Escape to Kudhva | A Wild Off-grid Campsite in Cornwall Connected to Nature
Time stands still in this wild, untamed landscape, nature has carried its course remembering the past of its Cornish heritage, a former slate mine quarry whilst reclaiming its place.
The creation of Kudhva is an inspirational story, where one woman had a vision for an abandoned slate quarry and realised how it could evolve into an off-grid, sustainable, serene space where like-minded people can connect.
Kudhva is a real life fairy-tale, a rewilding masterpiece offering guests the chance to immerse themselves into wild spaces and reconnect with the rhythm of nature.
The landscape of Kudhva in North Cornwall is a treasure map of hidden gems waiting to be discovered such as waterfalls, swimming spots, caves, streams, spectacular sunsets and starry skies.
Whilst we stayed at Kudhva, we spotted slow worms, foxes, orchids, honey bees, butterflies, wild strawberries, ferns and bumblebees (as well as the resident goats) all who have made this land their home.
In this guide we will be sharing our experience of staying at Kudhva, what to expect when you realise it’s about time you needed some nature therapy.
If you’re looking for more Cornwall inspiration, check out our guides top 20 things to do in Cornwall, if you love hiking read our best walks along the SW Coast Path, wondering what it’s like to explore by campervan read our Van life in Cornwall. Perhaps you’re looking for a luxury hotel stay on the beach read what it’s like staying at Watergate Bay hotel. Cornwall makes the perfect road trip read our 2 week road trip itinerary, find out where the best surf spots in Cornwall are and we have written about our favourite 5 best beaches in Cornwall.
WHERE IS KUDVHA?
Kudhva is tucked away in the north of Cornwall along one of the most picturesque and charming coastlines in the south west of England. Set amongst trees and hilly terrain, Kudhva is located within the Trebarwith valley surrounded by natural beauty and breathtaking views.
The site is in a prime location close to the coastline and some spectacular beaches, waterfalls, enchanting woodlands, nature reserves such as Bodmin Moor, historic sites including Tintagel and beautiful nearby villages notably Boscastle and Port Isaac. Kudhva is a great base to explore north Cornwall, offering wonderful coastal walks from the campsite with access to beaches such as Trebarwith Strand and Bossiney Cove.
To get to Kudhva you’ll embrace the spirit of adventure by driving along a dusty dirt track, where you’ll reach a car park and you leave your vehicle at this point. As you arrive there are two options to reach the main reception area, you can either continue walking up the dirt track, passing the impressive grade II listed engine house or take the adventurous route up through the ferns and trees to discover the hidden oasis of Kudhva.
WHAT IS KUDVHA KNOWN FOR?
Kudvha is a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to reconnect with the simplicity and tranquillity of the natural world. It is an off-grid wild campsite, previously a slate quarry; Kudhva was rewilded to let nature take precedent and provides an immersive experience in nature.
Kudhva, means ‘hideout’ in Cornish, temporary triangular structures are scattered across the landscape with a modern, contemporary design, an ode to beach lifeguard huts built using raw materials that reference the Cornish heritage of the slate quarry.
The site is powered mostly by the sun, through solar panels which power lights, plug sockets and electricals in the main reception area. Each cabin is completely off-grid with no plug sockets and gives you the chance to completely switch off. Water is supplied by an onsite borehole, where the water is filtered through quartz and then through a filtration system filtered water and guests are encouraged to use water sparingly. Cook on the gas hob in the communal kitchen area or cook out on the open fire where everything always tastes better!
As a rewilding project, Kudhva is a great place for wildlife spotting and discovering beautiful plants native to the Cornish landscape such as gorse, ferns, giant rhubarb, fungi, slow worms, butterflies, wild strawberries and also the resident goats. Kudhva unleashes your inner adventurous spirit, reconnects your mind, body and soul with a hunger for discovery and getting your feet in the dirt.
