plump for somewhere in the middle? Just past Truro, the county of Cornwall narrows before its forked end. Here, you can cross from St Agnes in the north to Falmouth in the south in half an hour. Travel the route between them and chances are you’ll happen upon the Hidden Field. Well, perhaps not quite as easy as that; this Lotus Belle tent camping site is, as the name suggests, rather hidden – and all the better for it.
You’ll find it tucked away up a gravelly byway that’s edged by traditional Cornish hedgerows. It’s a handy and surprisingly short five-minute drive from the A30 trunk road through the county, but unless you’re a camper or one of the residents of the few houses here, there’s no reason to venture this way. Beyond this quiet little lane, the area is not short on campsites but many of them are the type you can drive up to with your touring caravan. The Hidden Field, on the other hand, offers something different. Here, the accommodation looks less it’s been driven in and more like it’s landed on site. Pegs and guy ropes tether five bulbous, spacious, six-metre tents to the ground in a sheltered paddock that’s a little over two acres.
These are Lotus Belle tents. They may look like they’ve fallen from space, but in reality, their only connection is a window to it, a stargazer skylight in the roof that lets you see the stars from inside your canvas cocoon. The tent is set up with made-up beds: a double and two singles. There’s plenty of living and storage space for a family of four and further to all this, there’s a kitchen tent outside. A gas stove, fire pit, and barbecue are all provided. In fact, all you need to bring to this site is yourself, your towels, and your clothes. There’s even a shop on-site, manned by owner Andy, where you can stock up on supplies and pick up local tips.
It’s cosy, comfy, and quiet here in the Cornish countryside: a place to gaze at stars, watch rabbits nibbling the grass and listen to the animals on the surrounding smallholding. But rural life is just half the appeal; Porthtowan beach is a ten-minute drive from the site and so is lovely St Agnes. Head south and it’s about 20 minutes to Falmouth. There are two pubs within walking distance but a better bet is to drive four miles to the Miner’s Arms at Mithiam or for a seaside dinner at The Blue Bar in Porthtowan where you can rub (socially-distanced) shoulders with tourists and locals alike. If any of them ask where you’re staying, don’t expect them to know where it is. Although it’s not far from anywhere, it’s still a hidden field.