Churchtown Farm

As you arrive at Churchtown Farm you can't help but notice the flags flying from every second tent on the site. Saint Piran's black cross nestles next to Union Jacks, with a skull and crossbones thrown in for good measure. Like Glastonbury's recent epidemic of flag waving it's hard to say exactly what inspired it, but maybe it's to do with creating a communal sense of belonging, demonstrating you're part of the gang and that flags en masse look pretty damn cool. For a site to build up a culture like this suggests Churchtown Farm has some loyal fans.

It's easy to see why. This family-run site sits on six acres overlooking St Ives Bay, just 300 metres from Gwithian Beach and right beside the South West Coast Path; climb any of the dunes surrounding the site and you'll see Gwithian Beach's three miles of famous golden sand stretching out before you. Above that sits Godrevy lighthouse, creating the kind of dramatic scenes that inspire people to wave a flag or two. Churchtown's popularity has seen modern facilities installed, with 75 electric hook-up pitches and good showers, giving it a slightly commercial feel, but after a day on the beach you'll welcome a decent shower to blast away the salt and sand.

An on-site shop provides all the basics and the Red River Inn is a short walk to a decent pint. At the other end of St Ives Bay lies the town of the same name, offering culture and great restaurants.