Cornish food, drink and local attractions were recently the focus of celebration at a special event held at Forest Holiday’s Deerpark location, deep in the West Looe valley. Visit Cornwall’s Chief Executive Malcolm Bell joined South East Cornwall MP Sheryl Murray in praising the cabin holiday business, which Mrs Murray described the location as a “hidden jewel in the crown of South East Cornwall”.

The official opening of its newly renovated central facilities, the Forest Hub, was an opportunity to bring together local businesses that partner with, and benefit from, the cabin holiday location.  Situated just outside the former mining village of Herodsfoot, a few miles upriver from Looe in south east Cornwall, the site was previously a gunpowder factory. In the 1970’s the Forestry Commission took over the long redundant site and turned it into a peaceful retreat with cabins situated in woodland around a small lake. Over the years those original cabins have been replaced and the site now has a variety of accommodation including luxury tree houses sleeping up to eight people.

Forest Holidays is committed to promoting Cornish produce, suppliers and attractions. Guests are given every opportunity to relax and are encouraged to enjoy the simple pleasures on the doorstep, which include cycle routes in nearby woodland or walking down the beautiful West Looe valley towards the historical port and fishing town.  A little further afield, it’s an easy drive to Fowey, Polperro, the Rame Peninsula or the rugged Bodmin Moor. Nearby the village of Duloe is home to the award winning Plough Inn and has a prehistoric stone circle made entirely of white quartz.

Treats from Cornish Orchards at Duloe, Skinners Brewery, The Buttermilk Kitchen, Tarquins Gin, Callestick Ice cream, Trewithen Dairy, and Camel Valley were among those showcased at the launch and are stocked all year round in the Forest Hub for guests to buy. They believe strongly in working with and supporting local and regional suppliers to stimulate rural economies, providing jobs and commercial opportunities.

Sheryll Murray, SE Cornwall MP added, “It’s fantastic to see a successful national business really focusing on and promoting our incredible Cornish food and drink, as well as the amazing restaurants, pubs and attractions around its location. Forest Holidays is a great example of how a tourism provider can make a real difference to the economy of an area.”

More information about Forest Holidays here