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| Millpool | TPO | Mevy | HarveyAwards
We are very proud of our various awards. Below are a few stories of our successes over the last few years.
Our latest success was to win three awards in the 2022 Cornwall Tourism Awards, which was the highest number of awards for any Cornish holiday business. We were particularly proud to be awarded silver for accessibility, as we strive to be as inclusive as we possibly can. We also won bronzes for Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Tourism and for being Wildlife Friendly.
In 2021 we had a lovely surprise when we found out one of our guests had nominated us for the national iTraveller Staycation Awards, run by the iPaper. We won the Best Self Catering Holiday Accommodation category, which we were utterly thrilled with. The judges commended us for our sustainable approach. At the time of the online awards ceremony we were camping in St Ives for the G7 summit, making banners and hats for the next day’s parade!
2019
In February 2019 we were delighted to be awarded two trophies at the South West Tourism Awards, which covers seven counties, from Cornwall to Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. We won Gold for Glamping and Alternative Accommodation and Silver for Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Tourism.
Disappointingly there was no Visit England award competition for 2019, so we coudn’t aim to revisit the wonderful gold award win of 2016. However we were invited to a special ceremony in London to represent the best of English tourism businesses, which was a great honour.
After winning so many awards in the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019 we decided to take a break from applying for awards, to focus on campaigning against climate change and throwing ourselves into various projects we had wanted to do for some time, including creating a wildlife trail in our woods.
In 2018 we won the prestigious Winner of Winners trophy at the Cornwall Tourism Awards, the top prize of the evening. The Awards organisers commended Railholiday for “their commitment to excellence and to constant improvement and development.”
We also won Golds for Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Tourism, and Glamping and Alternative Accommodation, a bronze for Access and Inclusivity and were highly commended for Wildlife Friendly Business.
Head of Visit Cornwall, Malcolm Bell, commented: “The awards shine the spotlight of excellence on some of our best and leading tourism operators in Cornwall. It is this excellence that makes Cornwall one of, if not the leading, UK holiday regions.”
In 2018 we also were awarded an M3 rating for our accessible carriage, Millpool. This means we are officially recognised as providing excellence for Independent and assisted wheelchair users, as well as part time wheelchair users and older and less mobile guests.
Another accolade for 2018 was winning the Best Eco Garden in the South East Cornwall in Bloom competition.
2017 saw us mainly taking a break from award applications, but we were awarded Best Eco Garden in the South East Cornwall in Bloom competition for the third year running. We were also shortlisted for two awards in the Cornwall Sustainability Awards; Best Managed Small Business and the Environmental Growth Award.
2016 was an impressive year for us with awards, winning Gold in the South West Tourism Awards for Sustainable Tourism, being awarded a gold rating for the Green Tourism Business Scheme and winning best eco garden in South East Cornwall in Bloom. However the icing on the cake was our Gold for Sustainable Tourism in the Visit England Awards, the top award for the whole country!
Our awards journey started in 2013 when we first applied for the Cornwall Tourism Awards. We were thrilled to win a silver for sustainability and a bronze for wildlife friendly, going on to win a bronze for sustainability in the South West tourism awards. We were given fabulous advice through the process that we were able to act upon, which led to several improvements in our business. We then went on to win the Best Managed Small Business award in the Cornwall Sustainability Awards in 2015.
Old Luggage Van Visitors Comments
"The OLV is as good as everyone says with lovely little touches."
"We were amazed at its uniqueness and the comfort it provides"
"Oh Wow!!! This exceeded all expectations - Absolutely Fabulous!!"
"Couldn't have wished for a more perfect romantic weekend."
"We could live here forever"
"Loved boiling kettle on stove for cup of tea."
"A little oasis of luxury."
"This holiday has been one of the most enjoyable that we have experienced."
"My first visit and will not be my last! Have had a lovely time."
"Such peace and quiet we have not know for some time. Simply, Thank you."
"The bed has to be the most comfortable in the world!"
"A wonderful surprise for my 65th birthday."
"Despite the mixed weather we have really enjoyed our stay. The log burner was a plus for cooler evenings."
"Unique accommodation, well equipped and cosy with thoughtful touches."
"Loved watching all the birds in the garden."
"What an experience - so many facilities in a compact space."
"The minute I walked in I felt totally enchanted - what a treat."
"Our first time in the OLV and I can see why the comment book glows!" .
"My weeks holiday in your Luggage Van was the best holiday I've had for years. This little van was as cosy as you could wish. The situation it was in was nothing short of being totally superb."
"When you can combine railway activity with glorious countryside and fascinating resorts, who needs abroad!"
