Fed up of scouring the internet and being bamboozled by excessive choice when you’re looking for somewhere to stay? Well here’s some help! We’ve scouted out a few family friendly gems, from luxury family friendly hotels, to the perfect self catering and, if you feeling confident of a fine spring, a great Cornish campsite!
Best kept secret
The Rosevine
Tel: 01872 580 206
Web: www.rosevine.co.uk
Location: Rosevine, Nr Portscatho, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5EW
We feel like we’ve discovered something really special here! Nestling in the beautiful Roseland peninsular on the south coast of Cornwall, the Rosevine is a magical place where a perfect break is absolutely guaranteed. Half of me wants to keep quiet and not tell anyone! But this is too good not to share. The Roseland Peninsular is an enchanting part of Cornwall. Pretty villages, quiet expanses of glorious countryside and stunning beaches. Despite all this, it seems to escape the crowds than can clog up other parts of Cornwall. It’s a delightful spot for a family break.
You can drive down to The Rosevine without crossing water but we decided to take the short hop across the estuary on the King Harry Ferry, just for fun. We climbed out of the car at the house and were met with magnificent views across the beautiful gardens down to the sea. The accommodation itself is utterly unique and, quite simply, just a paradise for parents. Here you’ll find all the luxury and convenience of a heavenly hotel, and all the freedom which makes self catering so convenient when you have little ones, all combined in one elegant place! The Rosevine has very recently been renovated and from a formerly conventional hotel an original and new concept in family luxury breaks has arisen. The house has twelve apartments, each unique and beautifully decorated, with every convenience a family could need. Many of the apartments have stunning views down to the sea and the ground floor apartments have decks built out into the gardens. Imagine lazy April days with little ones frolicking in the garden whilst you put your feet up and reach for the Pimms! Other apartments have balconies; all have a delightfully fresh and stylish feel. The beach you can see from the rooms is Porthcurnick, a stunning National Trust beach which is just a short amble through the garden.
What sets the Rosevine apart (as well as the style and the views!) is its totally relaxed atmosphere. Your kids can go to the playroom to watch movies in their PJs, and you can spend the day in your beach clothes. It’s totally flexible; you can prepare a salad in your kitchen, order meals to your apartment or go and dine in the charming restaurant with its marvellous views down to the sea. The food is excellent. Fresh, local and delicious. Children are particularly well catered for (my daughter practically licked the bowl of her tomato soup it was so good!). Another bonus is that you can forget the packing for a small army that usually goes with a trip away with a baby or tot, the Rosevine has everything you might need: highchairs, cots, baby bedding, and all the other necessities. Baby monitors work all over the house so you can feel relaxed and safe if you choose to have a bit of grown up time in the dining room. If you are looking for total relaxation and a nice dollop of luxury, this is the place for you; but shhh! Don’t tell anyone!!!
Chic country retreat
The Valley
Tel: 01872 862194
Web:www.the-valley.co.uk
Location: Bissoe Road, Carnon Downs, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6LQ
We know you’ll absolutely love The Valley. With its perfect location, gorgeous contemporary cottages, stylish design and utterly relaxed environment, this place has it all! Set in 13 acres of conservation award winning countryside, you descend into this hidden valley and leave all the troubles of everyday life behind. We arrived in our usual haggard post-car-journey-with-the-kids manner and were met (oh joy of joys) with a Cornish cream tea and a glass of champagne. As I sipped and gorged whilst the children played, I felt the tightened knot of tension slip away as we took a look at our lovely surroundings.
The Valley is a peaceful haven which has been designed to ensure that everyone who comes here has a really relaxing and tranquil stay. The cottages are spread about the secluded valley and there is a sense of space. Our cottage was just lovely; modern, clean, fantastically well-designed and very spacious. There are 46 contemporary cottages, made up of five different designs; all of them are stylish, roomy and charming. You can choose which design suits your family’s needs best, from the single storey ‘Stables’ to the larger ‘Croft’ which would be perfect for a trip with grandparents or friends. The helpful Valley staff will guide you through the different cottage choices and help you to find the perfect one for your stay.
It’s the little touches in The Valley’s cottages which sets them apart from other holiday self catering options. Each cottage has original artwork, Villeroy and Boch crockery, Stellar cutlery and boutique hotel touches like the delightful locally sourced toiletries. We loved finding the Cornish treats waiting in the cottage but the stairgate was an equally welcome sight for parents with a marauding toddler! The Valley is completely set up for families with babies and toddlers: a high chair and travel cot were waiting for us and the cottage was, quite simply, one of the most family friendly places we’ve stayed in. It even had a hand blender so pureeing baby food would be no problem! I have to give the beds a mention, as a good night’s sleep is one of the keys to a great break! The Italian custom-made bedroom furniture, with Millbrook handcrafted beds and the perfect pillow combination, are indicative of just how much thought those who designed The Valley put into every detail. Our whole family was in complete agreement that these were the best holiday beds we’d ever had! Country air and sound sleep are simply a holiday must!
The Valley has excellent facilities. At its heart sits the Cafe Azur restaurant, relaxed, modern dining with good homemade food, which offers the fantastic service of either eating in or having a meal delivered straight to your cottage. They are really family friendly with boxes of toys, children’s meals, colouring and a readiness to puree food for babies! During the school holidays you’ll find children’s entertainment and there’s also a little play area. If you’re enjoying warm spring days then there’s an outdoor pool, and if the weather is being less kind to you then use the indoor pool. You’ll also find tennis courts, squash courts and a games room.