Kudhva advocates human connection, providing a place for like-minded individuals to meet and champions ‘kudvibes’ only. Whilst staying at Kudhva we met other friendly guests who shared similar outlooks on life and we really enjoyed the social community feel that makes it easy to get to know others. After 7 years since the creation of Kudhva, Louise has an enthusiasm about life, nature and the land that is infectious and inspirational.
HOW TO GET TO KUDVHA?
By Car
This is probably the best and most convenient way to get to Kudhva and allows you to explore nearby places that are worth visiting. If you approach Kudhva on the B3266 from Penpethy, the entrance is on the right with a sign. However, if you arrive from Trebarwith (coast) to Kudhva the entrance will be on your left and the sign is not visible. We’d recommend pinning the entrance road on google maps.
From London | 4.5 hours
From Birmingham | 3.5 hours
From Manchester | 5 hours
By Train
There is the option to get to Kudhva by train, although it does involve both train and bus or taxi journeys. From most major cities including London, Birmingham and Manchester you can reach Bodmin Parkway station and from there you will have to take a bus or taxi to Kudhva which will take approximately 25 minutes. From the train station by bus you have to take two buses where the journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes in total to Kudhva.
By Plane
The nearest airport to Kudhva is Newquay Cornwall Airport, where you will have to fly to a major city airport (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham) if arriving outside the UK. Once you arrive at Newquay Cornwall Airport, you can continue your journey by train, bus or by rental car. The journey to Kudhva by taxi or car takes around 40 minutes from Newquay airport and 2 hours 42 minutes by bus.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KUDVHA?
Kudhva opens in spring, when the flowers bloom, bringing milder temperatures and the beginning of longer daylight hours meaning more time to spend outside. The weather can change in spring with showers scattered throughout the months so don’t forget some warmer gear even if it’s for the evening wrapped up by the fire. The warmer days are great for hiking and exploring the countryside of Cornwall.
In the summer months, this is the busiest time to visit Cornwall also known as the peak tourist season (June to August). As the most popular time to visit, places will book up fast so if you want to visit Kudhva in the summer make sure you book in advance as much as possible!
In Autumn, Cornwall has much milder weather with less visitors which makes it an ideal time to visit. The Cornish landscape transforms into beautiful autumnal colours of red and orange making it a unique time for hiking and exploring the local area.
WHAT ARE THE CABINS LIKE AT KUDVHA?
There are four Kudhva cabins in total, each with their own unique setting and a different perspective of the landscape. We stayed in K4, the most secluded and remote Kudhva with spectacular sea views. The inside features a sofa with storage and a large triangular window framing the landscape. Opposite the sofa, steps carry you to the mezzanine bed fit for two people floating above with its own window perfect for stargazing. The cabin is completely off-grid with no electricity, so it’s worth bringing a torch with you.
Each Kudhva has its own private firepit where you can cook your food or enjoy a warm fire at night whilst star gazing. They are all relatively close to the communal kitchen space, toilets and showers for convenience. The space invites you to relax, unwind and disconnect, as phone signal can be unreliable and the perfect place for a digital detox.
The Kudhva structures are built using COR-TEN steel, sustainably grown larch, slate from the quarry and corrugated tin. The combination of these natural raw materials create a colour and texture palette that compliments its surrounding environment, all without leaving a trace. The Kudhva rises from the ground and is positioned amongst the treetops, where you can look out to the ocean and the rolling hills in the Trebarwith valley.
The contemporary design combined with the natural materials blend the cabins into their surrounding natural environment. Whilst staying in a Kudhva you will have the chance to wake up to chirping birdsong at dawn, watch the stars on a clear night and embrace the peaceful setting of the Cornish countryside. There are also Tipi tents available to stay perched on the hill top with incredible sunset views.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE AT KUDVHA?
The main communal kitchen area features a long banquet table perfect for your breakfast or having a drink with friends. There is plenty of outdoor seating too, wooden picnic benches, wooden benches and communal spaces for groups are scattered amongst the trees with views across the valley and also firepits to use.
