Overview of Penmarlam Lodge Retreat

Penmarlam Lodge Retreat is above the Fowey estuary near Bodinnick and St Austell on the south coast of Cornwall, around 1 mile from the Bodinnick ferry. It’s a short drive down the hill to the slipway and the ferry takes a few minutes to cross straight into Fowey, so you’re in the centre of Fowey without having to drive the long way around, you can view more lodge and caravan parks in st Austell and around Fowey here.

The park sits on a wooded slope, with the road running through the middle and lodges set off either side of it. As you move up through the site, some spots open up slightly and you catch glimpses of the estuary through the trees, while lower or more tucked away areas feel more enclosed. Where you end up on the park does change how it feels day to day.

There are no on site facilities like a pool, bar or entertainment, so it stays quiet all day. Most people head out, either down to the water or across to Fowey, then come back in the evening.

You can walk down towards the estuary from the park and pick up the Hall Walk, which runs between Bodinnick, Polruan and Fowey at around 4 miles in total. The section down from the park is steep and uneven in places, so it’s not something you dip in and out of. People tend to do it as a proper walk and factor in the climb back up.

The Bodinnick ferry is about 5 minutes by car or roughly 20 minutes on foot, depending on the route you take. It runs throughout the day and drops you right into Fowey harbour, where you’ve got shops, places to eat and access to the water.

One thing you notice on site is how the road runs through the park. Lodges are set directly off it rather than grouped into separate areas, so you park next to your lodge and step straight in, without walking across the site or using shared parking areas.

St Austell is around 7 miles away for supermarkets, and the Eden Project is just under 6 miles, so both are easy to get to without a long drive.

This is somewhere you use as a base. You’re out during the day, either walking or heading across the estuary, then coming back to somewhere that stays quiet.

Why Penmarlam Lodge Retreat is a Great Holiday Park

• Around 1 mile to the Bodinnick ferry with a few minute crossing into Fowey
• Around 4 mile Hall Walk linking Bodinnick, Polruan and Fowey
• Woodland setting above the estuary with elevated positioning
• Lodges set along the internal road with parking directly outside
• Some lodges with estuary views through the trees
• No on site entertainment or facilities, so it stays quiet
• Around 7 miles to St Austell for Tesco, Asda and Lidl
• Around 6 miles to the Eden Project

Lodges at Penmarlam Lodge Retreat

Accommodation at Penmarlam Lodge Retreat is designed to offer a high level of comfort while making the most of the park’s peaceful countryside setting. The retreat focuses on modern lodge accommodation, providing guests with a calm and well-organised base that feels both spacious and private.

The lodges are laid out to maximise space and light, with open-plan living areas that combine the lounge, dining and kitchen into one easy, sociable space. This layout works well for couples, families and groups, allowing everyone to relax together while still having room to unwind. Large windows help bring the surrounding countryside into the living space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.

Kitchens are fully equipped for self-catering, making it simple to prepare meals at your own pace, whether that’s a quick breakfast before heading out or a relaxed evening meal back at the lodge. Seating areas are comfortable and thoughtfully arranged, ideal for evenings spent watching a film, playing games or simply enjoying some quiet time. Bedrooms are designed to be restful and practical, with good storage and comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep after busy days exploring Cornwall.

Bathrooms are modern and well presented, offering clean, functional spaces that add to the overall sense of quality. Many lodges also feature private outdoor decking, providing an additional living area where guests can sit outside, enjoy fresh air and take in the surrounding views.

For those looking for an extra touch of luxury, selected lodges include private hot tubs. These are positioned for privacy and are perfect for unwinding at the end of the day, whatever the season. Practical features such as nearby parking, good insulation and heating ensure the lodges remain comfortable all year round.

Park Facilities at Penmarlam Lodge Retreat

Penmarlam Lodge Retreat offers a calm and carefully considered selection of onsite activities and facilities, perfectly suited to guests who value relaxation, space and a connection with the outdoors. Rather than a busy, high-energy holiday park, Penmarlam focuses on creating a peaceful environment where guests can slow down and enjoy their surroundings at their own pace.

One of the retreat’s greatest assets is its setting above the River Fowey. Guests can enjoy gentle walks directly from the park, taking in wide countryside views and fresh Cornish air. These paths are ideal for morning strolls, dog walks or simply stretching your legs while enjoying the scenery. The open layout of the park encourages a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of green space and room to unwind.

For families, there is a small outdoor play area where children can burn off energy and enjoy time outside in a safe, quiet setting. This keeps younger guests entertained without disrupting the peaceful feel of the retreat, making it a good balance for families travelling with children.

A useful on-site shop provides everyday essentials, helping guests settle in quickly without the need for an immediate trip out. This small but thoughtful facility adds to the ease and comfort of staying at Penmarlam, especially after arrival or following a day of exploring the local area.

Places to Visit Near Penmarlam Lodge Retreat

Penmarlam Lodge Retreat sits in an excellent position for exploring Cornwall’s countryside, estuary and coast, with plenty of nearby attractions and activities to suit a wide range of interests. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, relaxed seaside days or charming historic towns.

Directly below the retreat, the River Fowey provides a beautiful setting for gentle walks, riverside picnics and scenic ferry rides across to the harbour town of Fowey. The passenger ferry is a great way to arrive in town without driving and from the harbour you can stroll the narrow streets, browse independent shops and enjoy cafés and seafood restaurants overlooking the water. Fowey is a naturally picturesque place with strong maritime history and its compact size makes it easy to explore with children.

Kayaking and paddleboarding along the river offer family-friendly ways to enjoy the water, while sailing trips and motorboat excursions give a different perspective of the estuary and coastline. For those who prefer land-based adventure, the nearby South West Coast Path provides stunning cliff-top walks with panoramic views and access to secluded coves and beaches.

Just a short drive away, Readymoney Cove and Polridmouth Cove are beautiful sandy beaches sheltered by cliffs, ideal for swimming, rock pooling and beach picnics. These beaches are quieter than some of Cornwall’s more famous seaside spots, making them especially good for families looking for relaxed, scenic days by the sea.

Further afield, attractions such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project offer a fun day out that both children and adults will enjoy. Historic villages like Polperro and coastal towns such as Looe provide additional options for shopping, dining and sightseeing.