History of Harford Bridge Park

Up until 1850 the park was part of the Wheal Union tin mine. 

The old mine workings are now the site of the children's play area.  In the 1930s modest camping facilities were established on what was then part of a farm attached to Harford House.  At the beginning of the 1939-45 war the site was requisitioned for war use and a temporary army camp built.  In the late 1940s the camp was cleared and returned to civil use.

The park is 400 feet above sea level in a very sheltered valley.  One of the boundaries of the park is formed by the River Tavy, the second fastest flowing river in England.  The lane from the A386 to the village of Peter Tavy forms a second boundary (the village gets its name from the church, St Peter's on the Tavy).

The present bridge over the River Tavy, at the convergence of the road and river boundaries is Harford Bridge.  In 1891 an earlier bridge was washed away by storm flooding and the river changed course below it, altering the park area.  The river’s change of direction was limited by a granite cliff where it also exposed an Elizabethan mine adit, now home to otters. Hedges separate the park from the Burn Meadows to the west.

The original bridge was built around 1290-1300 and the arch nearest to the village remains with the destroyed arches rebuilt in 1892; the difference in construction is noticeable.  The river along the boundary has several deep holding-pools for salmon and trout.

Independent Ownership

In 1985 the Williamsons took on Harford Bridge Park from the Plumptre family. 

For more than 35 years we have built on the foundations of a park that was first developed from the late 1940's by Major & Mrs Plumptre. Our business strategy has always been to re-invest profits into the park's landscape and facilities so that guests achieve maximum value and enjoyment.  We have strong belief in the ethos and values of sustainable tourism.

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