The kitchen has basic cooking facilities including a gas hob, cooking utensils, cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, chopping boards, kettles, tea bags, sugar, oil and washing up essentials. There are two large fridges to empty your fresh produce into and you will be given a metal container to stash the rest of your dry food. All pots and pans can be used on the open fire.
Opposite the kitchen space, you’ll find the two hot water showers and two toilets where there are Land and Water products that are natural, eco-friendly and smell divine.
You will have private access to the quarry reservoir, this is close to the Danish cabin where you can jump from the pontoon and swim in the incredible lake. There is a waterfall, a climbing wall and a cave all waiting to be discovered.
Other facilities can be booked onsite at an extra cost during your stay, this includes the hot tub which is in a private setting with amazing views of the sea and perfect to watch the sunset. Firewood is available onsite in the main cabin, a breakfast hamper of local produce for 2 people can be provided on request. There is a gift shop which features local handmade crafts, leather goods, clothes, wooden crafts, perfume, incense and their own stickers to take as memorabilia of your stay.
WHAT IS KUDVHA DOING TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY?
As an off-grid site with no connection to mains electricity, Kudhva harnesses most of its energy from renewable sources, mostly the sun through solar panels and has its own very own water source. There are recycling facilities onsite for your waste and any food waste is given to the resident goats.
The Kudhva buildings are designed to be draft-proof and are well insulated and have double glazed windows which make them very energy efficient without the need for heating. Toiletries and cleaning products provided onsite for the showers and at the washing up areas are all organic and eco-friendly. The firewood provided on site is responsibly sourced.
The goats contribute to their land management plan, who manage the grasses and shrubs on the land moving across the site. The ethos and legacy of Kudhva is to have a minimal impact on the environment by using sustainable products, renewable energy and inspiring a desire to learn and appreciate nature.
HOW DO I BOOK TO STAY AT KUDHVA?
For the Kudhva K1, K2, K3 and K4, prices start from £137 and for the tipis prices start from £120 and for a stay in the Danish cabin prices start at £327 per night. You can book a stay here on the website where you can select your dates and the room you’d like to stay in.
WHERE PLACES ARE THERE TO EAT NEARBY KUDVHA?
SURFSIDE
A beach side restaurant in Polzeath serving lunch and dinner all week from 12pm-7pm.
THE ROCKET STORE
Seafood bar and restaurant on Boscastle harbour, serving lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday. The menu includes fresh seafood off their boat and meat from their nearby farm.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEAR KUDVHA?
Kudhva is located close to some incredible natural beauty spots and cultural heritage sites within walking distance and a short drive.
Bossiney Cove
This beach is a beautiful place to spend a walk along the coastline or take a dip in the sea. There is a car park which costs £1 to park for the day. Follow the path to the right of the car park and towards the coastline. Make sure to check the tide times beforehand and best to visit during low tide.
Trebarwith Strand
Within walking distance from Kudhva, take a scenic walk to Trebarwith Strand, a lovely golden sandy beach with impressive cliff top views and rock features. The beach can only be accessed at low tide and has a large car park which is pay and display. There is a café, gallery, pub and shop within short walking distance to the beach. Search the tide times on Tides chart for specific beaches in Cornwall.
Tintagel
A historic site, only a short 5 minute drive from Kudhva, Tintagel Castle is an impressive place set on a dramatic cliff connected by a bridge. The castle is said to be where the legendary King Arthur was born, home to many folklore tales, you’ll also find Merlin’s cave nearby. The coastal path along this site has spectacular views of this north Cornwall landscape.
Rocky Valley
A national trust managed site which allows free access to explore this magical valley. We’d recommend walking from Bossiney Cove car park to Rocky Valley, it’s a short 20 minute walk to the meandering valley that was carved by Trevillet river which features waterfalls cascading over slate.
