Useful Information about Tent Holidays on Looe Island Nature Reserve

General Information

Firstly this is back to basics REAL camping! Camping on the nature reserve is simple and is designed to minimise impacts on wildlife and the environment while allowing you to relax in this unique, peaceful location.

Cancellation or changes due to weather/sea conditions are a real possibility – your plans should be flexible. Your boat pick up will typically be around 10.30am on your day of arrival and departure, but this will be confirmed nearer the time.

All holidays are for 3 nights. The tent can comfortably sleep 2 people on a double mattress but there are also 2 single mattresses that can be laid out overnight (the total number of people who can stay is 4).

The Island’s water spring supply isn’t suitable for drinking so we provide water for drinking and cooking (transported from the mainland) in 5 litre containers. Water conservation is important on the Island, for this reason showers are not available and water conservation is promoted.

Once on the Island expect not to return to the mainland until your departure date.

Guidelines regardingaccess/activities suitable for staying on the nature reserve are given in a information folder which is located in the tent. For much of the season access to the sea is via the main beach only. This is to minimise disturbance to birds. Following the guidelines helps us to protect the Island’s wildlife and promote sustainable use of this special location.

How much will it cost?

The price of a bell tent holiday depends on the number of guests:

Number of guests / Price (includes boat fee)
One person / £250
Two people / £250
Three people / £275
Four people / £300

What’s provided by us?

Cooking facilities - inside the tent there is a small two ring camping stove (gas supplied). For use outside the tent there is a small BBQ (charcoal is not provided). There is an assortment of pots/pans, crockery and cutlery etc. We provide a cool box and can refreeze any cool blocks for you.

There are two separate toilet facilities. One is the public compost toilet above the main beach, by the tractor shed (no water supply but anti-bacterial hand gel is provided) and the other is the private bell tent compost toilet (with cold spring water supply to a small hand-washing sink) about 50m below the tent. Outside the bell tent compost toilet there is a dishwashing sink (again, cold water only and spring fed). As the water comes from our untreated spring supply it is not suitable for drinking/drinking and should be used sparingly.

To help us conserve water showers are not available.

Inside the tent there is:

  • double mattress on a futon type base
  • two single mattress that can be laid out on the floor if needed
  • 4 spare blankets
  • 6 pillows (pillow case covers not provided)
  • a range of cushions
  • 2 low side tables/trays
  • A small bin for compostable waste which can be left on the island
  • 2collapsible camping chairs (more available on request)
  • A canopy/shelter that can be erected at the entrance of the tent
  • Metal storage tin with spare matches and emergency candles
  • A set of wire storage trays
  • A basket of tools for tent maintenance and BBQ/fire building
  • A fire extinguisher and fire blanket is located inside the tipi
  • A second-hand pair of binoculars and bird ID book is kept inside the tent
  • Information folder about the tent, the island, conservation and wildlife

For your use outside the tent there is:

  • A fixed position picnic table and with benches
  • A small BBQ and a brazier for fires (both of which should be used on the concrete base by the picnic table)
  • A small fire pit and bench about 60m below the tent

What do you need to bring?

  • You need to bring all your own food/drink (except drinking water) for as long as you are staying. Please note that there are no shops on the Island! However, if we have surplus we might be able to sale you items from our stores/garden/hens(eggs).
  • Sleeping bags/sheets and pillowcase covers
  • Torches and camping lamps
  • Clothing and footwear for changeable weather
  • Charcoal for BBQ
  • Matches/lighter/fire lighters
  • Insect repellent?
  • Sufficient personal welfare/medical items to at least last the length of your stay.
  • Bags/containers to take your waste and recyclable materials back to the mainland
  • Washing up liquid (please try to bring eco-friendly products), plus cloth/sponge and t-towels
  • Alcohol hand cleanser
  • Wet weather entertainment!

Other information

Sorry no dogs/pets

There is no electricity supply to the tent or compost toilets

Please take all rubbish/recycling home except compostables, which we can use here – there is a small compost bin inside the tent.

As previously stated, due to the nature of the seas/weather and access to the Island your arrival and departure time/date may be cancelled or changed at short notice.

We try to confirm boat times the evening before a morning departure/the morning before an afternoon departure.

Detailed information about staying in the bell tent.doc