If you can bear to tear yourselves away from your heavenly cottage, The Valley is located in just the perfect part of Cornwall. Right in the centre of the county you can easily reach the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and many of Cornwall’s attractions. I was told that the best way to plan your day out from the Valley is to climb the hill and see where the blue sky was, then either head for the north or south coast beaches; each of them an easy drive! We found our stay at the Valley was a real step out of our usual frantic daily life. We loved our cottage, really enjoyed the Valley’s facilities and location, and are happily planning our next trip!
Farmer’s choice
Coombe Mill
Tel: 01208 850344.
Web:www.coombemill.com.
Location: St. Breward, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4LZ
We loved making full use of our wellies when we got back to nature at Coombe Mill. Everyday you and your children can enjoy getting your hands dirty on the farm, as you take a fun (albeit slightly bumpy) ride on a tractor and feed a wide variety of child friendly animals. Keen fishers will also love making the most out of their two fishing lakes and private river fishing, along the banks of the River Camel. Then as well as all the outdoor fun, families can also enjoy relaxing in the well equipped cottages where baby listeners, carriers and full size electric cookers with hobs are available- and for those lazy days, (which lets face it is practically every day of your holiday) when you don’t want to cook, delicious home cooked meals can be delivered.
Family favorite
Bulstone Hotel
Tel: 01297 680446
Web: www.childfriendlyhotels.com
Location: Higher Bulstone Branscombe Devon EX12 3BL
We all know how much of a headache it can be packing for a holiday when you’ve got little ones, however prepared you think you are you always seem to forget something! Well we do anyway, and that’s why we loved the Bulstone Hotel. A little outside Cornwall the Bulstone Hotel is designed with children in mind. Every family suite at the Bulstone Hotel includes a Guest Kitchen equipped with a large sink, fridge, kettle, bottle steriliser and microwave, meeting all your practical baby needs. Your children will love going mad in the indoor and outdoor play areas, the beautiful gardens and woodland. Bulstone also allows parents to have a bit of alone time with a children¹s tea at 5pm, so you can make the most of the baby listening service and enjoy a candlelit dinner for two at 8pm. Then when you’re ready to explore Bulstone, you can take a leisurely stroll or fun hike (depending on energy levels) through Crealy and Country Life, enjoying their animals, soft play and ball pools. Or if the weathers nice you can take the family to one of the local beaches and swimming pools and have a refreshing dip. But don’t worry if the weather isn’t great as there is still plenty to do at Pecorama with its trains, gardens and farway, Bicton Park and Gardens, Beer Quarry Caves and the Donkey Sanctuary.
Combine harvester!
Sands Resort Hotels
Tel: 01637 872864
Web: www.sandsresort.co.uk
Location: Watergate Road, Porth, Cornwall TR7 3LX
We’ve all been on those holidays that are great for children but when it comes to adult entertainment they are lets just say lacking. Many hotels find it hard to combine fun for the kids with a relaxing trip for parents; this is what makes Sands Resort Hotels unique. The children are made welcome by the friendly staff and are kept entertained with a wide selection of children’s club’s, play areas, sports facilities and maze. Meanwhile you can take it easy in the hotel’s beauty spa and enjoy the Watergate Bay beach areas, along with Jamie Oliver’s 15 restaurant. Plus there are great views of the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the countryside of the Porth valley to the east, perfect for a relaxing escape for the whole family.
The choice is yours
Farm & Cottage holidays
Tel: 01237 459931
Web: www.holidaycottages.co.uk
Child Friendly Cottages
Web: www.childfriendlycottages.co.uk
For families that aren’t quite sure whether they want to stay in luxury apartment or a traditional farmhouse then Farm & Cottage Holidays or Child Friendly Cottages could help. Both offer a wide selection of child friendly accommodations across Cornwall. So whatever your need be, whether you’re looking for a place that allows dogs or if you want somewhere that offers a babysitting service, they’ll find the perfect holiday for you.
Little bit of luxury
The Cove
Location: Lamorna Nr Penzance Cornwall UK TR19 6XH
Tel: 01736 731411
Web: www.thecovecornwall.com
While there is nothing wrong with going back to basics, there is nothing like a bit of luxury on holiday, and no place is more luxurious than the Cove! Bringing a new meaning to the cottage holiday, the Cove offers yoga sessions, helicopter rides and massages- not things you’d normally associate with a cottage holiday! But don’t worry if you still fancy some of the elements of the traditional cottage holiday as the Cove has all of those too! They offer bikes for hire and ready packed picnic hampers- perfect if your food preparation skills are anything like mine on holiday! Apartments are also equipped with plasma TV, DVD player, CD player, direct line telephones, broadband, washing machines), dish washer and microwaves, so you can enjoy the country with the benefits of modern technology.
Camping
Gwithian Farm Seaside Campsite
1 Church Town Road, Gwithian, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 5BX
This is the perfect Cornish campsite, just a short walk from the beach with great showers (including a family shower room and children’s bathroom!) and they also do a lovely Cornish cream tea on site!! The site takes tents, caravans and motor homes and is really family friendly. As well as the excellent facilities they also have guinea pigs and goats. You’ll have miles and miles of coastal walks right on your doorstep. The beach is one of Cornwall’s top surfing beaches so pack your board if you’re that way inclined or just enjoy a nice paddle and some sandcastles if you’re not! The site is located in a pretty village with a good pub just opposite. It’s also just a short drive from St Ives with lots of great places to eat and lots to see and do. Who could ask for more? All you need is some spring sunshine and you’ll have the perfect out of season break in Cornwall. Happy camping!
Tel: 01736 753 127 www.gwithianfarm.co.uk
