Year 8 Leavers’ Trip to Cornwall
Published by Hazlegrove Preparatory School on Monday 30th of June 2025
As the school year drew to a close, our Year 8’s embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Cornwall—a week packed with excitement, laughter, and the kind of memories that will last a lifetime.
From the moment we arrived, the spirit of adventure took hold. Our base at Dinham Farm provided the perfect setting for camping under the stars, with evenings spent playing beach football, digging sandcastles, playing boules, and watching the sun set over the sea—moments of calm and connection after action-packed days.
The trip kicked off with organising the marquee and getting our tents up in what can only be described as very windy conditions, not really suited to putting tents up! A trip to the Retallack Water Park followed, where laughter echoed across the lake as everyone (staff and children) tackled inflatable obstacle courses, zipped down slides, and splashed their way through an afternoon of pure fun.
On Tuesday we travelled to Swanpool, where the adventure continued with a full day of coasteering, kayaking, paddleboarding, and the giant SUP. Whether leaping from rocks into the sea or paddling in perfect sync, everyone showed courage, bravery, teamwork, and a whole lot of joy and cheeky adventure! The afternoon was rounded off with ice creams for all on the beach.
Next came a wonderful cycling journey along the Camel Trail, winding through some of Cornwall’s most scenic landscapes. The ride was a perfect blend of challenge and charm, with plenty of stops for photos, snacks, mopping up injuries and shared stories.
One of the standout moments of our 2025 trip was the unforgettable surfing and bodyboarding experiences at Polzeath. With boundless enthusiasm and growing confidence, everyone threw themselves into the waves. The instructors were exceptional, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere on the beach as participants caught their first waves—or wiped out with flair! This group was truly remarkable, with many mastering the art of standing up with ease. It was a special time in the surf, and there’s truly no feeling quite like riding the waves.
Perhaps the most magical moments came during the Sea Safaris from Rock. Skimming across the waves, we were treated to sightings of dolphins, seals, and puffins, with the thrill of the ride adding to the wonder of the wildlife. The exhilaration of jumping through the waves was matched only by the awe of seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Throughout the week, the sense of camaraderie grew stronger. Whether around the campsite, whilst washing up, on the beach, or out on the water, everyone supported each other, shared laughs, and created bonds that will carry them into the next chapter of their school journey.
This Year 8 Leavers’ Trip wasn’t just a holiday—it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the joy of shared experiences. Cornwall gave us sunshine, surf, and stories we’ll be telling for years to come.
