Golden Lion Inn

If you were heading to Redruth, feeling thirsty and passed the Golden Lion, you might pull over based on looks alone. Ducking inside you'll find a fine pub serving some great Cornish ales with a menu of well-done classic pub food made from local ingredients, and it even sits next to Stithians Reservoir, a renowned watersports centre. Recent visitors still single out the food and the generous portions, so you're in good hands. Of course, what makes it interesting to us is the campsite tucked round the back.

This cosy, well-kept site is ideal for first-time campers who aren't ready to venture too far from modern life just yet. The site is open all year round and, despite its pub garden location, is quite tranquil, attracting a mix of older couples and families. Other than drinking in the pub (nothing wrong with sticking to that), the obvious activity when staying at the Golden Lion is to get out on the lake. The watersports centre is a short walk from the site and has gear for hire with instruction available for both beginners and more advanced enthusiasts. You can go sailing, windsurfing or kayaking, with archery and a climbing wall available for those who want to stay on dry land.

If this all sounds very active, Stithians is beautiful to simply stroll around, with nature reserves at either end offering the chance to spot some waterfowl. Heading away from the site you have reserves at Pendarves Wood, Kennall Vale, Devichoys Wood and Bissoe Valley. Head north for surfing and south to Falmouth for a traditional seaside, then back to the inn for some more Cornish ales.