"Wish we had stayed for two weeks as there is so much to see and do!"
"What fun! ... an ingeniously constructed and well appointed space."
"The best equipped holiday accommodation we have ever stayed in."
"As a madcap rail enthusiast this was sheer heaven."
"An excellent Holiday, The Pullman, Royal Train and Steam Loco Special were only surpassed by the warm reception and help of "mine hosts" Lots of thanks to Lizzy, David & family"
"The petrol crisis hasn't bothered us with the good links by train from St. Germans. Have travelled to many places throughout the world and this is one of my favourites."
"We quite simply love this place."
"10 out of 10 - probably the best online camping in the world."
"Yes we're back again for our nineteenth and twentieth weeks. Gets better every time."
Millpool Visitors Comments
"Thank you so much a delightful stay. Your standard of restoration and hard work is plain to see."
Quite honestly we could stay here forever we love it so much.
"We stayed here in February and had such a fantastic holiday here in Millpool, that we decided to come back for our daughter’s honeymoon."
"This is our second holiday here and yet again a fantastic place to stay."
"Millpool is very comfortable, we slept like logs! Enjoyed breakfast outside in the early morning sun. Loved the ambience and serenity of the place."
"Millpool has met all my husband’s needs as a wheelchair user. The village is lovely and friendly and the weather has been wonderful. We will be back next summer."
"Once again we have had a wonderful time in Millpool and once again we don’t want to leave."
"Thank you for all your many kindnesses. You are all so welcoming. It's so lovely here and so peaceful."
"Everything is perfect here in the carriage – really warm and cosy – even though the storm Arwen blew through!"
"What is an amazing place to stay in a great location, didn't want to go back home."
"Delighted to be staying in Millpool for the second time. The facilities are all very helpful, including the charging point for my mobility scooter."
"We have had such a fantastic holiday, and we are truly grateful to have found your accessible train accommodation in such a beautiful village. Everyone has been very friendly and the train and gardens are just wonderful. We will most certainly come again."
Travelling Post Office Visitors Comments
"Thankyou so much for the BEST holiday we've ever had - and all the Cornish goodies - they were yum" - Alan, Hayley and Anton
"Lovely layout, good facilities and the attention to detail and resources are brilliant. Thank you for the lovely goodies on arrival and the beautiful roses that smelt divine. The trains that were passing helped to make the holiday and were not intrusive at all." - Mr & Mrs B, Derbyshire.
"The location is amazing, and the accommodation really comfortable. We are sad to be leaving, with tears shed by some of the party." - Mr & Mrs D and family, Sussex.
"The TPO is wonderful and the hospitality is second to none." - Miss W, Northampton.
"We have had a fantastic time in the TPO and although we are a fairly young couple (both 23) it just goes to show you don't have to go to Ibiza to have a good time!" - Mr A, Kent.
"Fantastic conversion, very comfortable and well equipped in a great location. Couldn't ask for more." - Mr & Mrs M and family, Brighton.
"Pleasantly surprised at the comfort of the TPO. Found that St. Germans is very well placed as a base for touring the region and easily places for travelling further afield by train." - Mr & Mrs B, Scunthorpe.
"Lizzy and Dave were so helpful and the extra touches like fresh flowers and Cornish provisions made us feel really welcome." - Mr & Mrs F, Manchester.
"The toys provided in the TPO were fantastic and we also enjoyed playing outside on the ride-on toys. it certainly made for a very easy break." - Mr & Mrs R and family, Banbury.
"Your accommodation is so unique and it is also so refreshing to enjoy your genuine hospitality. Your efforts to provide "everything" for those who choose not to use the care and travel "light" for a whole week is very much appreciated." - Mr & Mrs T and family, Congleton.
"A fantastic week in every way - glorious weather, fantastic accommodation and lots and lots of trains." - The W Family, Devon
"A delightful place to stay." - The E Family, Isle Of Wight
"When we told our friends we were staying in an old "Travelling Post Office" next to a main train line, they thought we were mad! Little did they, or we, realise what a wonderful place we were going to." - The W Family, Cardiff
"It has been a wonderful week in a wonderful place. This is the first holiday in years that we've all wanted the 2nd week." - The W Family, Wilts
"A truly "first class" experience, excellent accommodation, superb weather and lovely hosts." - Mr S, Cheltenham
"Plenty to see and do in the area, well worth the long drive." - Mr L, Mansfield
"Dave & Lizzy are exceptionally nice people, ask if you can listen to their weekly band practice, very impressive. 10/10." - Mr T, Liverpool
"A lovely surprise to walk into the TPO, all the space is quite amazing!" - The B Family, Cambs
"A wonderful week in a wonderful position. The quality of the workmanship and restoration is exceptional. So much character, but with all the modern facilities you need." - The C Family, Stroud
"We have had a fantastic time in the TPO, the children have really enjoyed themselves. It is excellently operated and lots of space." - The C Family
"The TPO is simply lovely! What a week and what a place to stay! In the evening it was always a pleasure to return here." - The C Family, Somerset
"The Wests are back for a second visit! The folks in the village are most welcoming, we enjoyed sharing lunch with them in the local Methodist Church." - The W Family, Cardiff
"We've had an absolutely wonderful time. Our stay was very cosy and comfortable." - Mr C, Ipswich
"St. Germans is ideally placed to go and explore pretty much anywhere in Cornwall, and the TPO is very functional and spacious." - Mr N, Leicester
"Although the TPO is only 13 miles from our actual home, it has been a really memorable week." - The O Family, Plymouth
"A thoroughly enjoyable stay in this magnificently restored and equipped TPO." - Mr D
Mevy Visitors Comments
"What a wonderful holiday. Carriage fantastic, lovely people - nothing too much trouble. Will definitely be back - loved every minute."
"Had a fantastic week staying in Mevy! Visited Bodmin, Geevor tin mine, Mevagissey (to be recommended), Shipwreck centre in Charlestown, Lands End, St Michael’s Mount and Padstow (over at the Rock again, recommended). Going home for a rest!!" (This comment was particularly impressive as all of these trips across the length and breadth of the county were made using public transport -ed.)
"Absolutely delightful holiday and such friendly and helpful hosts - thank you!!!"
"What a wonderful setting with fantastic carriages. the Slip Coach is the best railway carriage conversion I’ve stayed in. Look forward to returning and seeing the other coaches restored."
"We've all loved our holiday - crabbing in Looe, rock pooling in Portwrinkle, eating out overlooking the sea at Seaton. The boys have loved the bunk beds."
"The railway carriage is absolutely lovely. We travelled Cornwall and Devon by train. It was great to be only 2 minutes from base when we arrived back in the evenings!"
"Thank you very much for a great holiday in your fabulous railway carriage. You have worked very hard to make it home from home - it is all perfect."
"We can't believe our luck that we've made such a find! We will certainly return"
"We all had a lovely holiday and no-one wants to go home. Even though we are only a stone’s throw from Plymouth it feels like a world away!"
"The carriage is amazing, prompting a lot of debate over which is our favourite, this one or Harvey, but really they are both amazing and we will be back again to holiday with you. Thanks for everything!"
"Mevy really is 'First Class'. Thank you again Dave and Lizzie for a wonderful holiday. We have stayed in 'The Old Luggage Van' and 'The Travelling Post Office'. The detail that is put into the renovations is outstanding."
"You've created a beautiful, luxurious place and you packed it full of welcoming, friendly touches which makes it feel so homely and special. We will keep coming here and recommending you to our friends."
"A very happy stage of life’s journey. Thank you!"
"We all think Mevy is great and out-shine’s any other holiday accommodation we’ve had!! Really unique!!"
"Mevy has been well worth the wait! Truly wonderful, luxurious and, more importantly, comfortable. I look forward to further visits in the future."
Harvey Visitors Comments
"Incredibly well equipped and surprisingly comfortable" - Mr S, West Midlands.
"My favourite part was body boarding on the huge waves" -James aged 11, Gunnislake .
"The coach provides comfortable accommodation, superb 'spotting facilities' and an excellent base from which to explore the area" - Mr P and family.
"We both had a superb holiday - we'll definitely be back!" - Mr & Mrs G, Bristol.
"Super Accommodation - we even managed breakfast on the deck most mornings - our two young boys were still excited every time a train went past at the end of the week here" - Mr & Mrs P & family.
"Just enough conversion to provide comfortable living conditions whilst preserving the original feel of a 'real' railway carriage" - Mr J, Sutton.
"All of us from Grandma and five children aged 9 - 18 enjoyed staying here ... would certainly think of returning again and recommend this to others" - Mr & Mrs B & family, Surrey.
"This is the best place ever for public transport access!"
"Visited Falmouth and Pendennis Castle, St. Ives and Carbis Bay by train, Mousehole and St. Michael's Mount by train and bus. Glad we left the car at home again!"
"We've enjoyed every moment of being here, with the children calling it home (and not wanting to go out on several occasions)" -Mrs R & family, Peterborough .
"The children never tired of seeing if they could make train drivers hoot and wave at them" - The C family, Wales.
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